"Heart of the Country" by Rene Gutteridge

A singer, a businessman, and a Ponzi scheme! What will happen to this couple? Can their life together survive the lies, arrest, emotions, and mistrust?

Faith and Luke are a couple who seemingly have everything they want in life. Faith is settling into her marriage and enjoying the life her husband is providing. Luke is a businessman who took his inheritance and invested it. All seems well until Luke is arrested and accused of breaking the law with a Ponzi scheme. Faith runs to her childhood home, a place she ran from in her past, not even stopping to find out if Luke is guilty or not. Luke is determined to clear his name and get out from under his mistakes. He too runs home to his family. Will either family be able to help them? Will Luke and Faith find their way back together? What of the Ponzi scheme? 

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves a good story dealing with faith, redemption, and love. It is well written with characters I would love to meet. I received my review copy from Tyndale PR in exchange for an honest review.

"The Redcoats are Coming!" by Marianne Hering, Nancy Sanders

This is the first book in a three book series about the American Revolution. It was an exciting and frightening time in history, and the authors treat readers to a view from two young people. Come along with Patrick and Beth to Concord, MA, and meet some of the people who stood on the front lines of the landing of the British soldiers.

Patrick and Beth were two unsuspecting children who find an envelope addressed to Paul Revere in a very old Bible. Through the Imagination Station, they are transported back in time to the American Revolution where they meet many famous people from history (like Paul Revere and John Hancock). They meet a girl named Sybil and learn first hand what it means to help in the war effort. This book enables children aged six to nine to see the war through the eyes of other children.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about the children I will buy copies for. There are fifteen chapters (like: A Mysterious Letter, Dangerous Spies, Alone in the Dark, and Willing to Die) that will capture the attention of young readers encouraging them to read on. The Secret Word Puzzle at the end was also a treat. I recommend this book to parents and grandparents. I received my review copy from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

"Merlin's Blade" by Robert Treskillard

King Uther, Merlin, and a powerful meteorite come together iin this story that predates the reign of King Arthur. What kind of power does the meteorite hold, and who will gain control?

Merilin is the son of a swordsmith. His partial blindness has led him to be shy, and all he wants is to find a happy life with the woman he loves. A discovery in the forest changes things, however. He and Garth find a strange, protected stone. He doesn't know about its powers until the visions he sees threaten everything he loves. Will Merlin conquer his fears, gather his courage, and end the power of the stone? Can he save his country, family, and friends from it's power? Will the monks be able to stop Merlin?

I love the tales of Merlin and King Arthur, so was intrigued by this new book by Robert Treskillard. It engaged me and transported me to these magical times. It is well written, and the characters are fun to follow. If you enjoy tales of Merlin, and would like a glimpse of what it may have been like at the beginning of his story, this book is for you. I received my review copy from the Book Sneeze program in exchange for an honest review.

"Martyr's Fire" by Sigmund Brower

In Book 3 of his "Merlin's Immortals"series, Sigmund Brower takes us on a dangerous quest with Thomas that will severely test his beliefs and ability to stay hidden. These were dangerous times for Thomas. Fifteen men claiming to be Priests of the Holy Grail with power that sways the people of the castle have taken over. Who are they and how will they affect Thomas' quest?

Thomas must escape Magnus, and quickly. These new "Priests of the Holy Grail" are doing wonders and miracles, but Thomas doesn't trust what is going on, and his distrust leads to his discovery of their real identity. They have taken over the castle, which has put Thomas in danger and he must leave quickly. He dressed as a beggar to find the truth, and again to leave, assisted by Gervaise in that escape. His journey to find the truth brings him to the possibility of great power, something many others are searching for. Will the others find Thomas and stop him from finishing his journey? Will good or evil gain control of this mysterious power?

I love series books, and book 3 in this YA series did not disappoint me. I wanted to know what would happen to Thomas and his friends. The Medieval time period of the setting makes it easy to imagine dungeons, secret powers, and dark secrets. If you enjoy fantasy stories set in Medieval times, this book is for you. I received my review copy from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

"The War on Christmas" by Bodie Hodge

Christmas - a time for spreading good-will, for celebrating the birth of Christ, and for sharing the gifts we have been given. But, that isn't what it seems like today. In his new book, Bodie Hodge shares the ways in which Christmas has been systematically taken apart, and how the parts that are left are being attacked. 

