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.”

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

A Slow Burn by Mary E. DeMuth

When I hear that a new book by Mary DeMuth has been released, it immediately goes on my wish list. With little time to read these days, I make time to read Mary's books. A Slow Burn is the second in the Defiance Texas Trilogy. I read Daisy Chain and loved it, so I was eager to make my way back to the small Texas town that held so much mystery. The characters burrow their way into your heart, and like real life, their actions are unpredictable. This second book in the trilogy is a beautifully told tale of heartache and hope, all wrapped up in the story of grace. I can hardly wait for the third book!

Product Details:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; 1 edition (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310278376
ISBN-13: 978-0310278375

To read the review of Daisy Chain, click HERE.
Visit Mary's website: http://www.relevantprose.com/

Seeking Daily the Heart of God by Boyd Bailey

As I began reading Boyd Bailey's book, Seeking Daily the Heart of God, I actually turned to the front to look at the title again. At the top of the book, it says the book is part of a 'Daily Devotional Series.' These devotionals weren't written in the style to which I'd grown accustomed to read or that I write myself. To me, each of the 365 pieces is more like an encouraging, thought-provoking, mini-sermon.

My personal style and one popular in recent years is to convey a scriptural principle through the retelling of everyday events. Mr. Bailey's devotions are more 'old school' – a bit longer, a whole lot deeper, and designed with one intent - to whet your appetite to spend more time with God and His Word. Boyd ably accomplishes his goal. Two of my favorites are "Heaven's Handprints" and "Less Is More."

For a 'Daily Dose" from Boyd Bailey, visit Wisdom Hunters. Visit Family Christian Stores HERE to read a sample chapter.

Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth

I heard one time that from the first page, a good writer grabs you by the throat and doesn't let the reader go. Mary DeMuth does this effectively in Daisy Chain. Right from the start when a little girl goes missing, the tension builds. The mystery of her disappearance intertwines with the coming-of-age story about Jed, a 14-year old boy who saw Daisy last. To say Mary writes multi-dimensional characters would be an understatement. No person is ever painted black or white, good or evil, but with many shades of gray with the promise of good prevailing and bad will get its due punishment.

At times, this book so gripped my heart I had to lay it down, but could not forget the characters who had also made their way into my heart. In short order, I picked it up again to cheer Jed on in his quest to find Daisy and to find hope in spite of his father's hypocrisy and abuse.

Mary is a down-to-earth writer of realism, dedicated to truth and authentic living, and this book rings authentic and real. Although there is a secondary character who serves as a loving father figure, I would have liked to have seen a pastor in that role, but perhaps that's because I am a pastor's wife. The only other note – this is the first novel in a trilogy, so plot points are not tied up in a neat box. But then again – when is life ever so sweetly packaged?

Product Details:
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310278368
ISBN-13: 978-0310278368