With Mercy's Eyes by D. T. Powell

 

Book description:

He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he's gay, it's over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he's gay. But this one is different. She doesn't embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn't she?

My review:
  There aren't enough books like this on the Christian market, and I was happy to run across this one, thanks to a friend sending me a link to it. It is a long book - 532 pages, not counting the discussion questions and other extras. So it was a bit daunting, but I did read it in one afternoon.

 The book is fairly slow-paced for most of the story. This isn't a fast conversion story - not really a spoiler that there is a conversion...you figure there will be....but the author takes her time getting there. 

And that makes sense. Lane is a gay guy married to another man, who dies at the beginning of the first book. His Christian parents kicked him out when he was 18, and 20 years later he doesn't have a any good feelings about God and Christians. He isn't going to turn to God within the first couple of chapters. 

Speaking of Lane....The author did an excellent job on him. His past, what he was going through, his experiences with Christians and the church. And man, did he have it rough. Kind of like a gay Job. :) But he is impossible not to like, and you can't help but root for him. 

And he isn't the only likable character. There is Vic (Victoria). She ends up playing a huge part in his story, and man I was about sobbing towards the end of the book the way her part in the story played out. 

I have read a handful of books that deal with this issue, and I believe this is by far the best one I have read. The way the author handled it, the truths from the Bible she brought out...even the truths from a fictional novel Lane read that Vic wrote...this was a heartbreakingly beautiful story that brought out some truths I needed. The title, With Mercy's Eyes...I cannot explain it well, but the author brought out the idea of spiritual gifts, and that what so many gay people do is a sinful manifestation of what might be a spiritual gift. (Not saying being gay is a gift, but loving people and having the gift of mercy...the author explains it at the end of the book).

Anyway, this is a book that is worth reading. It is more than a fictional account of a messed up guy who comes to the point we all need to come to. It is a beautiful story of God's love and how He works in our lives, no matter how far we have gone.  

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
D. T. Powell grew up in a Christian home, loving books and reading. Her daily habits include: reading dozens of pages, picking which book to read next, and archiving and listening to sacred music. 

When she was nine, God sent a fictional character into her life who changed the way she looked at the world—and herself.

From then on, she wanted to show everyone what God had done for her, so she pursued an art degree… and was summarily kicked out of the program due to general lack of artistic talent.

Only after she graduated with a degree in business did she pick up the one utensil she had never thought to use, a pen. And she hasn’t put it down since.

To fill her writing day, she works on original stories, extensive fanfiction endeavors, and learning more about the craft of writing.

Her hobbies include hanging out with her husband and their three kitties, reading, playing pickleball, listening to music, and imagining scenes to use in future books. 

She loves Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

You can find her at dtpowellwrites.com, on IG - dtill359, or FB - D. T. Powell, Author

A War of Loves: The Unexpected Story of a Gay Activist Discovering Jesus by David Bennett

Book description:

At 14, David Bennett came out to his parents.

At 19, he encountered Jesus Christ.

At that moment, his life changed forever.

As a young gay man, David Bennett saw Christianity as an enemy to freedom for LGBTQI people, and his early experiences with prejudice and homophobia led him to become a gay activist. But when Jesus came into his life in a highly unexpected way, he was led down a path he never would have predicted or imagined.

In A War of Loves, David recounts his dramatic story, from his early years exploring new age religions and French existentialism to his university experiences as an activist. Following supernatural encounters with God, he embarked on a journey not only of seeking to reconcile his faith and sexuality but also of discovering the higher call of Jesus Christ.

A War of Loves investigates what the Bible teaches about sexuality and demonstrates the profligate, unqualified grace of God for all people. David describes the joy and intimacy he found in following Jesus Christ and how love has taken on a radically new and far richer meaning for him. 

My review:

  This is a book everyone should read: the Christian who has no clue about gay people and how to treat them, the out and proud gay person, the gay people in the closet, and those like me: we who struggle with this issue, know it is wrong to give into our attractions and desires, and are striving to serve God despite it.

 It is a book that if you go into it with the wrong mindset, you will be distracted by what you don't agree with, and will miss out. I didn't agree 100% with David, but that is OK.

 I ran across the author a few months back, and followed him on Twitter and Facebook, as I am interested in anyone who has same-sex attractions/is gay and serving God. I thought his book sounded worth reading, and I was fortunate to be able to review it.

 My review could be summed up in a few words: David's story is amazing. They of course want more than a few words, so I will go on.

 A lot of gay/SSA people have church backgrounds, and may be a little antagonistic towards God and Christians. David was an atheist and despised Christians. He took delight in fighting them (not physically), and had absolutely no interest in the church or God. Who would imagine a young man like him would be converted in a pub.

