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.