The Christmas season happens in late December, with Christmas Day falling on Dec. 25th. But how many signs do you see that say Christmas? The first change was to "XMas" and now it is
"Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings." Taking Christ out of Christmas has allowed so many other changes to be made and for commercialism to take over. Too many people are fighting the words, music, traditions, etc. of the season in the name of being more "PC."  Through his book sections: "What About Christmas?" "Confusion and Misconceptions," "It's All Baby Jesus," "How Christmas Came to Be," and "The War on Christmas," Mr. Hodge explores the history of this wonderful season and the fight to take it down.

I loved this book. The information and photographs brought out so much of the things I think of as Christmas. I can remember when we could purchase Christmas trees and no one raised a fuss. Now, it is hard to find a sign that says Christmas or someone willing to say Merry Christmas. This book will help you understand what is at stake and why we should stand up for what we believe. This is a great book for everyone to read. I received my review copy from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for an honest review.

"Shadowed by Grace" $2.99 for a limited time only

For a limited time only, Cara Putman's new book, Shadowed by Grace, is only $2.99 for your Kindle (or you can order the paperback from CBD.com and get it as a Christmas gift before its release date in January)!

 

More about Shadowed by Grace: She found peace in a time of war.

Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper's assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel's real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.

In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined-in war, in love, and in God.

Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men by Cara Putman

Fact vs Fiction by Cara Putman- Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men

The Camera featured in Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men by Cara Putman

"The God Puzzle" by Valerie Ackermann

Puzzles have many pieces that fit together to make one big picture.  In her new book, Valerie Ackermann helps children ages 7 - 12, see how the Bible "pieces" fit together to become the full picture, with meaning for them.

A workbook for the Bible? Don't kids have enough to do for school? That might be your first thought when you see "The God Puzzle," but you really need to look further. It shouldn't be a chore to learn about the Bible, it should be a delight! Inside these pages are colorful illustrations, Bible verses to read, puzzles, things to talk and pray about, "prayer letters to God," and so much more. This book offers the opportunity for children to really begin to enjoy learning about Bible doctrines, drr how the Bible works and fits, and helps create habits that will last a lifetime.

This is such a fun, wonderful way to learn about the Bible. Questions like, "Who is God?" "What was the Tabernacle?" and "How do I study the Bible?" offer children, and their parents, the opportunity to see God's Word can have special meaning for each of us. I really enjoyed studying along with the book's characters, and will purchase copies to give as gifts. It will make a wonderful tool to have in your library, or to give to the youngsters in your life. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: The God Puzzle is a colorful, easy to use tool to help you communicate to your child the rich truths about God, His ways, His will and His love. The God Puzzle will help you address doctrinal themes of the Christian faith in a kid friendly way, present Bible lessons in an interactive way that will hold the child's attention and deliver quality teaching with no preparation needed. 75% of children leave the church when they leave home. Something isn't working. Sunday School isn't doing it all. Kids need answers, good ones. And they need them from you, the parent. This book enables you to give them simple, clear answers. What makes The God Puzzle unique? - ready made discussion questions for parent to ask their child in each lesson - can be done at any pace that works with your  family . . . every night, once a week, 10 minutes here, 30 minutes there . . . it fits into realistic family life - puts the pieces together for a child to understand God, the Bible, and the Christian faith - in each lesson the responds to the truth so they understand their relationship to God is personal and life transforming - any parent, whether they know nothing, or a lot about God can start teaching their child today with no prep - deep theology put into language a child can understand - deeply Biblical, each lesson points to Christ - put in an order that starts with creation, and teaches the Bible as one story that all points to Christ - child stays engaged by filling in blanks, crosswords, drawing, matching and using their Bibles as they learn Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/r7gQh About the Author: Valerie Ackermann has a BA in Theology and has been a full time Children's Ministry Director at Parkwood Community Church in California for over 10 years. She is also a weekly Sunday school teacher, wife, and busy mom of two boys ages 9 and 11. She has hands-on experience as a children's ministry professional, teaching and leading children of all ages. Growing up in a Christian family in the small town of Saskatchewan Canada, she has wonderful memories of knowing God from an early age. She has a passion for kids to know the deep truths of God. Find out more at LeadMeToGod.com.

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"Critical Reaction" by Todd M. Johnson

The Hanford Nuclear Facility had been known for its production of plutonium during the Cold War. When that ended, so did the large demand for the plutonium and the facility shut down. But what of the residue left inside? Could it be dangerous? Then there was an explosion.....