   His story doesn't read like many others I have read. It took him a few years to completely walk away from dating other guys, and surrendering his sexuality and desire for a boyfriend completely to God. I found his story very inspiring and encouraging, and also convicting. The point he came to in his surrender is one I honestly don't think I have ever come to, along with many other Christians.

  Bennett makes an interesting case for Christians with SSA to use the gay Christian label. I am not sure I agree, but he did stretch my thinking and caused me to look at some things like that in a different view.

 The book ends with an appendix of how he researched the verses on what the Bible says about homosexuality, and how he eventually came to believe that the Bible does not condone any kind of sexual relationship between people of the same sex.

 David Bennett's story is very inspiring and miraculous.... that God could save a young gay activist who didn't believe in God, and despised Christians and the church. It should give us hope that God can reach anyone.

 If there was such a thing as required reading for Christians, this book belongs on that list. I wish every Christian would read this book. There are a lot of books out there like it, but David does an amazing job of portraying what it is like to have these attractions and desires, and what it costs and what it takes to forsake them to follow Jesus.

  I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

David Bennett is from Sydney, Australia, and is reading for a DPhil (PhD) in theology at the University of Oxford. He is a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and holds an Oxford postgraduate degree in theology, as well as a master’s degree in analytic theology from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

 Find David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidACBennett

 And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidacbennett/

Check out the website for his book: https://www.awarofloves.com/

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story, by Christopher Yuan

Book description:

From the author of Out of a Far Country , which details his dramatic conversion from an agnostic gay man who put his identity in his sexuality to a Bible professor who now puts his identity in Christ alone, comes a gospel-centered discussion of sex, desire, and relationships. 

Dr. Christopher Yuan explores the concept of holy sexuality--chastity in singleness or faithfulness in marriage--in a practical and relevant manner, equipping readers with an accessible yet robust theology of sexuality. Whether you want to share Christ with a loved one who identifies as gay or you're wrestling with questions of identity yourself, this book will help you better understand sexuality in light of God's grand story and realize that holy sexuality is actually good news for all.

My review:

  I read and enjoyed Christopher Yuan's first book, Out of a Far Country (2011), which was the story of his change from a promiscuous gay man and drug dealer to a Christian. I highly recommend it.

   When I saw he had a new book coming out, I was definitely interested in reading it. The title immediately intrigued me...holy and sexuality are not usually put together.

 There is a large move on for Christians who are attracted to the same sex, and living a celibate life,  to use the "Christian gay", or just "gay" label. As a Christian who myself is attracted to the same sex, I have issues with that, but am trying to see their point of view. Yuan takes the opposite approach. The entire book is not about identity, but he does discuss it a lot in the book. And he knows his "stuff."

  Yuan makes a case that there is a difference in what is considered to be normal sexuality, and in holy sexuality. He has researched well, and added in his own experiences and has come up with a book that makes a lot of sense, and shows how even heterosexual people tend to idolize sex and relationships too much.

 One of the most helpful chapters in this book for Christians who do not personally have same-sex attractions, is a chapter on how to react and deal with it when someone confides that they are gay/same-sex attractions. That is followed by a chapter on discipleship that is valuable to any Christian.

 There are a lot of books on the Christian market dealing with gay issues/homosexuality, but this may be one of the most different of those. Yuan has very practical and Biblical thoughts and advice, and it is an interesting and easy to comprehend style.

"I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program."



About the author:

DR. CHRISTOPHER YUAN has taught at the Moody Bible Institute for over ten years and his speaking ministry on faith and sexuality has reached five continents. He speaks at conferences, on college campuses, and in churches. He co-authored with his mother, Angela, their memoir (now in seven languages), Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God, A Broken Mother's Search for Hope. He is also the author of Giving a Voice to the Voiceless. Dr. Yuan holds degrees from Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, and Bethel Seminary.

Ryan's Father by June Foster

Book description:


The rippling influence of Ryan Reid's less than moral mother and absent father left a mark on his soul. Yet everything changed when the young teacher gave his life to the Lord...almost everything.

An earthquake hurls the beautiful Sandy Arrington into his life, tossing his world upside down. But when God calls him to build an annex for needy teens at his church, he finds himself battling an attraction toward his male partner in the project. His own struggles and Sandy's growing feelings for him force Ryan to face the issue he's long buried.

Can he dig his way out from under his secret to find Sandy's love?



My review:

   I'd never heard of this author until last week. Another Christian fiction author was having a Christian fiction scavenger hunt online - they are fun, though I never win anything - and June was one of the authors participating. She was giving away a copy of this novel. so I entered to win and commented that I hoped to win it, as I also struggle with same-sex attractions as her main character in the book does. Next thing I know, she commented on my blog with an offer to review the book, which I took her up on.

  I have long wished a Christian author would write a book like this. I actually started to write one, but never finished it. I am going to review this in a slightly different manner, splitting the review up as I occasionally do into parts:

The writing:

  The book is well written, and I like the author's writing style. Sometimes with smaller publishing companies, the editing and writing aren't too great, but they are in this novel. Though not a suspense novel, I found myself engrossed in it as much as if it were.

