Death by Living by N.D. Wilson

Death by Living is a follow-up to N.D. Wilson’s critically acclaimed Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl. While Notes focused on a way of seeing life, Death by Living focuses on a way of living life. Wilson reminds each of us that to truly live we must recognize that we are dying. Every second we create more of our past—more decisions, more breathing, more love and more loathing.

In his uniquely poetic style, Wilson writes the stories of his grandparents, grapples with the concept of time, and inspires readers to “Burden your moments with thankfulness. Be as empty as you can be when the clock winds down. Spend your life. And if time is a river, may you leave a wake.”

 

My review:

This book sounded really good when I got the review offer for it, so I signed up for it. I really hate to give it a negative review, but I had a hard time getting into it. The author's style of writing seemed very disjointed to me, with him jumping from topic to topic and discussing very mundane things from his life. I even had a hard time understanding the point of the book.

 

   It is very possible it is just me, as the book has several 5-star reviews on Amazon, so this is a book that I am not going to recommend not reading, as other people obviously loved it. It just wasn't something I enjoyed.

 

About the author:

 

   N. D. Wilson is the best-selling author of the 100 Cupboards trilogy (now in more than 20

languages) and the acclaimed Ashtown Burials series (both from Random House). Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl was adapted into the widely distributed "bookumentary" film of the same name.

 

He has adventured on camera for the National Geographic Channel, is currently involved in producing C.S. Lewis' “The Great Divorce” for the screen (which he adapted himself), and once typed a short story on a napkin for Esquire magazine. His writing has been featured on media outlets ranging from NBC's “Today" show to NPR's “All Things Considered.” 

 

He was born and raised in Moscow, Idaho, where he currently lives with his wife and their five young kids (along with two tortoises and a snake). He is a Fellow of Literature at New Saint Andrews College, where he teaches freshmen how to play with words.

 

 

Death by Living is available from Thomas Nelson Publishing

 

Thanks to PR by the Book for the review copy

Pattern for Romance by Carla Gade

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pattern for Romance Abingdon Press (August 20, 2013) by Carla Gade

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Olson Gade has been imaging stories most of her life. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing Inspirational Historical Romance. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Writers, and the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary.

Her publishing credits also include a variety of newspaper articles, newsletters, and web content. She also enjoys developing discipleship materials for women. She has been a book judge for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest (RWA), and ACFW's Genesis Contest.

In addition to writing, Carla is a freelance website designer and webhost and an advocate for adult literacy. An experienced event and program planner/promoter, Carla designs marketing materials for her writing group, women's ministry, and other functions. Carla has also spoken at several women's events and facilitated many workshops and classes through the years.

An autodidact, creative thinker, and avid reader, Carla also enjoys genealogy, web design, and photography. A native New Englander, she lives in beautiful rural Maine with her "hero" husband and two young adult sons, and a new grandson.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan—a design for love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Pattern for Romance, go HERE.

Man In the Making by Rick Johnson

How does a boy become a man of character?
As your son grows toward manhood, you can instill in him the values and character traits he will need to succeed. Highlighting famous men throughout history and the character trait that made each an outstanding model of manhood, parenting expert Rick Johnson gives you strategies to help mold your son into an honorable man. Johnson describes the lives of men such as

· Martin Luther King Jr.
· George Washington
· John Wooden
· Abraham Lincoln
· Jedediah Smith
· Benjamin Franklin
· Leonardo da Vinci
· and more

With the understanding gleaned from this insightful book, you can positively influence your son's life--in a way that will last him a lifetime.

My review:
   I don't have any kids, nor will I likely ever have any, but I still like to review books like these once in a while to see what is out there to recommend to others, and to help get the word out about books like these.

  This book was written as a help for parents in raising their sons to turn out to the men they should be. I have read a few books like this, and this is one of the best ones I have read. In each chapter, the author takes a well known man of character and a character trait that stood out in them. He discusses briefly the man, then goes on to expound more on the character trait and how to instill it in boys.

  The book is not just a helpful tool, it is an interesting read, and I found the idea of using men from history to help show the value of each character trait an excellent idea and it makes the book even easier to glean helpful information from. I would recommend this book for any parents that have sons they are trying to raise right.