Kieran was not killed in that explosion, but he was road blocked as he tried to find out what happened. A night guard named Poppy has a story that doesn't match the official account. Someone isn't telling the truth, someone is covering up the truth, and people are coming up missing. So, what is Kieran's next step? It is a legal one and involves an old friend, Emily Hart, who is a lawyer, and her father, Ryan. Can they uncover the truth about the Hanford Facility, or will they never learn what happened? This story will keep readers interested from beginning to end wondering what happened at Hanford and how it will be resolved.

Mr. Johnson can certainly tell a story well. His characters and story line are realistic and compelling. I found myself drawn into the story from the beginning and really wanted to know how it would all be resolved. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good legal thriller. You won't be disappointed. I received my review copy from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

"The Hardest Thing in This World" by Nicole Eva Fraser

Families have secrets and they have ghosts. Struggles with mental illness and drug abuse can tear them apart. In her new book, Nora Fraser takes her readers into the lives ot the three Sawyer women, exploring multiple topics that will keep her readers reading and thinking.

Melody Sawyer just lost her daughter, Renee, while her other daughter, Kayla, while married, is having an affair with a very public athlete. Dealing with the death of a child is difficult enough, but when her ghost keeps popping in at different times, she also thinks she is losing her mind. But then, Renee isn't the first ghost she has seen. How are the ghosts related to Melody's ability to deal with death? Will Kayla be of any help at all? Can love and forgiveness heal this dysfunctional family?

This book is well written with characters and a storyline that hooked me right away. It is a book that will make you think and feel and perhaps to know more. It is a book that is worth reading and its topics worth understanding. I received my review copy from PR by the Book in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set in the suburbs of Cleveland, the story is told in a nonlinear narrative through the eyes of the three Sawyer women. Smart-mouthed Melody is an underachiever, a home health care nurse with good intentions and a chip on her shoulder. Her married daughter Kayla has been deep in a clandestine affair with pro baseball player Baron Lee Presley since she was 16. After her death, Renee’s ghost keeps popping in on the family, invited and uninvited, much like the ghost of Uncle Jamie used to visit the girls.

Revolving around family and the issues that come with living in a family with mental illness, the story follows the Sawyer women through birth, coming-of-age and dealing with the death—and ghosts—of loved ones.

By day, Nicole Eva Fraser writes for a major greeting card company in the Midwest; by night, she plunges into the darker world of writing fiction. The Hardest Thing in This World is her first novel about family, mental illness and the search for hope and meaning in the things that hurt.

"Aloha Rose" by Lisa Carter

Laney was adopted as a child into a loving family. While she loves them very much, she never knew who her birth family was, or what her family history was. Her only real clue is a Hawaiian quilt with a red snowflake on a white background. What does this have to do with her birth family? Will her answers be found in Hawaii?

Laney would like to know more about who she is, where she came from, something most everyone wants to know. As an adopted child, it can be difficult to find the information. When she sees a picture of her quilt on the Internet, hope rises within her. She sets out looking for the family on the big island of Hawaii, only to find that they would like to meet her as well. But, Kai stands in her way. The family has done well, and he wants to make sure no one takes advantage of them. Their relationship is anything but smooth, but they do get to know each other during the helicopter tours he takes her on. Will Hawaii be the place Laney finds the missing parts of her history? Will it be where she finds love?

"Aloha Rose" is a wonderful story about adoption, rejection, love, and hope. I enjoyed "seeing" the story from different perspectives, hoping Laney would get to have a relationship with her birth family. I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys reading stories that lift them up. I received my reveiw copy from Litfuse Publishing in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: When Laney Carrigan's adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God's love. Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he's come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He's spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness.  Laney's painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qKmVW Meet the author: Lisa Carter has been published in MomSense andChristian Parenting Today. Lisa is currently teaching music at a preschool and enjoying the enthusiasm and joy for life for which preschoolers are famous. She and David have two beautiful daughters. Find out more at:http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

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"The Adventure Bible Handbook" by Robin Schmitt and David Frees

An expedition to the Holy Land! It is an archeologists' dream, but when he disappears, his children set out to find him. Can they trust the guides in the tour they have joined? Will this unconventional tour lead them to their father?