The characters:

  If an author doesn't have likable and believable characters, the story can be a total loss. I found myself really liking  the characters in Ryan's Father, and especially Ryan, who I could completely empathize with. Often characters in books are too perfect, but Ryan's flaws and struggles made him all the more likable.

The struggle:

 I can personally attest what it is like to have this struggle. June did a masterful job of portraying the struggle and the anguish of a Christian wanting to do the right thing, yet gripped by desires they did not want or choose.

 This is not a slam of the author, as she said the same thing at the end of the book: the speed of Ryan's deliverance from same-sex attractions to opposite sex attractions is unrealistic. Though many men have changed enough to be able to marry a woman and make it work, it rarely - if ever - happens as fast as it did in the book, and many never are able to achieve that.

 It is getting harder and harder to be a Christian holding a Biblical view of sexuality, and it takes courage for an author to write a book like this. Not all will like it, and the author has already received some negative comments. I am one who appreciates this book a lot. It does not give an extensive look into what it is like to have this struggle, but it gives a good enough look that maybe Christians reading it will better understand what we go through who do have it.

 I very much enjoyed this book, largely in part because I could so much identify with it, but the author did a great job of addressing this very difficult issue through the medium of Christian fiction. I most definitely recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

  An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provided a rich source of information for her novels. In 2013, June's book Give Us This Day was a finalist in EPIC's eBook awards and in 2014 a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for best first book. Ryan's Father won The Clash of the Titles book of the month for January 2014 and was one of three finalists in the published contemporary fiction category of the 2014 Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest and Awards. Deliver Us was a finalist in COTT's 2014 Laurel Awards. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day, As We Forgive, and Deliver Us, and Hometown Fourth of July. Ryan's Father is available from WhiteFire Publishing. Red and the Wolf, a modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and For All Eternity are available from Amazon.com and Smashwords. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives.


Check out her blog at JuneFoster.com.


Ryan's Father is published by White Fire Publishing, and is available on Amazon.com. Christianbook.com, and other retail websites.

Hope for the Same-Sex Attracted

Book description: 

Helping the Same-Sex Attracted Faithfully Follow Jesus

As Christians seek to be biblically faithful on the issue of homosexuality, two fundamental questions come to mind: How can a person with same-sex attraction faithfully follow Jesus in his or her sexuality? And how can we support and encourage them in this?

With compassion and wisdom--on a topic rife with misunderstanding and hurt--author and pastor Ron Citlau will help you think deeply and clearly about every option the Bible offers, and what it clearly does not. Having personally dealt with same-sex attraction, walked with others still struggling, and pastored those with gay loved ones, he thoroughly examines all of the available options--heterosexual marriage, singleness, celibacy, and more--and considers them in light of the Scriptures.

With clarity and grace, he helps you discover the remarkable gifts God provides to the Christian who struggles with same-sex attraction and desires to faithfully follow Jesus. Here is a message of hope and practical, loving guidance for those who are same-sex attracted--and those who love them. 

My review:

  There are a lot of books on the Christian market about homosexuality/same-sex attraction. I have read a lot of them, and feel this is one of the better ones out there.

 The title of the book is "Hope for  the Same-sex attracted, and that is what the author does. Often in discussions about this issue, the person dealing with SSA gets lost in the discussion. I can attest personally that it is a very difficult thing to deal with, but this author gets it and has put onto paper not just how others can help people with SSA, but shows that there is indeed hope for we who deal personally with SSA.

 The first part of the book deals with the obstacles we face. The second section deals with the gifts we have that can be of help to us. The third section is final thoughts with a message for church leaders, and a last word of hope for the same-sex attracted.

 This is an interesting and helpful book not just for the same-sex attracted, but also for those wanting to better understand the issue and be a help to those dealing with it. I highly recommend it,

 I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Ron Citlau graduated from the University of California, Riverside and Western Theological Seminary. He has served in ministry positions in Southern California and Kansas City. He is the pastor of Calvary Church in Orland Park, Illinois, part of the Reformed Church in America.

Ron struggled with same-sex attraction his whole life and has worked with and walked alongside many others who have struggled with sexual brokenness, as well as equipping pastoral leaders to serve those dealing with sexual sin. He also worked with Andrew Comiskey, producing curriculum on sexual healing now used by Desert Stream Ministries in hundreds of churches throughout the country. When he isn't working, he loves to be with his wife, Amy, and their four boys: Jack, Sawyer, Eli, and Crosby.

Twitter @citlau

Websitehttp://www.compassionwithoutcompromise.com/


Hope For the Same-Sex Attracted is available from Bethany House Publishers.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

In His Image, A Mother's Reflection on Homosexuality by Carol Nesbitt

  ** I normally post a description of the book, but I cannot find one anywhere, so I will just say it is a book written by the mother of a gay son as she comes to terms with his being gay.

