The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado

When I received “The Christmas Candle” by Max Lucado for review, I was surprised to find that it was a novella. I’ve read many nonfiction books by Rev. Lucado. I didn’t know he had ever written fiction. I consider the novella to be a gift book – something short and sweet, the perfect read when you don’t have a lot of time to devote to a full length novel. But don’t assume that because it’s a short read that you won’t have a lovely time reading about the miracles that occur in a small village in Victorian England. Even as I read the book, I thought the story would make a heartwarming holiday movie, and it turns out that it has. Reading this book (and watching the movie) that is less about candles and more about faith and hope would be a wonderful holiday tradition.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Eat Your Peas...for Mom by Cheryl Karpen, Illustrated by Sandy Fougner

"Eat Your Peas…for Mom" is labeled a '3-minute forever book' and that is a good estimate of how long it takes to read it. It's short on words, but long on message. In so few pages, the author has managed to convey in 'simple truths and happy insights' how much a mother means. The illustrations are simple but lively and complement the text. I am looking forward to giving this sweet book as a perfect keepsake to my own mom for Mother's Day. The book might be short and sweet, but I believe any mom would cherish this book forever.



Product Details:
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Gift edition (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140418984X
ISBN-13: 978-1404189843
Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches

The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkard

I am a novice when reading 'inspirational romance.' As I began reading The Country House Courtship, I was instantly drawn into the setting, learned new words and phrases, and enjoyed getting to know the characters. As I continued to read, I felt as if I had traveled through time. Linore's attention to detail is wonderful, and the glossary in the back helped me understand some of the terms used in the realistic dialogue. Reading an omniscient point-of-view was a refreshing change of pace.

The Country House Courtship is book 3 in Burkard's Inspirational Regency Romance series. I think I will go back now and read what I've missed in the first two books. It looks like I won't be a 'novice' much longer.

Thin Places, a Memoir by Mary E. Demuth

It used to be when I thought of a memoir, I associated the genre with someone in his later years with a lifetime of hard living under his belt. Not any more. In Thin Places, Mary E. DeMuth movingly shares how she has lived through hurts, disappointments, and violations, and yet still manages to see how God worked in and through all these events to bring her into a deeper, closer relationship with Him. Mary's ultimate realization that she lives in the midst of holy moments seen more clearly in retrospect helps us as readers see that God is always working in our lives, too.

Product Details:
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 031028418X
ISBN-13: 978-0310284185



Mary E. Demuth's Blog

The Literary Study Bible ESV - Leland Ryken & Philip Graham Ryken

I've read study Bibles, devotional Bibles, and even children's Bibles. Reading the Literary Bible gave me a new appreciation for the beauty of God's Word. The goals of Dr. Leland Ryken and Dr. Philip Graham Ryken for the ESV Literary Study Bible are, “(1) to make the Bible reader friendly and (2) to show how application of literary tools of analysis helps in reading and understanding the Bible” (xvii).

The scriptures are organized in single-column paragraphs to read more like a book, but still have chapter divisions and numbered verses. The introductory notes for each book of the Bible give a 'big picture' element to reading the Bible. Instead of focusing only on individual scriptures, they give an overview. Each genre is explored and explained along with the inferred literary intentions and theological themes, but you won't need a degree in literature to appreciate this Bible. Terms are defined in the Glossary of Literary Terms and Genres. Short paragraphs dispersed throughout the text give further details as needed.

I like the idea of the introductory notes for the text before I read it, but cross-reference notes can be helpful and practical. This Bible would make a good supplement to a Bible with the more traditional verse by verse notations, and an excellent choice if you just want to enjoy the literary beauty of God's Word. The ESV LSB is a 'reader's Bible.'


Product Details:
Hardcover: 2016 pages
Publisher: Crossway Bibles (September 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1581348088
ISBN-13: 978-1581348088


Note: I received this material from Crossway Books.

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Sisterhood of Faith by Shirley Brosius

Do you enjoy reading about women who have made a positive impact in this world and in the lives of those around them? In Sisterhood of Faith, Shirley Brosius has compiled hundreds of interesting anecdotes about inspiring women. It’s obvious when you read the rich content that Brosius spent many hours doing meticulous research. Did you know that American hymn writer and poetess, Fanny Crosby, wrote thousands of religious poems, or that Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of modern nursing, became know as the ‘lady with the lamp’ because she checked on patients by lantern’s light? Are you aware that singer CeCe Winans was the first black woman to receive a Dove Award?