The Bible is a wonderful book filled with adventure, love, war, and other interesting bits of history. The Adventure Bible Handbook takes children on a journey through the Bible with an archeologist, his assistant, and his four children. What appears to be a simple, thrilling journey to the Holy Land, becomes a race to find their missing father. As the children join a tour group, the guides take them places other than the ones to find their father. This journey, which is done by time travel, is to teach them about Bible events by actually experiencing those events for themselves. Their modes of transportation are unique to each event, and the children learn about the people, customs, and culture of the time they visit. The question is, why are they traveling around places their father isn't? Will they ever find their father? Children will enjoy learning about the Bible in this fun new book.

This Handbook is a lot of fun. It is written and illustrated to attract children of all ages, making the learning fun. I recommend it to families with children (ages 7 - 12 - although others would enjoy it as well) as an addition to your Bible library. The pictures and other illustrations are meant to draw children into the complete story.  I received my review copy from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.

"The Christmas Quilt" by Vannetta Chapman

Quilts are labors of love, given to celebrate and memorialize special occasions. Such is the case as Annie works to make a baby quilt for her sister-in-law. She has six weeks, but something happens and changes that time. Will she finish this special quilt? In this sequel to "A Simple Amish Christmas" you will find the answer and the reason it is so very special.

Annie is a nurse who helps her husband, Samuel, care for the people in their Amish community. Annie's sister in law, Leah, is pregnant (as is Annie) and Annie wants to make a crib quilt for her. But, of course, life intervenes and now Annie finds she only has two months left. But, again, life intervenes when Leah goes into labor prematurely and has to go to a hospital in Philadelphia to get the necessary help for her "boppli" and herself. Adam, Leah's husband, has to stay and care for their farm, so Annie goes to help her. In the quiet time they have, the two women work on the quilt together, sharing their hearts while they sew. This story of love, hope, and peace is destined to become a holiday favorite!

Vannetta Chapman can certainly tell a story. Her attention to detail brings the reader into the Amish way of life. I highly recommend this book to all readers because we all need to read uplifting and simply wonderful stories now and then. I received my review copy from Litfuse in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie's sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qKnYD Meet the author: Vannetta Chapman has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. Find out more at: http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

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"To Know You" by Shannon Ethridge with Kathryn Mackel

Two daughters given up for adoption, one son desperately needing a liver. Can Julia and Matt find the girls and convince one of them to help this young teenager? 

Life is full of ups and downs, and choices made can lead to more difficult choices. Julia had tough choices to make when she had her daughters. Knowing she couldn't give them what they needed, she gave them up for adoption to someone who could. As the years passed by, Julia's life straightened out and she married Matt Whittaker. They had a son and were happy. But now he needs a liver and she must reach out to the daughters she never knew for help. But, will the shock of her appearance push them away? Will she be able to show them her heart and her hope that one of them will step up to help their brother? Will this divided family find a way to band together. This story of choices, love, and forgiveness will keep you reading to the end.

I really enjoyed this book. Julia Whittaker's story is realistic and compelling, her characters and settings as well. If you enjoy books that seem taken from today's situations, you will enjoy this one. I received my review copy from Litfuse in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: Julia Whittaker's rocky past yielded two daughters, both given up for adoption as infants. Now she must find them to try to save her son. Julia and Matt Whittaker's son has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds---and his liver---crash precipitously. The only hope for his survival is a "living liver" transplant, but the transplant list is long and Dillon's time is short. His two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart to two different fathers, offer his only hope for survival. But can Julia ask a young woman---someone she surrendered to strangers long ago and has never spoken with---to make such a sacrifice to save a brother she's never known? Can she muster the courage to journey back into a shame-filled season of her life, face her choices and their consequences, and find any hope of healing? And what if she discovers in her own daughters' lives that a history of foolish choices threatens to repeat itself? Julia knows she's probably embarking on a fool's errand---searching for the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs something from them. But love compels Julia to take this journey. Can grace and forgiveness compel her daughters to join her? In To Know You, Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel explore how the past creates the present . . . and how even the most shattered lives can be redeemed. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbiOA About the authors: Shannon Ethridge is a best-selling author, speaker, and certified life coach with a master's degree in counseling/human relations from Liberty University. She has spoken to college students and adults since 1989 and is the author of 21 books, including the million-copy best-selling Every Woman's Battle series. She is a frequent guest on TV and radio programs and mentors aspiring writers and speakers through her BLAST Program (Building Leaders, Authors, Speakers & Teachers.) Learn more about Shannon:http://www.shannonethridge.com Kathryn Mackel is a best-selling author and acclaimed screenwriter for Disney and Fox. She was on the screenwriting team for Left Behind: The Movie, and Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse. She is the acclaimed author of "The Surrogate", "The Departed", and "The Hidden" and resides in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband. Learn more about Kathryn: http://www.kathrynmackel.com