  My review:

   Disclaimer: Lest I be accused of being homophobic or anti-gay, let me say up front I have had same-sex attractions as far back as I can remember. I know how difficult it is. I know how unfair it seems to not be allowed to give into those desires and attractions......believe me, I get it. Now onto my review:

  I usually try to be as nice as I can when I don't like a book I review. I strive to be honest, but say what needs to be said in as nice of a way as possible. I may not be able to do that with this book.

First, the writing:

 The book is written in a rambling style that sounds like someone's diary......an amateur diary. There is way too much information given about other family members, and the issue of her son's sexuality takes up so little of the book, it could be cut in at least half to tell that part.

Second: anti-Biblical views

  Since there was little information about the book, I didn't know the author's views on the issue of homosexuality. Since a Christian publisher was offering it for review, I assumed the book was from a Biblical standpoint....... and how wrong I was.

 The author tells at how she was horrified at first to learn her son was gay, but then came to accept it. It took awhile before she blatantly disagreed with the Bible. Not only does she feel God made him gay and is OK with him being gay - as in having sex with other guys - she went through every passage in the Bible that condemns homosexuality, and very poorly refutes it. She shows her lack of Biblical knowledge by her desperate attempts to make her son's sexuality OK with God.

 I'll be honest: I didn't finish the book. I got about 75% of the way through it, and that is when she started contradicting the Bible, twisting Scripture, and tossing out what is inconvenient. I admire her love for her son, but true love doesn't pat people on the back and tell them the Bible is wrong about their sin. True love tells the truth and points those held captive even by homosexuality to the God who can set them free.

 Do not buy this book. It is completely against the Bible.

Still Life, Chesapeake Valor #2 by Dani Pettrey

Book description: 

Someone Is Out There. Watching Her. Waiting. 

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My review:

   Dani Pettrey is still a fairly new author, this being only her second series. However, she quickly became one of my favorite authors when I wasn't very far into her Alaskan Courage series, which I highly recommend.

 This series is a lot different from her first series, but just as suspenseful, gripping, and as great of a read.

  It has been a year since I read the first book in the series, so it took me a awhile to get familiarized again with the main characters, who most of which were in the first book. The Alaskan Courage Series revolved around members of the same family, with each of the 5 books centering on a different family member. Chesapeake Valor revolves around a group of friends, all in some sort of law enforcement/crime solving. There is also the mystery of a missing friend that has gone on through both books so far, and I am guessing will continue throughout the whole series.

 Still Life centers on Parker Micthell, a crime scene analyst, and Avery Tate, a crime scene photographer. The plot was a bit morbid, centering on the photographing of a dead girl, but it did make for an interesting plot.

  My only complaint with the book was there were so many suspects that I found it a bit confusing, but maybe that was just me. I loved the characters, the plot, and suspense. Towards the end of the book, I found myself suspecting the person who did indeed turn out to be the guilty party, and enjoyed figuring it out before it was revealed.

 This was a book that was difficult to put down. Pettey did not disappoint, but delivered the kind of suspense and quality Christian fiction she has already become known for. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


And for those into the show, you may find it of interest that Kenneth McNickle from the latest season of Survivor, is the cover model for this book.

About the author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.


Still Live is available from Bethany House Publishing, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Out: One Christian's Experience of Leaving the Gay Community by Bob Fife

Book description:

Bob Fife was raised in a small Ontario town by a Christian mother and an unbelieving father. The tensions made for a dysfunctional home and an uneasy life. But nothing prepared Bob for being sexually molested by an older boy he trusted--or what happened in his heart afterward. Out is the story of Bob's descent into homosexual practices and out again. His fascinating journey takes readers from the confusion of his teen years, to his marriage and fatherhood, to his discovery and embrace of the flamboyant Toronto gay scene. He describes abandoning his young family in order to fulfill his same-sex desires, taking him to London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Provincetown, Key West, and San Francisco. Over a decade later, an unexpected visit from his college-aged son caused Bob to confront the consequences of his indulgences and begin to seek change.

Today, Bob has been out of his gay lifestyle for over twenty years. He has reconnected with the church, built and maintained healthy, nonsexual relationships, and healed his relationship with his son. For those who want a way to deal with their same-sex attractions, not celebrate them, Bob's story points a way to grace and redemption.

My review:
 
  There are a lot more books around today about homosexuality from a Christian standpoint, than there were when I first started reading them. Since the issue is different in so many people, no book is alike, and not everyone's experiences are the same.

 The author of this book led a very promiscuous sexual lifestyle, which is sadly not the exception to the rule for most gay men, but it is also not indicative of every gay male.