About the author:
  
  
Rick Johnson is a bestselling author of That's My Son; That's My Teenage Son; That's My Girl; Better Dads, Stronger Sons; and Becoming Your Spouse's Better Half. He is the founder of Better Dads and is a sought-after speaker at many large parenting and marriage conferences across the United States and Canada. Rick, his wife, Suzanne, and their grown children live in Oregon. To find out more about Rick Johnson, visit www.betterdads.net.

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

Thanks to Revell for the review copy.

  

Memory's Door by James Rubart, and win a Kindle Fire

The prophecy brought them together---to fight for the hearts of others and set them free.  

But the Wolf has risen, and now their greatest battle begins.  

 

The four members of Warriors Riding have learned to wage war in the supernatural, to send their spirits inside people's souls, to battle demonic forces, and to bring deep healing to those around them.  

 

But their leader Reece is struggling with the loss of his sight. Brandon is being stalked at his concerts by a man in the shadows. Dana's career is threatening to bury her. And Marcus questions his sanity as he seems to be slipping in and out of alternate realities.  

 

And now the second part of the prophecy has come true. The Wolf is hunting them and has set his trap. He circles, feeding on his supernatural hate of all they stand for. And he won't stop until he brings utter destruction to their bodies . . . and their souls.

 

My review:

    The first book in this series, Soul's Gate, was so good that I didn't have high hopes of the second book being as good, but once again James Rubart knocks one out of the park.

 

  Even though this is the second book in  a series, and a continuation of the story in the first book, it is also a lot different and just as good as the first. The same characters are again front and center that we have come to know and love, and they face even more and stronger trials and fights.

 

  The day I got this book in the mail, I sat down and started to read it and I could not put it down. This is a truly awesome and exciting read and I had to read through til the end. As with any James Rubart book, it is so much more than "fluff", but is as meaningful as non-fiction books.

 

   As with the first book, spiritual warfare plays a big part in the book, and it is a sobering reminder of how hard the devil fights Christians, and how we all need to be more on guard and pray even more than we do.

 

  Not everything that happened in the book was good, but it was a remarkable read and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading it. I am definitely looking forward to the next, and I assume conclusion to the series.

 

About the author:

 

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. While being the owner of Rooms, won a Best Books 2011 award from USA Book News, as well as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award. His debut release was followed by Book of Days, The Chair, and Soul's Gate. In addition to being an author, Rubart is also a photographer, guitarist, professional speaker, golfer and semi-pro magician. With all of this, he says that he barely sleeps. Rubart lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. 

Barefoot Marketing certainly keeps him on his toes, his passion is writing fiction. Rubart is an ECPA best-selling author who has been positively reviewed by both Publisher's Weekly and Romantic Times. His first novel,

 

To keep up with James L. Rubart, visit www.jimrubart.com.

 

 

James L. Rubart takes readers deeper into the world he began in Soul’s Gate (a 2013 Christy Award winner) with Memory’s Door (Thomas Nelson), the second book in the Well Spring series.

James is celebrating the Memory's Door release with a fantastic Kindle Fire HD giveaway.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD
• Soul's Gate and Memory's Door by James L. Rubart

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 7th. All winners will be announced September 9th at James' blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit James' blog on the 9th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to his blog (enter your email in the blog sidebar) and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

By Grace Alone by Derek Prince

Do You Long to Lay Hold of God's Grace and Mercy?
Do you sometimes feel trapped by a set of religious rules? Does your walk with God feel more like a checklist than a relationship? Do you feel as though you don't really measure up?

This book is for you.

Trusted Bible teacher Derek Prince shows you that being a Christian is not about being perfect. In fact, he says, we can never live up to the letter of the law. It is only when we let go of our constant striving for perfection that we encounter true perfection. How can that be? This one book will help you discover what really matters so you can embrace the grace of a loving, compassionate God.

It's time to stop striving, to walk away from the lies of legalism and to experience the freeing power of His all-encompassing grace.

"Sin shall not have dominion over you. Why? Because you are not under the Law, but under grace." -- Derek Prince

My review:
   It isn't often I review a book that I am totally disappointed in, but this was a book that falls into that category. I thought the book sounded good and might be a helpful book, but the author went overboard with his "not under the law" ideas. He had me confused for most of  the book on what he was trying to say, and seemed to give the idea that Jesus wiped out the ten commandments. I found myself disagreeing more than agreeing, and would not recommend this book.