With 365 stories, this book can be used as a daily devotional, or any time you need a quick pick-me-up. Each page has a dramatic profile and concludes with a question intended to challenge the reader. Should you want to read more about a particular woman, turn to the detailed bibliography in the back of the book for more resources.

Many famous women are profiled as well as those women who have labored for little reward and served God without gaining great renown – at least in this life. The author of the book states her objective for writing the book is “to let women know that opportunities for effective Christian service are limitless. By reading of how others have used their spiritual gifts -- in the church, in the home, in the workplace, on the mission field, on the airwaves, on the firing line -- women may discover options they never dreamed of.”

I believe Shirley Brosius fulfilled her mission. I'm confident that reading about these women will inspire and motivate you.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 412 pages
Publisher: Howard Books (October 17, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 158229576X
ISBN-13: 978-1582295763

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Logged On and Tuned Out by Vicki Courtney

When I saw the title, Logged On and Tuned Out, I assumed the ‘tuned out’ referred to children who spend too much time on the computer. The author, Vicki Courtney, had other people in mind – hopelessly, tuned out parents. As the advances in technology continue to accelerate, many parents have not kept up.

Written from a mom’s perspective, this book covers IMing (If you don’t now what that IM stands for, you really need the book.), monitoring software, and cell phone usage. She gives valuable information about social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Do you know if your child has uploaded pics to a blog or videos to YouTube?

The author observes, “There are lots of clueless, uncaring, irresponsible parents out there.” Don’t let this be said of you. Logged On and Tuned Out will clue you in. Courtney offers a nontechie crash course to better understand the technology-driven world in which our tech-savvy children live. Recommended!

Product Details:
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (September 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805446656
ISBN-13: 978-0805446654

Click HERE to sign up for Vicki's Virtue Alert.

NOTE: I received this book courtesy of White Post Media.
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Effective Parenting in a Defective World - DVD Kit

Are you a parent looking for a plan to raise effective, positive, and most importantly, godly children?

Chip Ingram, a father of four, has put together a DVD kit that enables parents to formulate just such a plan. He teaches principles for effective parenting in a defective world. The first DVD opens with interviews with parents who tell their fears concerning drugs, sex, the internet, and more. Kids also give their point of view, followed by Ingram’s teaching.

Rev. Ingram is the president of Walk Thru the Bible, teaching pastor of Living on the Edge, and graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. He is personable, easy to listen to, and lectures with a sharp sense of humor. He engages the audience, encouraging parents in the difficult task of raising children in today’s culture.

The course workbook and leader’s guide are used in conjunction with the DVD’s. Each lesson lasts 25-35 minutes. Questions in the book are designed to promote discussion. When you’re through with this course, you will have learned about your role as a parent, how to teach, nurture, and discipline your children, and how to understand and implement biblical truths.

Taking into account the time spent watching the DVD, discussion, and time filling out the workbook, each lesson can be completed in less than one hour. With nine lessons, the entire course can be completed in nine hours - the equivalent of one workday.

I urge you to take advantage of the vast amount of research and the anointed teaching you will receive from this package. If used in a small group setting, because of the excellent teaching on the DVD’s, this study could be facilitated by someone of moderate teaching experience.

I highly recommend Effective Parenting in a Defective World.

NOTE: This kit was given to me by White Post Media for the purpose of receiving reviews.

Blog Tour - Meet Tricia Goyer, Author of "A Valley of Betrayal"

Today I'd like to point you to a new book written by Tricia Goyer, A Valley of Betrayal. Here's a glimpse into The Story Behind the Novel:

A few years ago when I was researching for my fourth World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, I came across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crewmember I read about claimed to make it out of German-occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to his skills he picked up as a veteran of The Spanish Civil War. Reading that bit of information, I had to scratch my head. First of all, I had never heard of the war. And second, what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the late 1930s? Before I knew it, I uncovered a fascinating time in history—one that I soon discovered many people know little about. This is what I learned:

Nazi tanks rolled across the hillsides and German bombers roared overhead, dropping bombs on helpless citizens. Italian troops fought alongside the Germans, and their opponents attempted to stand strong—Americans, British, Irishmen, and others—in unison with other volunteers from many countries. And their battleground? The beautiful Spanish countryside.

