All for a Song

All for a Song

by Allison Pittman

About the book (from the publisher):

Dorothy Lynn Dunbar has everything she ever wanted: her family, her church, her community, and plans to marry the young pastor who took over her father's pulpit. Time spent in the woods, lifting her heart and voice in worship accompanied by her brother's old guitar, makes her life complete...and yet she longs for something more. Spending a few days in St. Louis with her sister's family, Dorothy Lynn discovers a whole new way of life - movies, music, dancing; daring fashions and fancy cars. And a dynamic charismatic evangelist...who just happens to be a woman. When Dorothy Lynn is offered a chance to join Aimee Semple McPherson's crusade team, she finds herself confronted with temptations she never dreamed of. Can Dorothy Lynn embrace all the Roaring Twenties has to offer without losing herself in the process?

My take:

I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn't sure how I would like the split story between the present day and the 1920s, but I ended up really liking it. I found myself engaged in the story of Dorothy Lynn's life and didn't want it to end! I was very intrigued by Aimee Semple McPherson, did a little research on her, and discovered that she was the founder of the Foursquare Church! One thing I found strange was the showmanship in her crusades that the book alluded to. It made me wonder if Aimee was really like that, or if it was just a guess on the part of the author, to make the story a little more interesting. Aimee's character was one of my least favorites in the book. I really enjoyed Dorothy Lynn's story though. I found her to be a character I could really relate to, and I'm sure many others would feel the same.

Overall, I loved this fascinating story about a young woman coming of age in the Roaring Twenties. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical fiction book. I give this book a "4 1/2."

Author Q&A:


1. What was your inspiration for this book, All for a Song?

There were so many different pieces that came together with this book; it’s hard to name just
one. First, I was introduced to, and then became fascinated with Aimee Semple McPherson,
and while I wasn’t ready to take on her story, I knew I wanted to create my own characters to
somehow come into her sphere. She was a woman who embraced both ministry and fame,
and I wanted to create a character who had that same opportunity. With that, I am so
inspired by the decade of the 1920’s—such sweeping social changes, shifts in moral
centering, an explosion of choices and opportunities for women. It was a time to test one’s
faith—to go against the new norms in pursuit of righteousness. Such a challenge!

2. Tell me about your main character Dorothy Lynn. Was her character based upon anyone in 
particular?

The young Dorothy Lynn, no, not really—not beyond any other singer/songwriter out there.
She’s a young woman with a message and a voice, so maybe she’s a mash-up of every
musician I know. The older Dorothy Lynn, Miss Lynnie, is somewhat based on the mother of a
friend of mine. His mother went to be with the Lord while I was in the final stages of writing this
novel, and at her funeral, I learned that she had a stroke years before her passing, during
which she had a glimpse of Heaven, and had spent her intervening years longing to return. I
remember going home from that celebration of her life and re-writing just about every Breath
of Angels scene, incorporating that into Dorothy Lynn’s story. It was exactly what the story
needed, and brought about a depth I couldn’t have imagined in the initial draft.

3. What lessons or truths will your readers find in the pages of this novel?

I hope that they learn that it’s good to take a chance, to take hold of opportunities that
come your way, even if it doesn’t always make sense to do so. Yes, there are times that
require periods of prayer and reflection and guidance-seeking, but then there are times when
you have to hop on the next train and trust that God has the details well in hand. Along with
that, I’d want them to know that while there is breath, there is opportunity for grace and
forgiveness, but we might need to humble ourselves. There’s a theme of a longing for home,
no matter how enticing the alternative seems.

4. Although this novel is set in the 1920s, how does Dorothy Lynn’s story still resonate today?

The world today wants nothing more than to entice young women to exploit themselves in
some way, and the enemy wants nothing more than to make us think that we are beyond
redemption. We all make stupid, thoughtless, reckless decisions; we all get ourselves into such
unbelievably embarrassing messes; we all disappoint our loved ones. The world tells you to
move on; God tells you to go back.

5. As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?

Oh, my goodness. As a historical writer, I loved the time period—that sort of new, innocent
fumbling with innovations of the time. One of my favorite scenes was when the 107-year-old
Dorothy Lynn experiences her first iPad. (By the way, I had to make her that old in order to
make all the history “fit.” I spent every day for a month watching the Willard Scott segment on
the Today show making sure that her age would be believable. Wouldn’t you know? Every
week there’s somebody that tops the 105th birthday!)