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"The Prodigals: Giants in the Land" by Clark Burbidge

Book 2 of Clark Burbidge's trilogy is here! In this new work, we are reacquainted with Thomas and his quest to discover the reason why the giants left the land, and meet his grandchildren Tommy and Rose. What problems will beset the people of Land's Forest Ward? Where/Who are the giants?

Tommy is a hard worker and believes people should be looking at him as a person in his own right, not in the shadow of his grandfather. But, times are what they are, and he has to deal with it. Until, that is, his sister is kidnapped and he has to find his path by stepping up to save her. Tommy, Thomas, and a group of prodigals step out of their comfort zone in search of the giants. Will they be able to save Rose? Can Tommy step out of his grandfather's shadow? Should he? Who will be the giant(s)?

Clark Burbidge weaves his story with realism and suspense, creating a world readers will enjoy. He also plants the seed of becoming a giant, and what that means. This is a wonderful second book, and I can't wait for the third in the series. If you enjoy books that entertain and instruct, this series is for you. I received my review copy from PR by the Book in exchange for an honest review.

"Snow on the Tulips" by Liz Tolsma

War's aftermath, a sister protecting a brother, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, and fear all come together in this new book by Liz Tolsma. Can Cornelia, Johan, and Gerrit survive all the changes in their lives?

Cornelia and her brother, Johan, have been surviving somehow in Nazi occupied land. The Netherlands hasn't been a happy place to live for anyone, but especially for the young men taken for the Nazi army. Johan has been hiding with Cornelia's help, which had worked until Johan brought home a wounded Resistance fighter. Gerrit continues to want to fight, but his injury makes it necessary to find a place to rest and heal. Cornelia has serious doubts about the safety of all three of them and wants to say no, but can't, so she begins to care for his wounds. Gerrit fills her in on what has been happening and why he fights. As Cornelia begins to believe in him and the cause, she also finds her heart slipping to him. Will Cornelia work with Gerrit and the Resistance? Will she let her heart go? Will she and Gerrit have a future? Will her brother be able to come out of hiding? All the answers and more can be found between the pages of this exciting new book.

I really enjoyed this book. The setting and characters are realistic, the story line was engaging. I totally found myself with the characters, pulling for them all the way! If you enjoy books that deal with love and war, this is the book for you. If you enjoy new authors, or are an eclectic reader, this book is for you. I received my review copy for participation in the Litfuse blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: A stranger's life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything. The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she's endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding. When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia's doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia's faith won't let her turn him out. As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit's intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable. She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/q92YR Meet the author: Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there's always something going on at their house. She's spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She'd love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.

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"Take Flight!" by Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan

"Ah, grace. Grace that would bid us fly and give us wings! What a welcoming image - being set free to become all God intended and to soar through life." Thus begins this wonderful Sisterchick devotional. Does this statement mean there will never be trouble in our lives? No, but it points to the grace of God that can get us through anything.

Devotional readings are meant to inspire, instruct, and illuminate our lives. They are meant to give us help to be better in every aspect of our lives. "Take Flight!" does this. Throughout the devotional readings, we are given challenges, words of wisdom, and are invited to take a closer look at Scripture to better understand what God wants for us. With chapters like "Sunset Worship," "Never Too Late," and "Stars Were Singing," readers are encouraged to practice praise and worship through the grace of God. Come, lift up your voice and "Take Flight."

I love the Sisterchick books, so this was a natural choice for me. There are fourteen devotionals filled with information and inspiration, and each could easily take a week or more to study. I love the way each devotion is sectioned out and it isn't filled with just reading, but also encouragement to study and to do other assignments as well. I recommend this book to Christians everywhere, along with the other Sisterchick books. They will bless your heart and soul.  "I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."