About the author:

Derek Prince (1915-2003) is the author of more than 50 books and 600 audio and 100 video teachings, many of which have been translated and published in more than 100 languages. He founded Derek Prince Ministries International, and his daily radio broadcast, Derek Prince Legacy Radio, still reaches listeners around the world. His concise way of explaining the Bible has helped millions build a foundation of faith.

By Grace Alone is available from Chosen Publishing, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Chosen for the review copy.

The Candle Classic Bible

A Bible story for every day—365 of the best-loved Bible stories fully illustrated in a classic style will become favorites for children and parents alike, with each story divided into easy-to-read sections with the day, heading, and Scripture reference. Children are encouraged to spend family time together reading a new story each day.

Old Testament: From the Story of Creation to Isaac, from Joseph to Ruth, from Job to David, from Elisha to the Prophets.

New Testament: From John the Baptist to the story of Jesus, to the story of the Apostles, to John’s Vision of Heaven.

My review:
    This Bible/Bible storybook is set up with 365 stories so one can be read every day of the year. In my opinion, it is geared for younger kids, as the stories are short. Very short. Almost too short, but then if you're reading them to small children, short is good.

   There are a lot of stories covered, and a lot said in the condensed stories. There are also a lot of pictures that are very well done and kids will love.

  I have seen Bible storybooks that were more detailed, but if you're wanting one that can be used daily, then this would make an excellent tool for family devotions with small kids. The stories are short, but they are well written and kids will love them.

Finding God in the Bible by Darren Wilson

How well do you actually know God?
Do you see Him as an absentee landlord? A distant deity? An old man in the clouds?

Have you heard Him laugh? Have you experienced Him as jealous, protective or wildly loving? Have you seen Him weep for His people or felt His bone-crushing embrace? Do you believe these things are even possible?
Maybe you've been settling for a caricature of God.
You don't have to.

In this poignant and down-to-earth book, popular filmmaker Darren Wilson takes a closer look at God by looking at the way He treats His friends. Through modern-day stories of supernatural experiences and an astonishingly fresh take on familiar Bible stories, you'll get to know God in a way you never imagined.
Learn to hear the thundering beauty of His voice, and begin your own crazy, life-changing friendship with your Creator.

My review:
    By all appearances, this may seem like an odd title for a book: Finding God in the Bible. The Bible is all about Him, and it is His Word, so who needs to find God in the Bible of all places?

    A more apt description of the book would be finding God's character in the Bible. Wilson pulls up several characters in the Bible, all familiar to us, and takes a fresh and unique look at them and their relationship with God. Wilson weaves all of the stories together to show us the character of God and gets to the ultimate point of his book, which is what God wants with all of us: a relationship.

   I'm a guy who has struggled all of my life with the wrong view of what God is like, and I found this book refreshing and helpful. The author does a great job of not just giving a unique perspective on several Bible stories that are old hat to most of us, but also does a great job of bringing the truth home of what God is all about, wanting a relationship with us, and not just a relationship, but friendship.

  Some non-fiction books are easier to read than others, and this definitely falls into the easy to read category. It doesn't belabor heavy theological or doctrinal truths, but in a simple and interesting way makes the reader want a real relationship with God, not just a shallow religion of serving a far off God, and gives us a look at some of the Biblical characters who were God's friends.

   I would definitely recommend this book. It is worth reading and re-reading.


About the author:

   Darren Wilson is the founder of Wanderlust Productions. He has an MFA in screenwriting from Regent University. Wilson is currently the artist-in-residence at Judson University, and he speaks at churches and conferences with increasing regularity. He is the director of the feature films Finger of God, Furious Love, and the newly released Father of Lights and The Greatest Flight.

Wilson has been interviewed on It's Supernatural! with Sid Roth, and he was recently named one of the "21 Emerging Leaders of Tomorrow's Church" by Charisma magazine. He and his wife, Jenell, have three children and live near Chicago, Illinois. Learn more at www.wpfilm.com.

Finding God in the Bible is available from Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Chosen for the review copy.

Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel

Keeping the Secret of the Bones
Could Leave Jack With Blood on His Hands
After his many adventures, Jack Hawthorne has finally settled down. Married to Espy, and with two sons, he's content to live the life of a mild-mannered university professor. That all changes when someone discovers the secret of the prophet's bones Jack buried in the desert thirteen years ago. With just a single phone call, Jack's back on the run...with even more at stake than ever before. Determined not to risk the lives of his family, he knows the only way to finally be safe is to deliver the bones once and for all.

