New WWJD? Movement

I remember the "What Would Jesus Do" movement that slowly receded into the background of our society. But Harry Griffith brings the challenging theme back with a modern day twist in his book "In His Place." Meet pastor Steve Long of Incarnation Church who has just learned one of his parishners has died. The parishner's death, particularly the letter that arrives the day after his death, causes pastor Long to stop and ponder what could he have done differently. On top of this, pastor Long has a teenage son at home who is anything but cordial. The reader is right there with pastor Long as he struggles internally with his emotions and thoughts and as he pours out these thoughts and fruastrations to his atheist friend. As the week continues, Steve Long is faced with many decisions about how he will respond to God's calling as well as the members of his church as they rethink what it means to be a practicing Christian. I was moved by this story, even though it is fictional, to reexamine my own life, thoughts and actions. Is there more I can do? We can not become comfortable and apathetic to the world around us. This is a must read for everyone in the Church and outside the Church body. It is water-fountain-topic worthy! I received this complimentary copy book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Fashion Diva

It was slow going as I started to read Fading Starlight, Kathryn Cushman's newest novel. Lauren Summers is a budding fashion designer but the night her design takes the red carpet, disaster errupts, sending her into hiding. This is where the story begins to pick up spead, becoming a page turner with intrigue, mystery and drama. Lauren takes a job helping a high school theater director designing custumes for an upcoming production. Her paltry salery comes with a rent free cottage as long as she abides by the privacy policy. Across the street from the cottage lives reclusive Hollywood actress Charlotte Montgomery who is leary of the newcomer to her neighborhood. Lauren only wants friendship. Charlotte thinks Lauren wants something just as everyone in her past did. Then Charlotte's heirloom necklace disappears. Can Lauren convince Charlotte of her friendship, clear her name in the fashion world and find the necklace? Will Lauren remain faithful in her relationship with God throughout her ordeal? To say "nothing is quite as it seems" is so true in this book and in life. This book has a lot to offer in the way of a great story line but the suttle messege underneath is worth taking to heart. I received this book free to review with my honest opinion for Bethany House Publishers.

Nothing is Impossible

Mesu Andrews is a new author for me. I found her latest book, Miriam, to be a facinating account of the Isrealites and Egyptians during the time of the plagues. Miriam is Moses older sister who believes she has been chosen by God to be his messenger and being a healer/midwife. But then Moses returns and appears to be God's spokeperson making Miriam feel left out. Moses even has a new name for God- Yahweh. Miriam feels that God has changed. Moses reminds her God is constant. Andrews adds in other characters to make the story even more interesting during this time of the plagues drawing the reader into that time period. Miriam brings new life to an Old Testament Bible Story. I'm glad I gave this book and author a chance. I received this book for free to review from WaterBrook Press.