6. What is your hope for this story? How would you like it to impact readers?

I would love it if this book would prompt a reader to reach out to somebody they feel they
have lost. Reconciliation is hard—whether you’re the perpetrator or the victim of whatever
“wrong” that happened. But life is short, even if you’re going to get more than a century of
living, at some time that final day will come. Close those gaps in your life. Offer and ask for
forgiveness. Leave a legacy of grace.

7. How has this novel helped you to grow as a storyteller?

My tendency (a very purposeful one) is to leave my stories with a bit of an “unfinished” edge.
I like my characters to leave the page on the cusp of fulfillment, so that my readers can have
the pleasure of imagining those final, satisfying moments. A good friend (and, coincidentally
a fan) of mine said, “I love your books. I hate your endings. I’m just going to have to accept
that this is what an Allison Pittman story does.” So—how fun was this to write the most definitive
ending, ever! To open a story on the last day of a character’s life—so totally new for me.

8. What is the best advice or encouragement that you have received?

It goes back to a conversation I had with James Scott Bell back when I’d written
approximately 7 chapters of what would become my first novel, Ten Thousand Charms. The
whole conversation is chronicled in Chapter 16 of his fabulous book The Art of War for Writers.
(I’m the “young woman” – which I was, at the time, sort of…) Anyway, I was frustrated and
discouraged, and he explained to me that this writing thing was like a pyramid. At its base,
you have everybody who ever thinks they maybe might want to try to start writing a book
someday. At the top is Max Lucado. The rest of us are somewhere in-between. “Your job…is
to keep moving up the pyramid. Each level presents its own challenges, so concentrate on
the ones right in front of you.” I love and welcome every new challenge.


About the author:

Award-winning author Allison Pittman left a seventeen-year teaching career in 2005 to follow the Lord's calling into the world of Christian fiction, and God continues to bless her step of faith. Her novels For Time and Eternity and Forsaking All Others were both finalists for the Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction, and her novel Stealing Home won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Award. She heads up successful, thriving writers' group in San Antonio, Texas, where she lives with her husband, Mike, their three sons, and the canine star of the family  - Stella.

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

Beyond Ordinary

Beyond Ordinary

by Justin & Trisha Davis

About the book (from the publisher): 

How safe is your marriage? The answer may surprise you. The biggest threat to any marriage isn't infidelity or miscommunication. The greatest enemy is ordinary. Ordinary marriages lose hope. Ordinary marriages lack vision. Ordinary marriages give in to compromise. Ordinary is the belief that this is as good as it will ever get. And when we begin to settle for ordinary, it's easy to move from "I do" to "I'm done." Justin and Trisha Davis know just how dangerous ordinary can be. In this beautifully written book, Justin and Trisha take us inside the slow fade that occurred in their own marriage - each telling the story from their own perspective. Together, they reveal the mistakes they made, the work they avoided, the thoughts and feelings that led to an affair and near divorce, and finally, the heart-change that had to occur in both of them before they could experience the hope, healing, and restoration of a truly extraordinary marriage.

My take:

I am single, but I decided to read this book anyway because I am all for learning as much about marriage and relationships before I get there. Before I discuss the book any further, I want to say how amazing it was to read about a marriage that almost ended, but survived victoriously due to God's powerful grace in this couples' lives. I am always so happy to read about marriages that came back from the brink of disaster, because so many times the opposite ends up happening.

Concerning the overall message of the book, I really liked what the Davises had to say about making your marriage extraordinary. I also appreciated their gut-wrenching honesty in relating the causes of the breakdown of their marriage. It was really interesting to hear the story from both of their perspectives. What I struggled with a little bit was the lack of details leading up to the affair, and Justin's revelations that seemed to come out of "nowhere." On the other hand, the lack of details could be to protect the other party involved, since no names were mentioned, and it seemed as if restoration had not happened between the other party yet. This was not an easy book to read, considering the subject matter, but I did find myself compelled with the Davises' story.

I rate this book a "4" and would recommend it to anyone who wants to strengthen their marriage - whether they are already married or waiting to get married.


Watch the book trailer here:

watch on tyndale.com

Read the first chapter here.