Except they aren't there. Someone got to the unmarked grave in the Australian outback first, leaving Jack and Espy empty-handed. Desperate, the two begin another globe-spanning race, following the tiniest of clues, to find the one thing that will either save their family or tear apart everything they hold dear.

My review:
   I love books that revolve around some kind of treasure hunting, and this series does exactly that. They are very similar to the Indiana Jones stories, but also different.

  I haven't yet read Elisha's Bones, which is the first book in this series, but enough reference is made to it that you don't need to read it before you read the other two books.

  In this book, Jack and Espy are now married with two sons and have to go globe trotting to track down the bones of Elisha again, but this time the stakes are much higher. I won't say how, as that would be a spoiler, but the book is another page turning, suspenseful novel with all kinds of surprises, twists, and danger. As so often with a book like this, I found myself so totally engrossed in it, that I kept reading until I came to the very satisfying conclusion.

  In addition to being a thrilling read, the book is also a great reminder that God can always be trusted and always works things out for our best. I totally loved this book, and enjoyed every page of it.

  I did have one issue with the book: It bothers me when a Christian author has a Christian character smoking, and that happens in this book. Other than that, it is a masterpiece of a treasure hunting suspense novel that I highly recommend.

  As of today, August 22, 2013 when I am typing this review, the first book in this series, Elisha's

Bones, is free on Amazon.com for the Kindle. I have no idea how long it will be free.

About the author:

   Don Hoesel is a Web site designer for a Medicare carrier in Nashville, TN. He has a BA in Mass Communication from Taylor University and has published short fiction in Relief Journal. He lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Blood and Bone is his fifth novel.

  Ways to keep up with him:

Twitter

donhoesel

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Don-Hoesel/148006918572365?ref=hl

Website

http://www.donhoesel.com

Blood and Bone is available from Bethany House Publishers. Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Into the Whirlwind Baker Publishing Group (August 15, 2013) by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.




ABOUT THE BOOK

After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Into the Whirlwind, go HERE.

The Lost Medallion by Bill Muir and Alex Kendrick

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Lost Medallion B&H Kids; Mti edition (June 1, 2013) by Bill Muir and Alex Kendrick

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bill Muir is a popular speaker, an international award winning film maker and a sought-after consultant.

Having completed his new novels The Lost Medallion and A Hidden Treasure, Bill has turned his creativity to his new Children’s novel, Howdy Neighbors.

When Bill isn’t writing a novel, he’s busy directing and producing movies. He recently spent four months in Thailand filming, The Lost Medallion: the adventures of Billy Stone. The movie will be in theaters this fall. When he isn’t working on movies, he’s having fun with his family working their farm.

Alex Kendrick is associate pastor of movie outreach for Sherwood Baptist Church. He is also an actor, writer, and director whose film credits include Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous. He and his wife, Christina, have six children.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Archaeologist Dr. Michael Stone looked for the lost medallion his entire life, and now his son Billy has taken up the search. Amazingly, the medallion ends up in Billy's hands and a spontaneous wish in a precarious situation takes Billy and his best friend Allie, back 200 years to what they realize is a very different Aumakua Island. When Billy and his friends are not jumping off waterfalls, avoiding animal traps, crossing the ocean, sneaking through caves or escaping a prison they're facing their nemesis Cobra, who wants nothing more than for them all to disappear. With no other way to get home, and the well being of the entire island resting on his shoulders, Billy must discover the key to reclaiming the medallion and its tremendous power. One way or another, this adventure will change Billy, and life on the island, forever. Best-selling author and film director Alex Kendrick (The Love Dare, Courageous) and Youth for Christ veteran Bill Muir bring us this exciting novelization of The Lost Medallion movie.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lost Medallion, go HERE.

My review:
    I viewed the movie The Lost Medallion a couple of months ago, and loved it. I almost passed on the book since I had seen the movie, but am glad I got it to review.
    The book has a lot of content not in the movie, and brings more about the characters than the movie did. Even though I had seen the movie, I enjoyed the book and found it an interesting read, even though it was written for kids. I appreciate the focus of the book on the fact that we are all valuable to God, no matter who we are or our station in life, and that He is the ultimate prize we can possess and have in our life.

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rules of Murder Bethany House Publishers (August 1, 2013) by Julianna Deering

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, 2014).



ABOUT THE BOOK

Downton Abbey Meets Agatha Christie in This Sparkling Mystery

Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels.