  There are various theories on what causes and/or triggers same-sex attractions, and Bob Fife went through some of those things that many people believe help in that regard. He starts his story when he was a young boy, and takes it up to the present. He isn't graphic, but he is totally honest and open about what his life was like living as a gay male in the gay community.

 It is an interesting read. As a guy who deals with the same issue, most of what I read wasn't new to me, yet it is always interesting to read another person's story and perspective. For anyone dealing with same-sex attractions on any level, this book offers hope that God can deliver and is sufficient. For people who do not deal with same-sex attractions, it is a fascinating look into the life of a man who lived for his sexual desires for years, yet was saved from it by a loving God.

 I personally thought the book was written in a slightly disjointed style, but not so much that it was difficult to read. It was an easy, interesting, and very encouraging read that I highly recommend.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Bob Fife was raised in a small Ontario town by a Christian mother and an unbelieving father. The tensions made for a dysfunctional home and an uneasy life.But nothing prepared Fife for being sexually molested by an older boy he trusted --- or what happened in his heart afterward. Fife's book, Out, is the story of his descent into homosexual practices and out again.

Fife is an Ontario-businessman and has been out of the gay lifestyle for more than twenty years. Now reconnected with the church, he hopes his story points a way to grace and redemption. Today he devotes his time to mentoring men and women who are looking for alternative ways to deal with same-sex attraction.


"Out" is available from Kregel Publishing.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Jonathan Berry with Rob Wood

  Convinced that real satisfaction can be found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the author aims to encourage, inspire and equip all who struggle with same-sex temptations to resist, but 'make him their greatest treasure and live life to the full'. He invites us to dig deep and discover great truths about our awesome God and his plans and purposes for our lives, for only then can we live bravely, boldly and counter-culturally. He writes candidly, humbly and sensitively, with fellow strugglers in mind, but also their friends, families and the church leaders who support them, interweaving deeply personal stories from real life. God is good. He can be trusted even in the most painful situation. The surprising paradox is that it is the narrow road that leads to the abundant life promised by Jesus.

My review:

    Satisfaction Guaranteed was written by a man in his 40's with some help from a man in his 20's, both of whom are single and deal with same-sex attraction. The idea and goal of the book is to show how Christians who are attracted to the same sex can live a life in Christ that isn't sad and lonely. I have read a lot of books on the issue of same-sex attraction, but these guys have written one that is not only different from the other books out there, but may be one of the best books on this subject that I have read.

  The authors are honest about where they came from and where they are now. They make no promises that could give false hope. I felt they handled the issue of marriage very well, showing that it isn't what we should strive for, and it may not give the fulfillment and departure from loneliness that so many think they will find in marriage. They don't discount marriage, but show the benefits of being single and how it can truly be a gift.

  I found the book an interesting, encouraging, and helpful read. I believe the authors did what they set out to do: show that fulfillment and satisfaction can be found as a single person dealing with SSA, and that it comes from a life completely surrendered to Christ.

About the authors:

Jonathan Berry:

I came to faith in Christ aged 24 after walking into a church one Sunday morning ‘looking for God’. After becoming a Christian, the Holy Spirit convicted me through the Word of God to end a long-term same-sex relationship. This was my first major act of repentance. For the last 24 years, I’ve been learning how to live an unmarried, celibate life out of love for and obedience to the Lord Jesus. There are times when I’ve given into sexual temptations as a Christian. But on each occasion God’s mercy and loving, fatherly discipline has led me to repentance and back onto the narrow path that leads to life.

Having served as a pastor in a London church for ten years, I was appointed as Director of True Freedom Trust (TFT) in 2009. TFT is a Christian ministry that provides biblical teaching and pastoral support for Christians struggling with same-sex temptations, along with their families, friends and church leaders. I have overall responsibility for the teaching and pastoral aspects of the work and speak widely on these issues at churches, Bible colleges and conferences.

In my free time I usually enjoy walking, travelling, learning languages and am also a keen (and often disappointed!) supporter of Arsenal Football Club. Recently, I’ve invested much of my spare time in writing a book called ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed’, published by IVP on 19 May 2016.

Rob Wood: 

I first heard and responded to the gospel around the age of 10 in a church that was a former sweet shop. This may go some way to explaining my love of jelly babies! Now aged 25, my faith in Christ has grown through an ongoing battle against same-sex temptations, which I experienced from an early age. I did have one brief same-sex relationship, but was unable to reconcile this with my faith and am now fully committed to celibacy.

I’m self-employed as an internet marketing consultant (in simple terms I help companies to rank well on Google) and I also work part-time for True Freedom Trust as a Teaching and Pastoral Assistant. My real passion is reading, preaching and teaching God’s word. In addition to my speaking commitments with TFT, I occasionally preach at my local church.

In my spare time over recent months, I’ve been helping to write the book ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed.’ I’m also an avid supporter of Manchester United.