About the authors:

Justin and Trisha Davis met at Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, Illinois. Justin received his BA in Christian Education, and Trisha later earned her BA degree from Indiana University. The Davises' return to ministry is the result of a victorious battle for their marriage and family. After successfully planting their first church, their marriage was devastated by an affair. What followed was a four-year journey of pain, grief, and ultimately, by the grace of God, the restoration of their relationship. In 2009 they founded RefineUs Ministries, Inc., to ignite a movement in the church and among pastors and church planters to build healthy marriages and families. They consider the resurrection of their marriage to be a great gift and feel it a privilege to use RefineUs to help others find that same healing. Today Justin and Trisha are bloggers, authors, and teachers in Nashville, Tennessee, where they reside with their three boys. Justin is currently campus and teaching pastor of Cross Point Community Church, Bellevue Campus.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers  through NetGalley. 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

The Search Committee

The Search Committee

by Tim Owens

From the back cover:

When a small-town southern church throws a hodgepodge of wildly different personalities together in a van and sends them out to look for a new pastor, the dust gets kicked up in more ways than one. There's Travis, a young husband whose ambiguity about becoming a father is threatening his marriage. Dot, a middle-aged busybody whose strong opinions set everyone's teeth on edge. Susie, an attractive single mom coping with a troubled teenage son. Bill, an older man who centers his entire life around caring for his fragile wife. Joyce, a transplanted Yankee who feels like an outsider. Matt, highly educated but socially awkward. And Frankie, who just tries to keep the peace. Jostling along bumpy back roads, they squabble about practically everything, from which pastoral candidates show promise to where to stop for lunch. But gradually the facades fall away, revealing seven lonely souls drawn together in a search for healing and grace. 

My take:

When I read the description of this slightly quirky sounding book, I knew I would enjoy reading it. After finishing the book, I can't say I am disappointed. I really enjoyed Owens' descriptions of all of the characters in the book, and the insight into all of their lives. While Travis and Matt's stories are highlighted the most, I found myself drawn into all of the characters' stories and wish this book had a sequel or was part of a series.

While I am not familiar enough with search committees to know if most search committees are conducted in the way they were in the book, I am now interested to do a little research to find out. Each of the characters in the book were so real, and could be anyone in the church - from gossipy Dot to uncertain about himself Matt, I could relate to a part of each of their lives.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good Christian fiction. I am looking forward to reading Tim Owen's next book. I give this one a "5."

You can purchase the book here.


About the author: Tim Owens grew up in eastern North Carolina and now lives in Summerville, South Carolina with his wife, Ruth, and their four children. He is an environmental engineer, and in addition to writing, he enjoys working on his old Ford tractor at his farm near Ehrhardt, South Carolina. Once the backsliding son of a Southern Baptist preacher, Tim was led gently by his wife into the Presbyterian church, where he is now an elder. This is his first novel. Visit his website at www.timowensauthor.com.

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

A Heart for Freedom

A Heart for Freedom

by Chai Ling

In the spring of 1989, a series of protests in Beijing, China's Tiananmen Square broke out. The response of the Chinese government horrified the world, who watched the events on television. Chai Ling was part of the demonstrations, but she was trying to do so peacefully and help bring calm to the other demonstrators. A Heart for Freedom tells Ling's story from childhood to college, to the Tiananmen Square protests, to her heart for rescuing the children that China has abandoned.

Ling recounts her 3 forced abortions under China's one child policy. I read with horror that women in China must get a birthing license in order to give birth. Women who aren't married, or already have a child, definitely cannot obtain a birthing license - therefore, the government forces them to abort their babies.

The book got a little "detail heavy" around the Tiananmen Square scenes, but I know it was necessary for Ling to recount not only what happened, but to honor those who died while protesting for something they believed in, and, I think, to get some closure for herself. The part of the book that fascinated me was her escape from China and her days as a fugitive.

I admire Ling for her courage in taking a stand for what she believes in. She recently accepted Christ as her Savior, and sees her mission to save China and the girls of China, in the light of God's truth. Today, Ling has an organization called All Girls Allowed, whose mission is "to restore life, value, and dignity to girls and mothers, and to reveal the injustice of China's One-Child Policy."

No doubt, this book is not easy to read, due to all of the horrors experienced at the hands of the Chinese government. But I think it is one that everyone should read, or at least know about.