Soon, financial irregularities at Drew's stepfather's company come to light and it's clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer--and trying harder to impress Madeline--Drew must decide how far to take this game.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rules of Murder, go HERE.

My review:
   My hat is off to this author for being a female and writing a series with a male as the main character. This was one of those books that I thought sounded good, but after it came, I was dubious - the cover didn't exactly grab me and make me want to read it, but I picked it up one evening and started reading it, and was glad I did.

  This was different from my usual fare of suspense/mystery. It is set in the 1930's, without our modern ways of solving crime and all the electronic gadgets we have, so that made for an interesting read with that factoring in alone. This book was compared to Agatha Christie's books. I didn't read many of hers, but I did read a lot of Sherlock Holmes, and this book was a bit reminiscent of those books.

  I liked the characters Deering has created, with the exception of the airheaded society girls that were in the first part of the book, but I especially liked the main character, Drew, and assume from t he series title that there will be more books with his detecting skills at the forefront of the series. I did enjoy the book immensely, and found it a very enjoyable read. I do have one complaint: the author used several words from that time which I was not familiar with, and I had to look up a few that I couldn't figure the meaning out by their use. A glossary or even footnotes would have made for an easier read. Other than that, great book, and I am looking forward to more in the series.

  

Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island…. 

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder. 

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine’s father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can’t help being drawn to Hope Beach’s new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina. 

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other…and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

My review:
   I don't often read Colleen Coble's books, but after reading this book and the one that precedes it, I have to ask myself why I don't. This is an awesome series, and the setting is one of my favorite vacation spots: The Outer Banks.

   It has been several months since I read the first book in the series, but I think this one was even better than the first book. It had a great plot, some of the same characters from book one in the series, and great new characters. The suspense element was well done and had me hooked enough that I read the book through in one sitting. Although this is the second book in the series, they don't necessarily need to be read in order.

  I do enjoy every book I read by Colleen Coble, and this one ranks up with the best she has written. Great story, and no bad language or inappropriate content. This is Christian fiction done right.

About the author:

   Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

Rosemary Cottage is available from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for the review copy.

Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Millie's Treasure Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2013) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo comes Millie's Treasure, the second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, a new set of novels involving romance, adventure, and hidden identity.

Memphis 1890--Bookish heiress Millie Jean Cope is as clever as she is beautiful. Unfortunately, though adept at solving puzzles and cryptograms, she doesn't realize her new fiancé isn't who he claims to be, but instead is a charming scoundrel. The infamous Will Tucker is presenting himself as a British gentleman, Sir William Trueck, though in reality he is a crafty criminal looking for a hidden map to a secret treasure.

Pinkerton agent Kyle Russell has been on Tucker's trail for years. At last Kyle believes he has Tucker cornered, but he is uncertain whether the lovely woman on the con man's arm is an unsuspecting victim or willing accomplice. Finding reasons to spend time with Millie is easy. Keeping himself from falling in love with her is another issue entirely. A fun and entertaining story of how God can shine the light of truth on the most cryptic circumstances.

If you would like to read the first chapter of >Millie's Treasure, go HERE.

Are you a follower of Jesus? Don’t answer too quickly. In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a “Define the Relationship” conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you’re not into Jesus, period. In any case, don’t take the question---Are you a follower of Jesus?---lightly. Some people don’t know what they’ve said yes to and other people don’t realize what they’ve said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers. Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.

My review:
   I had the chance to review this book when it came out, but I passed it over for a fiction title. Maybe I needed it more now anyway, but after reading the author's second book and being very impressed with it, I decided I needed to read this one, and wow. Kyle really shows the difference in being a fan of Jesus and a follower of Jesus.

   The book is convicting and challenging. It causes the reader to examine his relationship with Jesus to see if it really is a relationship, or if its something we are into when its convenient, something we do because we grew up in the church.

  I definitely don't read enough non-fiction, but if there were more non-fiction books like this, I'd do it more. A book that stirs me, forces me to look at my spiritual life, a book that makes me want to do better, to truly follow Jesus and not be a fan. This is most likely the best non-fiction book I have read, and may be the book outside of the Bible that will have the greatest effect on my spiritual life. I am already intending to read it again, and feel all Christians should read it.

About the author:

   Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the
fourth largest church in America. He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling book not a fan. He is also the presenter of several video curricula, including not a fan, H2O, and the newly released study gods at war.

Not a Fan is available from Zondervan Publishing.