Thursday, December 15, 2011

Reclaiming Lily


Reclaiming Lily

by Patti Lacy

Dr. Kai Chang discovers that her mother died of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and dedicates her life to fighting the disease. Because the disease is hereditary, she is determined to track down her sister Lily, the daughter her parents gave up in China years ago.   Once she finds her location with adoptive parents Andrew and Gloria Powell in Texas, she attempts to make contact with them and Lily, now named Joy. The Powells are hesitant and paranoid that she is trying to take Joy away from them. When natural disaster, tragedy, and illness come upon them, suddenly what is most important rises to the surface. 

I loved this book. I really enjoyed all of the characters, and the plot stayed interesting to me until the very last page, and the very last paragraph, with a very surprising turn of events. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading contemporary fiction. 



About the author


Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a BS in education and completed master's-level courses in English at Indiana State University. She taught at Heartland Community College until May 2006, when she resigned to pursue her passion of writing. The author of three previous novels, Patti is the mother of two grown children and lives with her husband in Normal, Illinois. For more about Patti and her other books, visit her website at www.pattilacy.com


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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."

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Names of God Bible


The Names of God Bible

Edited by Ann Spangler

From the back cover:

One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know his names and titles as revealed in Scripture. Now the bestselling author of Praying the Names of God and Praying the Name of Jesus uncovers the richness of God's character and love found in his names right within the Bible text.


The Names of God Bible restores more than 10,000 occurrences of specific names of God - like Yahweh, El Shadday, El Elyon, and Adonay - to help readers connect with the Hebrew roots of their Christian faith and experience a deeper understanding of God's character. Perfect for personal study, prayer, and reflection, The Names of God Bible includes these special features: 

  • More than 10,000 names and titles of God restores to their Hebrew equivalent and printed in brown ink to stand out within the biblical text
  • Names of God reading paths lead readers to the next reference of the name so they can pray and study the names of God throughout Scripture
  • Name pages feature
    • background information associated with the most important names and titles of God
    • key scripture passages in which the name is revealed
    • devotional readings for each of the featured names
    • specific Bible promises connected to each of the featured names
  • Calling God by Name sidebars shed light on the relationship between biblical people and the specific names they called God

When I first heard this Bible was available for review, I quickly responded to review it. Several years ago I was in a Bible study that went over the names of God in depth. I realized that this Bible would help me to utilize the names that I learned several years ago.

Each book of the Bible includes a short introduction that includes the key names of God that are used in that book. For instance, the key names in the book of Proverbs are Yah and Yahweh (Lord), El, Elohim, and Eloah (God), and Migdal-Oz (Strong Tower). Then, throughout each book, instead of using the name "God," the specific name of God is used. For instance, here are the names of God used in Job 19:25-26:

"But I know that my Go'el lives, and afterwards, he will rise on the earth. Even after my skin has been stripped off my body, I will see Eloah in my own flesh." 

When I read that passage, it was my first time reading the name Go'el, so I looked it up and discovered that it mean "Redeemer/Defender." I also found a devotional reading on it, which gave me even greater understanding of its use. 

Now that I have The Names of God Bible, I am confident that I will be able to remember and use the names of God in prayer. I believe this Bible is an excellent resource for anyone who would like to know more about the names of God throughout Scripture.



About the editor, Ann Spangler:

Ann Spangler likens herself to the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Her sensitivity to the ever-changing spiritual and cultural climate in which we live has enabled her to address themes of profound interest to many readers. Praised for the freshness, depth, and honesty of her writing, Ann writes in ways that reveal not just her intellectual curiosity but her desire for a deeper connection with God. An award-winning writer, Ann published her first book in 1994. It became an instant best-seller. Since then she has followed up with several best-selling books, including Women of the Bible (co-authored with Jean Syswerda), Praying the Names of God, and Praying the Names of Jesus. Together, her books have sold nearly 3 million copies.

By paying attention to the spiritual and emotional hungers that animate us and by finding creative ways to explore God's self-revelation in Scripture, her writing surprises by revealing a God who is far often bigger and better than we might imagine.

In addition to writing, Ann has enjoyed a lengthy career in Christian publishing, working for William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Servant Publications, and Zondervan Publishing in marketing, editorial, and management roles. Her broad experience in publishing has convinced her that readers are looking for well-written books that explore the connection between spiritual experience and everyday life, books that engage the mind and strengthen the heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. 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."

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Remembering Christmas


















Remembering Christmas

by Dan Walsh

Rick Dalton's life is set with a comfortable job in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he can do and have whatever he wants. He hasn't spent much time with his mother and step-father, Leanne and Art Bell, who live in Florida. In fact, he really can't stand his step-father. When he receives a call that Art is seriously ill, and that his mother needs him to help run their Christian bookstore, he is more worried about himself and his own business than he is about how Art is doing.

When he first arrives at the bookstore he is a cynical and almost a Scrooge-like character who plans on staying for a few days just to help out his mom. What he doesn't plan on is how the bookstore customers will affect him, and how love will find him.

I really liked this book. It was a fast, easy read that was perfect with a cup of hot tea on a cold day. I could truly picture the characters and the little bookstore, and found myself wishing that they were real! I hope someone adapts it into a movie someday!

This book is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the author:

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, and The Deepest Waters. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.












Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. 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."