Read more: http://www.allgirlsallowed.org/about/our-mission#ixzz1ZuDHJHWZ

About the author:

In addition to founding All Girls Allowed, Chai Ling serves as the Founding President and Chief Operating Officer of Jenzabar, Inc., a leading higher education software and services provider. Prior to Jenzabar, Chai Ling worked as a consultant at Bain & Company, a leading global business and strategy consulting firm. She holds a M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, a M.L.A. in Public Affairs at Princeton University, and a B.A. from Beijing University. Chai Ling also established the Jenzabar Foundation and serves as one of its Board Members. The Foundation supports the most inspirational and influential humanitarian efforts of student leaders through grant opportunities. A key student leader herself in the 1989 Tiananmen Square movement, Chai Ling was subsequently named Glamour Woman of the Year and nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Read more at: http://www.allgirlsallowed.org/about/our-team#ixzz1XwuI9XJp.

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

Waiting for Dawn

Waiting for Dawn

by Susan May Warren

Jim Micah has two things on his mind: his regret of losing the woman he loves, Lacey Galloway, and his mission in Iraq. It is 1991 and the Gulf War is winding down, but things soon begin to heat up for Micah. When he and the men on his special operations team are attacked and taken prisoner by unknown enemies, he has to face his fears and decide who to trust. When Lacey hears Micah has gone missing, she decides to do everything she can to find him. Will she be successful? And will the two find happiness together?

This novella almost immediately jumps right into the action. I have not read a lot of novellas, save a few of those books that offer 3 or 4 short novellas in one, but this one caught my attention from the start. The novella ends kind of abruptly, in my opinion. Had I not read the author's afterword, I would have been sorely disappointed. Apparently this is supposed to be the prequel to Flee the Night, the first novel in Warren's Team Hope series. Warren states in the afterword that many of her readers had been asking for background on Micah's story, so hence the creation of Waiting for Dawn. Reading this short story made me interested in reading the rest of the Team Hope series. I will definitely read those books now. 

I would give this novella a 4.5 out of 5, simply because of my confusion at the end of the story.

Waiting for Dawn was released directly to digital edition and is available on Amazon.com and other digital retail sites.

About the author:

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers, as part of the Digital First program through NetGalley. 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.

Cash Burn

Cash Burn

by Michael Berrier

Jason Dunn is a senior executive for Building Trust Bank. His wife, Serena, recently left him for another man. His brother, Flip, just got out of prison and is already evading his parole officer. Brenda Tierney is Jason's beautiful new administrative assistant who idolizes him. When Jason makes a costly mistake, the CEO puts his arch-nemesis in charge of him, which leaves him restless and unhappy with his job. Brenda plants an idea in Jason's mind that would make it all go away...will he have the ability to pull it off? 

I loved this book. It kept me flipping page after page, and I didn't want to put it down. The story had several twists and turns, and an ending that I totally didn't expect. As far as Christianity in the novel, there were references to church and a pastor makes several appearances throughout the story. What I feel is lacking is a "Christ theme." What do I mean by that? Well, Jason, Flip, and Brenda are all pretty immoral characters. While some consequences for immorality appeared, I found myself wishing that at least one of the characters would come to the realization of his/her need for Christ. I don't want to give away any of the plot, so I won't say anymore. But overall, I did really enjoy reading this story. I would compare it to a John Grisham novel. If you like suspense and thrillers, you will also love this book. 

About the author: Michael Berrier

Michael Berrier is a businessman and novelist with a special interest in ethical practices and corporate citizenship. He studied fiction writing under T.C. Boyle and the University of Southern California. He has spent a thirty-year career in business and is a co-founder of Square 1 Bank, currently serving as Risk Manager.  Michael lives in the San Diego area with his wife and son and their Border Terriers, Jethro and Jack.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers, as part of the Digital First 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.",

Desert Gift

Desert Gift

by Sally John

Jillian Galloway, a marriage expert with her own radio show, is about to go on her book signing tour in California when Jack, her husband of 24 years, announces he wants out of their marriage. The news leaves Jillian spinning - for not only is her marriage crumbling apart, but it leaves her profession in question. How in the world does a marriage expert's marriage fall apart? Jill goes back to her childhood home and reconnects with her parents, her sister, and some old friends. She also meets some new friends who challenge her in her faith. 

I really liked this book. I'm not married, but it was nice to read a Christian fiction book that brought in principles for a godly marriage - food for thought for the future! I found myself swept up in Jillian and Jack's story, and I really empathized with them. I also really appreciated the way the author had the couple honestly deal with marital problems, and not just "neatly wrap things up" the way fiction sometimes can. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's married, or would like to be someday. 