Check out their website at SatisfiedinChrist.com

Dwelling In the Land by Jeanette Howard

An important new volume by the author of Out of EgyptSome Christians who think of themselves as "gay" have sought healing and sexual reorientation. Some have chosen a freer interpretation of the biblical texts. Others don't know where they belong or what they should believe. Still others remain gay-identified yet choose celibacy. All have found that their sexual orientation strongly influences, even defines, who they perceive themselves to be.

Jeanette believes that to identify herself as "gay" does not do justice to what God has been doing in her life. Christians belong to Christ. "I have been born from on high and have a completely new DNA, God's DNA, residing in me and flowing through me," says Jeanette. "I am no longer a sinner but a saint. I am a daughter of the King."

With intelligence, compassion and fellow-feeling Jeanette explains what it means, as a Christian who has wrestled for the whole of her adult life with same--sex attraction, to live honestly and consistently as a Bible--believing Christian.

My review:
   I have read a lot of books on same-sex attractions/homosexuality over the years, but this is the first one I have read by and from the perspective of a woman. It is different, but it was still a great book to read. The book is very in depth, and covers a lot. It may be the longest book I have read on this issue, and it is obvious that not only has the author drawn on her personal experiences a lot, she has also done a lot of research.

  Howard deals a bit with the closing of Exodus International and what we can do post Exodus. She covers what we believe, and how we got to where we are today with the whole gay rights and gay agenda movement.

  I found the book encouraging and inspiring. Anyone could get some use out of this book whether you deal with same-sex attractions or not. It is very well written and informative,

About the author:

Jeanette Howard lives on England s southern coast, where she counsels and teaches those seeking to leave homosexuality behind. The beginning of her story can be found in her first book, Out of Egypt.


Dwelling in the Land is available from Monarch Publishing, an imprint of Kregel Publishing.

Struggle Central by Thomas Mark Zuniga

Struggle Central is a collection of “messy memoirs” from the quarter-life of blogger, Thomas Mark Zuniga. After an ideal upbringing in eastern Pennsylvania, he learned what it meant to struggle in northeast Georgia. Growing up in a perpetual Christian bubble, he confesses the ridicule he received at Christian schools and the isolation he experienced in churches across America. From fear to shame to closeted issues of sexuality, this book charts the struggles of a young introverted Christian trying to find his way in the world – and ultimately, the Church. It wasn't until a second cross-country relocation to southern California that he started finding what he’d long thought impossible.


My review:

   I ran across the author on yourotherbrothers.com, and when I saw he had a book, decided I needed to read it. Many parts of it were like reading my own story and experiences, though Thomas got his act together at a younger age than I did. The book is brutally honest and gives great insight into the same-sex attraction struggle and the struggle of one who has been bullied and the effects that can have.

  The book is very well written, and Thomas shows his struggles from a very young age up to where he is today. I found the book inspiring and encouraging, and is one that anyone can benefit from.

 About the author:

Thomas Mark Zuniga usually just goes by Tom. He is a twenty-something tutor, wanderer, and lifelong struggler currently residing in Orange County, California, but probably wandering elsewhere before too long. He blogs regularly about traveling and trials, faith and frivolity, and striving and strength. His writing has been featured on People of the Second Chance and other blogs. He is an avid runner and hopes to complete a marathon someday. He also longs to touch every continent and ride a camel and/or elephant. His favorite color is midnight blue, and his favorite struggle is incompetence. Struggle Central is his first book.

Check out his website at ThomasMarkZuniga.com

Critical Conversations: A Christian Parents' Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens by Tom Gilson

Christian parents need to be prepared to answer the myriad challenges teens might hear in today's increasingly pro homosexual culture. "Why shouldn't gays get married?" “Who says gay sex is wrong?" "Does the Bible actually say there's anything wrong with homosexuality?" "Don't you care that kids are being bullied just for being themselves?"

To start the discussion, Gilson provides a brief history of the issues beginning with the sexual revolution of the 1960s. He explains how and why cultural attitudes have reversed on this subject in such a short time-span, leaving Christians scrambling for answers.

This is perhaps the most complicated and contentious issue Christians face in today's culture. Most churches are poorly equipped to handle it; parents are even less prepared. The good news is that parents need not have pat answers ready before they dive into conversations with their teens and preteens on this difficult topic. Learning together—parents struggling through these issues alongside their kids and leading them to biblical answers— has relational benefits.

Answers are important, though, so manageable, nontechnical answers to common questions surrounding this issue are provided, as well as a guide to further resources.

My review:

  This book is geared for parents who want to talk to their teenagers about homosexuality, but it would also make a great resource for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges we are facing and how to answer criticisms Christians face for daring to believe homosexuality and gay marriage is wrong.

 The book is set up into three sections:

 Section one: Essential background. This section covers the rise, acceptance, and takeover by a well planned gay agenda

Section two: Navigating the Rocky relationships. This section deals with how to relate to gay people, and what kids may face in school and college for daring to believe the Bible about homosexuality.