Helpful links:

http://www.robingunn.com/

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/blog/2006/10/30/sneak-peek-take-flight-by-robin-jones-gunn/

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=74963

"Examine Your Faith" by Pamela Christian

"Examine Your Faith" - what does that mean? Does it simply mean to look at it and move on, or does it mean to really delve in and explore looking for answers? In her new book, Pamela Christian encourages us to really explore our faith and know it.

Growing up in a home where God's is taught doesn't bring us faith. As the Bible says in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is what we believe in and hold on to. But, is it our faith or our family's faith? Your faith or your church's? To find out, Ms. Christian invites us to look deeply into why we believe what we believe about faith. She uses her own life and personal journey to show us how it is done. It is not quick, but it is worth it. It is probably time to pick up this book and "Examine Your Faith."

This is a truly thought provoking book that will bring you to a closer understanding of what faith is, why you have it, and bring you into a closer walk with God. This book will make a wonderful addition to home and church libraries. If you are looking for a way to learn more about your faith, this book is for you.

Interview with Pamela Christian by Susan Reinhardt

Interview Questions and Answers for Susan Reinhardt’s interview of

Pamela Christian about her first in a three-book series,

Examine  Your Faith! Finding Truth in a World of Lies

What do you hope readers will gain from your book?

Examine Your Faith! Finding Truth in a World of Lies, takes readers through an inductive process to honestly reconsider what they believe and why they believe it. My goal is for them to intentionally arrive at a confident faith conviction. Since what we believe to be true, dictates every decision we make in life and as most believe, has direct bearing on our eternal life, it is extremely important to have a confident faith conviction.

Why do you think people need help in having a confident faith conviction?

I’ve been speaking and teaching on the matter of faith for over twenty years. In my experience I’ve learned that what most people refer to as faith is really wishful thinking or a hope which is far different from a confident faith conviction. People have been influenced by a culture of political correctness and many other popular notions that have actually served to erode true faith.

In starting to write my book I used the most popular search engines to locate two different highest ranking online dictionaries. Looking up the definition of the words truth and faith, I discovered that both these dictionaries had it wrong. With the popular definitions of these two core words being off the mark, it’s evidence that as a culture we are too.

How do you help people examine what they believe and why?

By systematically considering absolute truth against the claim that truth is relative, by exploring religious pluralism, (the believe that all roads lead to the same God and heaven) and the various major world religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity) and New Age, readers can more confidently determine what religious belief is truly worthy of their faith.  Many people hold ideals, values and philosophies that have never been held up to the test of scrutiny. This means a person could easily believe something to be true that in reality isn’t.  No one wants to live their life on the basis of a lie. Yet, I assert that unless we intentionally examine what we believe and why we believe it, we could be deceived and not know it. It is, after all, the very nature of deception that the victim is unaware.

What has been your personal life experiences that allow you to offer the insights that you do in your book?

I was raised to have the freedom to explore religious faith on my own, with very little input from my parents. Without realizing it, I adopted various points of view that I thought were sound and also consistent with Christian beliefs. Had it not been for a significant life crisis, (which I share in my book), that caused me to question everything I had ever believed true, I would still be living in deception today.

Having started my journey for truth and faith more than twenty years ago, I’ve had many years teaching, writing, broadcasting and more on this. My interest to learn more led me to enroll in Biola University’s course in Christian apologetics in 2003 from which I have a certificate of completion.

As a public speaker one of the first questions I ask my audience is “Who in this room wants to live your life on the basis of a lie?” No one ever raises their hand to that question, which is very revealing. It means that universally we prefer truth over deception and that we then view truth as “good” and lies as “bad.” Yet, without a deliberate, and I’ll add courageous, effort to examine what we believe and why, we could be basing our life—our eternal life—on lies. I don’t want people to come to a major life crisis, when they need their faith to be in tact, only to find out as I did, that it is faulty. The way I explain it is to say that faith is a lot like automobile insurance. You must have it firmly in place before there’s a need for it.

What makes your book distinctive from other books that cover the same topics?

My book is written in an inductive fashion. I disclose up front that I have taken the same journey I seek to take my readers through and I have concluded that Christianity is the religious faith that I can wholly accept. However, it is not my goal to tell people what to think.  Rather I help them use their own intellect through the process of logic and reason to conclude for him or her self. I write with genuine compassion and respect for the reader because I know first hand, that embarking on this journey is not easy—but it is so necessary.