From July 17, 1936-April 1, 1939, well before America was involved in World War II, another battle was fought on the hillsides of Spain. On one side were the Spanish Republicans, joined by the Soviet Union and The International Brigade—men and women from all over the world who have volunteered to fight Fascism. Opposing them, Franco and his Fascist military leaders, supported with troops, machinery, and weapons from Hitler and Mussolini. The Spanish Civil War, considered the “training ground” for the war to come, boasted of thousands of American volunteers who joined to fight on the Republican side, half of which never returned home.

Unlike World War II, there is no clear line between white and black, good and evil. Both sides committed atrocities. Both sides had deep convictions they felt worth fighting and dying for.

Loyalists—also know as the Republicans were aided by the Soviet Union, the Communist movement, and the International Brigades. If not for the weapons and volunteers from these sources their fight would have ended in weeks rather than years. While many men fought side by side, their political views included that of liberal democracy, communism and socialism. The Catholic Basque Country also sided with the Republic, mainly because it sought independence from the central government and was promised this by Republican leaders in Madrid.

Nationalists—or Francoists were aided mainly by Germany and Italy. The Nationalist opposed an independent Basque state. Their main supporters were those who believed in a monarchist state and fascist interests. The Nationalist wished for Spain to continue on as it had for years, with rich landowners, the military, and the church running the country. Most of the Roman Catholic clergy supported the Nationalists, except those in the Basque region.

During the Spanish Civil war, terror tactics against civilians were common. And while history books discuss the estimated one million people who lost their lives during the conflict, we must not forget that each of those who fought, who died, had their own tales. From visitors to Spain who found themselves caught in the conflict, to the communist supporters, Basque priests, and Nazi airmen . . . each saw this war in a different light. These are the stories behind A Valley of Betrayal.

Ready to read? Click HERE to read the first chapter!

Balancing Act - a Heidi Elliot Novel by Kimberly Stuart

In Kimberly Stuart’s debut novel, Balancing Act, we find Heidi Elliot loving motherhood, but itching to get back to teaching high school Spanish. After all, how hard will it be to balance both jobs? Mothers have managed for years.

Heidi soon finds out. Even though Nora is an ‘easy’ baby, it’s overwhelming at times to balance motherhood, teaching, and being the wife she wants to be to her husband, Jake – who seems to be getting more than enough attention from one of his new clients. Throw in Heidi’s old boyfriend who just moved into her neighborhood, and you have the kind of chaotic life with which all wives and mothers can identify.

As a mom, I enjoyed the realism along with hilarious moments Ms. Stuart interspersed. I could feel Heidi’s panic, the stress, and the ever-present question of, “What do I do now?” With so many choices to make, Heidi needs more than practical advice, and finds the grace and wisdom to make right choices in an unlikely place – the dreaded “Moms’ Group” she’d felt pressured to attend.

Ms. Stuart writes about marriage and motherhood with great insight and humor. Balancing Act is smart and fun. I look forward to more novels from Kimberly Stuart.

Product Details:
Paperback: 245 pages
Publisher: Navpress Publishing Group (August 22, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600060765
ISBN-13: 978-1600060762

NOTE: This book was given to me by Glass Road PR for the purpose of receiving reviews.

Bad Idea - a novel (with coyotes) by Todd & Jedd Hafer

BAD IDEA by Todd and Jedd Hafer takes readers on a road trip with eighteen-year old Griffin Smith. About the time I thought I knew just who the main character was, another – and sometimes disturbing, facet of his personality would be revealed.

Difficult subjects are not shied away from or addressed in a predictable way. Each chapter brought a surprise, and kept the action and the road trip moving forward – with a few unexpected detours.

I especially enjoyed the hilarious, mental riffs Griffin would take off on. Reading BAD IDEA represents a departure from my usual fare, and I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this book. Once I started, I had no intention of cutting my trip short.

Recommended for ages 13 and older.

Product Details:
Paperback: 311 pages
Publisher: Th1nk Books (August 22, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1576839699
ISBN-13: 978-1576839690

NOTE: This book was given to me by Glass Road PR for the purpose of receiving reviews.

