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!