To help my readers begin the journey I explain that well-meaning people want to believe that all religions are equal and all roads lead to the same God and heaven. Then I point out that simply claiming a matter to be true, does not make it so. The first issue to resolve is an understanding about what truth is, so I tackle that at the start.

Then, I explore religious tolerance as it is expressed today. Once upon a time religious tolerance meant accepting people of different religious world views. Today however, it is far from that. In our post-modern culture we have individuals selecting various tenets of different religious beliefs to create their own “faith,” according to personal subjective preferences. I want my readers to truly consider any merits or detriments of this manner of “acquiring faith.”

Then by providing a general overview of the five major world religions and New Age, I want the reader to conclude on the matter of religious pluralism.  I have devoted entire chapters to explain, in an overview fashion, the basic tenets of each of the world’s religions and New Age so that people can compare and contrast and arrive at a personally satisfying conclusion concerning faith. This is not a book that tells people what to think.  Rather it’s a book that presents the facts so that the reader can conclude with a confident faith conviction.

I will add that it takes courage to intentionally examine what you believe and why. There are many people whom we love and respect who have helped us shape our faith. To question our faith can feel like we are betraying these individuals. But since most people believe that the human soul and spirit are eternal, the ramifications of not examining our faith outweigh the temporary discomfort. There will be those who read my book and conclude that their faith is in tact, which will serve to strengthen their faith conviction and hopefully embolden then to share their faith with others. Conversely, I already know of many who have read my book and discovered answers to questions they’ve never secured before that have altered their faith conviction.

Give us two or three insights from the book that would be helpful to Christians.

           While this book is excellent for religious skeptics and seekers, Christians can gain a great deal from   

the book. Christians are commanded by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them  in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching themto observe all things that Christ has commanded. This is referred to as the Great Commission.

Yet, precious few are able to sufficiently and effectively share their faith. Many are tripped up with the first question, “What is truth?” Others are convoluting their faith—actually rendering it impotent with the collection of popular ideals under the banners of tolerance and political correctness. This reality means that greater numbers than ever are not only improperly informed, but have their eternal life at risk. Each individual Christian has the mandate of the Great Commission. It is my hopes that this book will better equip Christians to do what we’re called to do.

What has the response been to the book so far?

Well, to start, the fact that Josh McDowell, Dr. Craig Hazen and Dan Story, among others have endorsed it means a great deal to me! Their response has encouraged me to expand this book project. Examine Your Faith, Finding Truth in a World of Lies, is therefore the first in a three-book series. It will be followed by a book explaining effective faith then one that leads a person to excellent faith. It could be said that the series is about faith, hope and love.

I have been exceedingly gratified at the response I’ve received from readers. It was important for me to write a book that expresses loving compassion.  And while I use apologetics, (systematic approach to defending the truth), this book is not written in an academic fashion. Rather it is very personal. That’s not to say that the book is void of any mental challenges! There are those. But anything worthy of our faith deserves to be seriously considered. So the fact that people have commented on the loving tone of the book is rewarding.

I especially liked what one reader suggested, which was to remove the endorsement pages before giving the book to a non-Christian, skeptic or seeker. The endorsers have read the entire book and many express their conclusion in their endorsement.  It was my goal to offer a good, inductive resource to guide people, to arrive at a satisfying conclusion about their personal  religious faith. So I concur, tear out the endorsements as needed and give the book out to everyone you want to discover truth!

How are you promoting your book and where can your book be purchased?

Certainly fun virtual parties like this book blog tour is one way I’m promoting it. And I can’t thank Diane Estrella and you enough for this! We have contests and prizes associated with this blog tour. I also have a longer running contest from my web site and Rafflecopter on my Facebook page where depending on the number of books sold through my web site the grand prize could be $250.00 cash. No purchase is necessary to win (but it helps the prize structure!) Only subscribers to my bi-monthly ENewsletter or my blog are eligible.

I also have a great book trailer viewable on my home page that I encourage people to tweet and about and Like and share. And of course I’m using social media too with Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. And I really enjoy the interaction on sites like Good Reads and Book Fun.

Until October 15, 2013 the best price to get the soft cover is from my web store. It’s priced lower than Amazon or Barnes and Noble. But after that, my readers will still get unique value from me with special promotional materials and preferential treatment. The holidays are right around the corner for many people. Perhaps the gift of this book will change lives. I certainly hope and pray so.