Reading "Fully Alive" was like being in the audience and listening to Ken Davis perform. Once I started the book I could not put it down. The information in the book is right on target for people wanting to make a change in their lives-for better health, for better mental health, for a better relationship with God. If you are looking for a book to help you get started on the right foot for the new year then this is the one. As Ken so eloquently says, "If you want to live fully alive, now is the time to take action, and you are the only  one who can do it." So what's stopping you?

This book, Unstoppable, demonstrates faith in action. Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, lives life to the fullest with God at the center of it. His message is one of hope to those in despair, challenges those who feel inadequate due to a handicap, and speaks up about bullying. Nick's book is not only for adults but teens as well. His topics range from relationship issues to bullying to self-destructive thoughts. But what makes it truly inspirational is that Nick has dealt with all of these issues and uses real life events to get his message across.  At the end of the book, Nick writes "My life is built upon my faith and the teachings of the Scriptures. These are the source of my confidence, my belief system, my decisiveness, my persistence, and my endurance. With faith guiding my deeds, I can find balance in mind, body, heart, and spirit." I think that pretty much sums up how it should be for all of us.

Today, Monday, November 12 is the launch of a new website featuring Christian Fiction. It is called NovelCrossings. Not only can one find Christian fiction reviews but author interviews as well. There is information for book clubs and a newsletter. So hop on over to www.novelcrossing.com and check it out. You won't be disappointed. See  NovelCrossing logo below on this blog.

   

Fruits of the Garden

Cindy Woodsmall's new series begins with A Season for Tending where the reader is introduced to an Old Order Amish Community. The cast of characters are well developed making the reader believe we could have a conversation with Rhoda Byler, Samuel King, Jacob King, and Leah King. Rhoda has been gifted with the ability to grow herbs and berries. So much so that she has established her own canning business but not with out a cost. Miles away Samuel King is struggling to keep his family's apple orchard from going under. An unexpected incident with Samuel's sister, Leah, links the King family and Rhoda. Samuel thinks that Rhoda is the answer to his struggling apple orchard. Is she? Or does she bring them more trouble? You don't want to miss this book.

By Faith, Not By Sight is the inspirational autobiography of Scott MacIntyre. I had not heard of Scott and his appearance on American Idol, but after reading his story I definitely am going to listen to his music. As a musician, a singer and a songwriter, his story is a message of hope and faith to everyone especially to those who are handicapped physically, mentally, or spiritually since Scott is blind. This is a must read for anyone who thinks life has handed them a lemon or thinks that God has abandoned them.

An interesting book from author Kristen Heitzmann called Indelible was slow to start. I felt there was more to the story that I should have known before hand that's when I discovered there was a book before this one. Once I understood the characters and Heitzmann's writing style I really got into the book. A search and rescue volunteer, Trevor MacDaniel, rescues a toddler from a mountain lion. The toddler's aunt, Natalie,  has just moved to Redford and is opening her art studio in the same building as MacDaniel's outfitter store. Natalie has an unusual disability and uses sculpturing as a release.  Together they discover their weaknesses and strengths as a menace, targeting the helpless and innocent, threatens Trevor. Give it a try.

 The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is a great read from Wanda Brunstetter. If you enjoy the Amish genre with some quilting and the Englishers, you must read this book. Six people with a variety of problems all answer an add to learn to quilt from Emma, an Amish widow, who has her own problems. The ending is not what you would expect. I would like this to become a series-at least another one or two books.

Immortals among us today?

As I began reading "The 13th Tribe" by Robert Liparulo it was slow going. There was a lot of bits and pieces thrown at you in the first several chapters that I started to think about giving up but- and this is a big but- I am glad I stayed with the book because I reached a point where I couldn't put it down. I was not expecting the twist at the end.
 Jaggar Baird, head of security for a dig at Mt.Sinia, discovers his job is far from mundane when a stranger appears and is quickly smuggled into the monastery where Jaggar and his family are living. As Jag tries to find out who the stranger is and why he came to the compound the action heats up.
What Jag does not know at this point is the existence of a group of individuals who call themselves the 13th Tribe. A group that originated from the the twelve tribes of Israel at the time of Mose's trip up Mt. Sinai. The tribes, tired of waiting on Moses, made a golden calf and began worshipping it. The consequence for many was death for their idolatry except for forty- who received endless life on earth, immortals. Now the 13th tribe plans to execute an attack. It's up to Jag to stop them. The twists and turns continue until the very last page!

Book Will Not Disappoint

"As Silver Refined" tries to answer the questions we have to life's afflictions and disappointments. Kay Arthur breaks the subject matter down into small, bite size sections and gives in depth detail and examples. She talks about disappointment as the beginning to the downward spiral and how we can change the "D" to an "H" appointment  She writes: "But those who bear with continued suffering capture our deepest respect, and in their suffering we find ourselves drawn to the Jesus who dwells within them..." The book continues to look at the other Deadly D's: discouragement, dejection, despair and demoralization. We have to remember that God's purpose is to redeem us and make us into a "spiritual success." Restoration, refine and renew are the objective each time we meet hardships and afflictions remembering to keep our eyes on Jesus, to become more like him. We must go through the fire in order to get rid of the undesirable baggage we carry around with us so we can be more Christ-like.
The book also contains a thirteen week study guide making it ideal for a small group study.

A Sweet Book

Apple Ridge is the setting for this Amish love story from Cindy Woodsmall entitled "The Scent of Cherry Blossoms." Annie Martin belongs to the Old Order Mennonite sect as does her grandfather who she goes to stay with after an argument with her mother. While visiting she helps out her neighbors, Old Order Amish, at their diner. A diner that her grandfather is part owner since he is allowed to have electricity. It is during this time she renews her acquaintance with Aden Zook. An acquaintance that begins to grow into something more but there is boundary line between each religious sect. What can these two friends do?
An enjoyable, quick read that will delight the heart. The story behind the cherry trees is very touching. Take a weekend to read this book.

Thriller with all the right ingredients

This thriller from Lis Wiehl, Heart of Ice, has all the ingredients for a suspenseful read. Three young professional women, friends since high school, work together to solve the murder of a young intern that worked with Cassidy. Unbeknown to them they have become acquainted with the murderer: going to lunch, going shopping, working out at the gym. At the same time each of these three women are dealing with personal issues that many readers can relate to in their lives. As the investigation continues so do the murders. It is fast-paced read that is hard to put down because you want to know what the murderer will do next and how our trio respond.