My Foolish Heart

 

My Foolish Heart

by Susan May Warren

Isadora Presley ("Issy") can barely leave her house without a panic attack, ever since her mother's fatal car crash 2 years ago. And even though she's never had a date, she hosts a radio show called "My Foolish Heart," where the lovelorn call in to ask advice. Caleb Knight is her new next door neighbor - he has a war injury and a thing for Issy, though she only rates him a "6." He's vying for the Deep Haven High School football coach position along with Seb Brewster, who was a hometown football hero in his day. Seb and Lucy Maguire, Issy's best friend, used to be an item until she caught him kissing one of the cheerleaders. Lucy has put up armored shields around her heart since his betrayal. When Seb returns to town, what will Lucy do? And will Issy and Caleb get together?

I loved this book. It was one of those that I wanted to stay up late reading, just to find out what was going to happen to these 4 fascinating characters. It was the perfect mix of romance, wit, drama, and enjoyable story line. I found myself identifying with both Issy and Lucy, for different reasons. I am looking forward to reading the previous 2 novels in the Deep Haven series, along with Susan May Warren's other books.

Gray Matter

Gray Matter

by David Levy, MD

Dr. David Levy is an endovascular neurosurgeon who deals with a lot of life threatening cases in the operating room. But his healing doesn’t begin in the OR. He prays with patients – in his clinic, right before surgery, and after surgery. And he has found that communicating with God brings better surgical outcomes. He has also found that many of the symptoms that people carry are psychosomatic – or, as the dictionary defines it, “caused by or notably influenced by emotional factors.”

This is a fascinating account of a doctor who operates in a very different way than most doctors. Working for a neurosurgeon myself, I could identify with a lot of the issues that Dr. Levy talks about – those dealing with the patients themselves, and some of the illnesses. I was very impressed by the manner in which Dr. Levy treats his patients. He realizes that it is not only the illness that needs to be treated, but also the underlying emotional/spiritual issues. I think he is the type of doctor that anyone would love to have – man of God, compassionate, and highly knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this book.

False Witness

False Witness

by Randy Singer

Professor Wang Dagan has created the abacus algorithm, a mathematical formula that has the power to cripple the internet. The Chinese mafia gets wind of its existence, and will do anything to get ahold of it. They kidnap Jessica Shealy, wife of bounty hunter Clark Shealy, in order to force Clark to track down Dagan and the algorithm. The Shealys are able to escape, but are forced to go into witness protection. Enter Jamie Brock, Isaiah Haywood, and Wellington Farnsworth, all law students working at a legal aid clinic. The Shealys approach them with an interesting request. What will happen to the Shealys and the algorithm? What happens to Wang Dagan? I can’t go into a lot of detail on this book, because too much of the plot would be given away.

I did struggle with the intense violence in the beginning of the book. A less sensitive person may not be bothered by it, but I had a hard time not squirming in my seat at certain parts. However, I was intrigued by the age old struggle between good and evil that was represented in this book. I found myself asking myself how far I would go to protect someone I loved. Would I inflict violence on someone else? How much worth can you place on each life – is it okay to torture and kill someone in order to save another? The author did not create a Christian character in Clark Shealy. His character did have some morals, because he did experience some hesitation before the violence. But it made me wonder how differently the story would have turned out had Shealy been a Christian.

I highly recommend this book that I could barely put down!

**After note: I wrote this review, then went to post it on Amazon. Curious about what others had to say, I read through some of the reviews and was confused when I saw some reviews that talked about the book’s treatment of the Indian Dalit Untouchables. It made me wonder if I had read the same book as them. Then I discovered that the new Tyndale edition had been revised. Professor Dagan was now Professor Kumari, and the Chinese Underground Church was now the Dalits, the lowest caste in Indian society. It doesn’t appear that the storyline was changed any more than that. I do wish that I had known of these changes before I read the original, though.

Journey to Riverbend

Journey to Riverbend

by Henry McLaughlin

Some books take me a bit of time to get into. This book is one of them. But once I was interested, I was hooked, and could hardly put it down. The book opens with an introduction to Michael Archer and Ben Carstairs. Michael works as a jail chaplain, and Ben is about to be hung for a crime he didn't commit. Right before he dies, Ben asks Michael to make amends with his father, Sam Carstairs, for him. Michael arrives in Riverbend, Sam's hometown, and discovers that Sam is out of town on business. He soon meets Rachel Stone, a beautiful girl with a less than reputable past, who lives with the preacher and his wife. Michael is able to relate to her because he has some things in his past that he would like to hide. 

