Jane Kirkpatrick gives voice to reformer Dorothea Dix in "One Glorious Ambition: The Compassionate Crusade of Dorothea Dix." Although this is a fictional account of nineteenth century Dorothea Dix many of the events and places are based on factual accounts. Dorothea Dix aspires to fulfill God's purpose in her life but her path is not neatly laid out just as in our own lives there are numerous twists and turns. At first she believes teaching and writing are her earthly purposes. Then, an unexpected visit to a prison opens her eyes and mind to another calling as she remembers her mother. Thus her crusade becomes that of giving a voice to "those who can not speak for themselves": the mentally ill. This is an inspiring story making one stop and think what is God's purpose for my life. An author's interview and reader's guide with book discussion questions are included.  I received this book from WaterBrook Press  to review.    

Wanda E. Brunstetter's latest book in the Amish genre, Goodbye to Yesterday, is a quick read. Just as you get a feel for where the story may be going you are left hanging. Yes, this book is a cliffhanger. I hope the next one in the series comes out quickly so the suspense is short lived. Anyways, the story revolves around young newlyweds Luke and Meredith who are experiencing a crisis. Luke has lost his job but there is hope if he comes to Indiana to learn a new trade. But Meredith has a feeling that something bad is going to happen on the trip due to inclement weather. Is she right? Read the book to find out!  

A month after reading Implosion I ordered Dr. Dobson's new book called Fatherless. I am glad that I had read Implosion first since Dobson's fictional book builds a story upon some of the same thoughts expressed by Rosenberg. In Fatherless you are introduced to "transition services," the breeders, and the religious right. The year is 2042 and reporter Julia Davidson is asked to write an article about an incident at a transitional clinic that turns out to be more than she bargained for, far more ominous. Congressman Kevin Tolbert is trying to find an answer to the economic crisis and remain true to his Christian ethics. When Julia meets with her old high school friends, Angie, and her husband, Kevin, their worlds collide. Will Julia make the right choice when she finds herself at a crossroad? This is one very engrossing story with believable characters and very plausible plot!

In these tough economic times Joel C. Rosenberg writes a thought provoking book entitled Implosion. Will America survive this economic challenge? Will America survive the spiritual challenge? These are a few of the questions that Rosenberg examines with research and examples. Most compelling I found was his statement that New York was due for a natural disaster (this book was published in 2012) and here I was reading the book several weeks after Super Storm Sandy had hit New York and the eastern shoreline! Make this a top book to read in 2013. You will be glad you did. 

                 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.