Section three: Practical help in handling the challenges. This section takes up about half of the book and sets up scenarios of questions kids may be asked, and what to say and not to say.

   The book is very well done. The author takes a compassionate stance, admitting that many Christians have had the wrong actions and attitudes towards gay people, while still showing how wrong homosexuality is. The book is full of great advice on how to not only help teenagers know how to handle the issue of homosexuality and gay marriage when challenged, but it also helps parents be prepared for what their teens may ask them, and ways to open conversations when their teens may not agree with them on some things.

 I highly recommend this to people whose children are in public school especially, but also to all parents or anyone wanting to understand this issue and how to respond to it better.

About the author:

Tom Gilson is the Senior Editor and Ministry Coordinator specializing in Christian apologetics and inspiration for the daily online news and insight website The Stream (stream.org). Previously he had served with the Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance. He is the monthly Worldview and You columnist at BreakPoint Online, and has written articles for Discipleship Journal, Touchstone Magazine, and Salvo. He blogs at Thinking Christian (thinkingchristian.net). When not studying or writing he enjoys canoeing, sailing, and long walks in the woods. He lives with wife Sara and their two college-aged children in Lebanon, Ohio.


Critical Conversations is available from Kregel Publications.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.

We Cannot Be Silent by R Albert Mohler, Jr.

Twenty years ago, not one nation on earth had legal same-sex marriage. Now, access to same-sex marriage is increasingly seen as a basic human right. In a matter of less than a generation, western cultures have experienced a moral revolution.


Dr. R. Albert Mohler examines how this transformation occurred, revealing the underlying cultural shifts behind this revolution: the acceptance of divorce culture, liberation of sex from reproduction, the prevalence of heterosexual cohabitation, the normalization of homosexuality, and the rise of the transgender movement. He then offers a deep look at how the Bible and Christian moral tradition provide a comprehensive understanding upon which Christians can build their personal lives, their marriages, church ministry, and cultural engagement.


Dr. Mohler helps Christians in their understanding of the underlying issues of this significant cultural shift and how to face the challenge of believing faithfully, living faithfully, and engaging the culture faithfully in light of this massive change.

My review:
  I wasn't sure what approach Mohler would take on this subject. Not all evangelicals can talk about homosexuality and same-sex marriage with the right attitudes, but I feel he did a pretty good job.

  One of the first chapters in the book is titled "It didn't start with same-sex marriage". He does a great job of showing our troubles started with cohabitation, divorce, and abortion. He does deal with the issue of homosexuality/same-sex attractions in a reasonable and compassionate way that shows he put a lot of thought and prayer into the book.

  At the heart of the book is the dangers we face with our religious freedoms in the face of the ever growing gay rights. He doesn't use scare tactics, but does present a great case for the need to wake up and stand up against the immoral tide that is sweeping our country, and not just related to gay issues.

 The book ends with a question and answer section that covers a lot of material, and is for the most part well done. I found the book interesting, informative, and very well done.

 I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes.

 About the author:

Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world.

Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time and Christianity Today as a leader among American evangelicals. In fact, Time.com called him the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.”

In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Mohler hosts two programs: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview; and “Thinking in Public,” a series of conversations with the day’s leading thinkers. He also writes a popular blog and a regular commentary on moral, cultural and theological issues. All of these can be accessed through Dr. Mohler’s website, www.AlbertMohler.com. Called “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by The Chicago Tribune, Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent and explicit Christian worldview.

  We Cannot Be Silent is available from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for the review copy.

Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach

Sometimes, grace gets messy.

Caleb Kaltenbach was raised by LGBT parents, marched in gay pride parades as a youngster, and experienced firsthand the hatred and bitterness of some Christians toward his family.

But then Caleb surprised everyone, including himself, by becoming a Christian…and a pastor.

Very few issues in Christianity are as divisive as the acceptance of the LGBT community in the church. As a pastor and as a person with beloved family members living a gay lifestyle, Caleb had to face this issue with courage and grace. 

Messy Grace shows us that Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” doesn’t have an exception clause for a gay “neighbor”—or for that matter, any other “neighbor” we might find it hard to relate to. Jesus was able to love these people and yet still hold on to his beliefs. So can you. Even when it’s messy.

My review:
  I'll admit I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. With so many churches and Christians going with pro-gay theology, and the author being the son of two gay parents; I wondered if he might be of that persuasion.

  As I read the book, I was happy to see the author does not go with the pro-gay theology. He does a great job of balancing the truth with compassion. A lot of the book emphasizes the need for Christians to be more loving towards gay people, and accept them as people. Since he grew up around gay pride parades and other gay related things, he saw a lot of hate from Christians and knows from personal experience He then addresses the need to be honest and not compromise the truth of what the Bible says about homosexuality.