The Legend of Zoey by Candie Moonshower

Candie Moonshower has seamlessly meshed the experiences of two girls in two different eras into a delightful tale in The Legend of Zoey. Against the background of real events, she has written a fun and at times, poignant story and manages to teach the reader, too. Writing about time travel and using two points of view can be tricky, but Moonshower makes the transition between points of time and view with ease. I look for more great books from Candie Moonshower.

Product Details:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (July 11, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385732805
ISBN-13: 978-0385732802

The Train of Thought Writing Method by Kathi Macias

The Train of Thought Writing Method teaches you how to focus on a theme, lay a 'track' by constructing a powerful opening line, and the keys to taking your readers on an engrossing 'word journey.' By performing the simple exercises in the book, you will be able to draw your story to a satisfying conclusion. Because of her years of writing, editing, and teaching experience, Kathi knows how to help a beginning or stagnant writer hop on the track to publication. I am pleased to recommend this book.

Product Details:
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Authorhouse (February 28, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN: 142083259X

NOTE: This book was given to me by Active Christian Media for the purpose of receiving reviews.

Wishing on Dandelions by Mary DeMuth

When I finished reading Watching the Tree Limbs, I was sad, wanting to continue reading to see where Mara's path in life would lead. To my delight, Mary DeMuth has graced us with Wishing on Dandelions. Even if you haven't read Mary's first book (but I recommend that you do), this book stands on its own merits.

As we begin, we find that Maranatha is now seventeen years old, wishing with all that's within her for a sign from above that she is loved. Maranatha's family and the people in her small town are full, rich characters. They can be endearing and aggravating at the same time. Several act as conduits of God's love and in the process become her support system as she makes that journey from child to adult, from victim to victor, from darkness to light.

DeMuth writes with more than a touch of humor. The `wedding chapter' had me laughing out loud many times, yet other chapters had me in tears or on the edge of my seat.

I'm desperate for a third novel. I'm eager to find out so much more about this character I've come to love named Maranatha. Bravo, Mary! Keep writing.

Product Details:
Paperback: 357 pages
Publisher: Navpress Publishing Group
Language: English
ISBN: 1576839532

Mary E. DeMuth's Website: Relevant Prose

The Defilers by Deborah Gyapong

If you pick up The Defilers by Deborah Gyapong expecting a light read, you’ve chosen the wrong book. This novel is gritty, fast-paced, and dripping with suspense. The main character, Linda Donner, a policewoman, investigates a murder where the main suspect is a local pastor.

Several scenes might cause uneasiness as you read - the flashbacks when Linda recalls her childhood molestation by a priest, or scenes of intense spiritual warfare. But Deborah Gyapong writes of the physical world and the spiritual world with maturity and extensive attention to detail. It’s obvious Gyapong took great pains to portray spiritual warfare with realism and theological accuracy, and the police investigation rings authentic as well.

When Linda Donner thinks she must be having a breakdown of some kind, help seems to come from a highly unlikely source, the pastor. How can she trust a clergyman who’s at the center of her investigation, or any clergyman after all she’s overcome battling her own past and the horrible memories associated with ‘men of the cloth’?

As I read the final chapters of The Defilers, I realized I held my breath, turning each page with trepidation. Pick this book up and expect a gripping, mature story you won’t soon forget.

Product Details:
Paperback: 335 pages
Publisher: Castle Quay (March 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 1897186029

Note: This book was given to me by Castle Quay Books for review.

America's Choice - The Worship Songs All America Is Singing!

America’s Choice 30

The producers at Cool Springs Records surveyed 150,000 churches and 100 top worship leaders to find the most frequently sung, best-loved songs of worship in America. I can tell you they found mine!

The result is a wonderful mix of old choruses along with songs made popular by contemporary artists on two CD's. Selections with a variety of tempos are arranged so that a fast, upbeat song follows slow selections. Many make smooth transitions using key changes for emphasis.

The arrangements have a solid percussion beat accompanied by a strong horn section, piano, flute, and more, with no one instrument being overbearing – a delightful listening experience. As with the instruments, no one voice sticks out in the vocals making it easy to feel like you’re a part of the praise team as you sing along. This collection of songs is also available in split track, if you desire the music only with which to sing either at church or for your own enjoyment.