Sam Carstairs is a ruthless businessman who will do whatever it takes to get ahead. His past shady business dealings come to haunt him, and he starts receiving notes from someone who wants him to pay for what he has done. He is kidnapped on the stagecoach on his way home, and the news gets to Riverbend. They put a posse together to find him, and Michael decides to join. 

I'm not going to give any more of the story away, but I can assure you this book will have you turning page after page. It's a very good story set in the old west. I really liked how the author painted Michael Archer as a strong man of God who is able to influence the men around him. I highly recommend this book.

About the author:

Henry McLaughlin is the 2009 winner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest. He has a master's degree in social work and spent many years working in the public child welfare system. It was in this role that he first honed his writing skills in preparing concise and accurate court reports and petitions. He retired from that career in 1999 to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Henry and his wife, Linda, have been married for over forty years and live in Saginaw, Texas. They have five children, the oldest of whom is in heaven, and one grandchild. Visit his website at www.henrymclaughlin.org. 

Her Daughter's Dream

Her Daughter's Dream

by Francine Rivers

I started Her Daughter's Dream almost immediately after finishing Her Mother's Hope. The first book ends with Marta, "Oma," going to her daughter Hildemara's house to take care of Carolyn, her granddaughter, while Hildemara recovered from tuberculosis. This serves to further drive a wedge in Hildemara and Marta's relationship, as jealousy crops up over who will care for Carolyn.

I was quickly swept up into the book as Carolyn's story started to unfold. One tragedy after another seems to define her life, and she runs away to the counter-culture of San Francisco in the 1960s. When she returns home, she finds out she is expecting a baby, who she names May Flower Dawn.

I think I liked this book even more than the first. I loved reading about how God redeemed the lives of the characters, and "restored the years that the locust had eaten." My favorite books always have a theme of redemption, and Francine Rivers never fails to disappoint. I especially enjoyed reading the afterword, where Francine talked a little bit about her family's history, and how it correllated with the story in this series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about God's redeeming mercy in the lives of characters that seem like they could live next door.

Life Promises for Success

Life Promises for Success

by Jim Tressel

"Commitment is the key to every relationship. Whatever team you're on, whether it's a marriage, a family, a work team, or a sports team, in order to achieve whatever goals you've set, you must be bound together by a love that exhibits itself in extreme commitment and the laying down of one's life for the common good. The failure to commit ourselves is evident in so many aspects of our society. People want to be "cool" rather than committed. They want to be esteemed and lifted up. But you can't focus on being cool if you want to be a champion." - Jim Tressel

In Life Promises for Success, Ohio State University Coach Jim Tressel talks about success in three sections: The Essence of Success, The Elements of Success, and The Epitome of Success. In The Essence of Success he asks questions such as "How do you define success?" and "What's your self worth?" In The Elements of Success he uses short stories and illustrations to talk about character traits such as attitude, humility, persistence, and selflessness. And The Epitome of Success he goes over some final thoughts such as how to know you have reached the top of success. 

Though Tressel used a lot of sports (mostly football) analogies and personalities throughout the book, I didn't feel as if I were missing out on information just because I don't follow football.

I did enjoy reading the scripture before each reading, and how Tressel felt it tied into the meaning of success. This book would be a great choice for the athlete in your life, or even someone who is graduating. I know I will use this book when I need something inspirational to read, or I'm looking for some great quotes.

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

While the World Watched: Book Review

While the World Watched, by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

While the World Watched tells the story of Carolyn Maull McKinstry’s life growing up during the height of the Civil Rights torn south. From the first page, the reader is given a glimpse into what it was like to live as an African American in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s. The central event of the book is the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in1963, but McKinstry details many other incidents of Civil Rights unrest in the deep south.

I really enjoyed this book. McKinstry’s writing style was easy to follow, and I found myself gaining a better understanding of the depth of the Civil Rights problem in the south. I especially appreciated her candid discussion of her faith in God, and how forgiving those who wronged her, changed her life. The one thing that I did not like was the back and forth style at the beginning of the book, going from discussing different characters and events, to the day of the bombing, and back. It would have been easier to follow if she had just started from the beginning and led up to the bombing.

Overall, it was a great book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and desires a deeper understanding of historical events.

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