On a scale of five, I'd give it a 5!

MP3 samples of each song can be found HERE.

Product Details:
Audio CD (March 15, 2005)
Original Release Date: March 8, 2005
Label: Word Entertainment
ASIN: B0007US80M

Cool Springs Records
Franklin, TN
Cool Springs Records

NOTE: This CD was given to me by Active Christian Media for the purpose of receiving reviews.

Across the Wide River by Stephanie Reed

Across the Wide River is a work of fiction, but based on a real family, the Rankin Family, living in a time of slavery and abolition. The story, with its rich descriptions, draws you into the struggle for freedom so much so that you feel the anquish and intense longing of those desiring freedom and those who work so valiantly to secure that goal.

Stephanie Reed introduces us to Lowry Rankin, nothing but a boy in the beginning of the book, who must face constant danger and moral dilemmas when confronted with the reality of the 'family business.' Will he become a preacher and abolitionist like his father? Or will his shyness overtake his desire to help the slaves and preach the Word of God?

This is a story of courage and compassion with even a pinch of romance, but most of all - a story that won't be forgotten. Join Lowry in his adventures, and journey Across the Wide River.

Product Details:
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (November 25, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN: 0825435765

Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary E. DeMuth

In the pages of Watching the Tree Limbs, Mary DeMuth threads mystery throughout the book. Who is nine-year old Mara? Why won’t the people in her life answer her many questions to her satisfaction? And why does she always feel so out of place?

Mary’s well-developed and multi-faceted main character will tug at your heart, while the actions of people in Mara’s life make you want to reach into the pages to pull Mara into your arms to save her. But you can’t. So, even though the first chapter leaves you heartbroken and horrified, you must read on. Surely redemption can be found.

With a sure hand, DeMuth guides her reader through several touchy issues with acute sensitivity. When you conclude the book, you’ll be saddened to leave Mara. I wanted to continue to read to see where Mara’s path in life would lead. To my delight, Mary DeMuth has graced us with a few pages from her follow-up novel, Wishing on Dandelions, set to release late 2006.

I picked up this book intending to read a couple chapters before bedtime. I read about a third before I knew it. I have no doubt you’ll do the same. An engrossing and inspiring read. Highly recommended.

Product Details:
Paperback: 369 pages
Publisher: Navpress Publishing Group (March 5, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 1576839265

Mary E. DeMuth's Website: Relevant Prose

Note: I received this book from NavPress to review.

The Da Vinci CodeBreaker by James L. Garlow

In The Da Vinci Code, author Dan Brown presents a mix of fact and fiction certain to lead many to question the Bible's integrity and Christianity's impact on history. Since fact checking does not seem to be a strong suit for Brown, this reference guide, The Da Vinci CodeBreaker, provides well-researched answers, both theologically and historically, to questions raised after reading Brown's book.

The topics are in alphabetical order. Maps, charts, photos, and symbols help discern fact from fiction in a clear, concise manner. Even if you've never read The Da Vinci Code or seen the movie adaptation, you'll still find great information in the book. The chart explaining when and why each book of the Bible was canonized is especially helpful.

The Da Vinci CodeBreaker by James L. Garlow (with Timothy Paul Jones and April Williams) is perfect for anyone who seeks to know the historical truth about Jesus and the Christian faith. This book will have you prepared to provide answers when someone asks you about the claims made in the novel and the film.

Product Details:
Paperback: 203 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 0764201859

NOTE: This book was given to me by Active Christian Media for the purpose of receiving reviews.

The Embrace of a Father compiled by Wayne Holmes

You'll be drawn into the embrace of the Heavenly Father as you read stories of love and relationship with earthly fathers in Wayne Holmes compilation, The Embrace of a Father. Men will find themselves inspired to become better dads, and more like the Heavenly Father. There are well known and lesser-known authors, but every story holds an important place in the book.

One story in particular, "Just Love Her," is representative of all the stories - a retelling of a teaching moment with a scriptural principle applied. With stories short enough to be read on the run, this book would be a great gift for anyone - not just the men in your life.

Product Details:
Hardcover: 232 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 2006)
Language: English
ISBN: 0764200569