  There is something for everyone in this book. If you're a Christian afraid of gay people, if you're pro-gay theology, and if you are gay yourself. He covers what to say and what not to say if someone confides in you that you're gay, and has some very helpful things to say to those who are gay but want to be a Christian. And there is a lot in the book about how churches need to be more welcoming to people who are not like us and who don't have it all together.

 The book is a fast read and is an awesome testimony that God can reach anyone anywhere. I did feel the author was a bit too careful to condemn people living gay lifestyles and professing to be Christians, but overall this is an excellent book all Christians should read; whether or not you think you know any gay people.

About the author:

Caleb Kalenbach is the Lead Pastor at Discovery Church in Simi Valley, CA.Raised in the LGBT community, he was exposed to how some Christians treated the LGBT community, and grew to hate Christians. In high school, he joined a Bible study to disprove the Bible, but ended up following Jesus instead. Later, his parents followed Jesus too. This is the subject of his first book, "Messy Grace" --holding on to the truth of God's Word while being filled with grace.Caleb is a graduate of Ozark Christian College, Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), and is finishing his doctorate at Dallas Theological Seminary. He speaks widely on the subjects of reconciliation, faith, diversity, and grace/truth. Caleb and his wife, Amy, reside in Southern California with their two kids.


Messy Grace is available from Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing.

Thanks to Waterbrook/Multnomah for the review copy.

The Transparent Life by McKrae Game

Secrets destroy families, relationships, and will stop personal growth. Too many people go through life wearing a mask of shame, terrified that if anyone knew the "real me," they would be shunned and alone. Unfortunately many churches and society tell us to keep our struggles, addictions, and pasts hidden. Hiding our problems will not make them go away. There is a way to be free from the shame and guilt. It begins by understanding The Transparent Life. Author McKrae Game is the president and founder of Hope for Wholeness Network. He lives a transparent life and his ministry has counseled countless men and women to begin their own healing by removing the mask and letting people in. This book is for anyone who desires to be free from struggles, addictions, and secrets.

My review:
   It isn't often that I review a book by someone I personally know, and I believe this is only the second time I have done that. I know McKrae Game, and although this is a review of his book and not him, I will say he is a great Christian man of integrity who has dedicated his life to helping others who struggle with same-sex attractions find hope in Christ through his ministry, Hope For Wholeness. I have heard him speak and heard some of his story, but he tells much more of it in this book.

  The book is part autobiographical and part "self-help", for lack of a better word. McKrae tells of his upbringing, of his start of living the gay lifestyle, his conversion, and his marriage. The focus of the book is on how important it is for any Christian, but especially those who have a besetting sin or struggle, to be open and honest and not just have accountability, but an openness of where they have been, where they are, and what they are dealing with.

  He has a lot of great advice, most of it based on his own experiences, of what works and what doesn't, and who you should tell and even when. He shows through his story of how important it is to live a transparent life instead of hiding what you are dealing with. The book brings hope and encouragement, in addition to showing how important transparency is. 

  The book closes with some testimonies of others who have felt more freedom from being transparent with others.

  And although McKrae's story is one of deliverance from homosexuality, this book is not just intended for those who also struggle with that issue, but is intended for all Christians. We all need to be more transparent and open about what we are dealing with, no matter what the issue. I highly recommend this book.

About the author:

McKrae is the Founder and President of Hope for Wholeness. The ministry was founded in 1999 as Truth Ministry. The ministry launched a national network in 2013, Hope for Wholeness, and changed its name to reflect this new direction.

McKrae is an ordained Southern Baptist minister; he was ordained by his home church, First Baptist North Spartanburg, specifically to work in ministry with those affected by same-sex attractions. He shares his beliefs on the causes of homosexuality, from the approach of someone with same-sex attractions now living a biblical standard. When he was younger, he lived as a gay man for over three years.

McKrae is also the founder of the Hope for Wholeness curriculum, a ground-breaking video series and workbook curriculum for those seeking freedom from homosexuality. McKrae and his wife, Julie, were married in 1996 and are the proud parents of a son and daughter. They make their home in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Check out McKrae's ministry website, HopeforWholeness.org
His blog: McKraeGame.com
And read his story here: McKrae's Story.

The Transparent Life is available from Amazon, 

Compassion Without Compromise

Loving, Biblical Answers on HomosexualityIn the next year at least one of these things will happen in your life:
• A family member will come out of the closet and expect you to be okay with it. 
• Your elementary-age child's curriculum will discuss LGBT families.
• Your company will talk about building a tolerant workplace for LGBT co-workers.
• Your college-age child will tell you your view on homosexuality is bigoted.

Are you ready?
In their role as pastors, Adam Barr and Ron Citlau have seen how this issue can tear apart families, friendships, and even churches. In this book they combine biblical answers with practical, real-world advice on how to think about and discuss this issue with those you care about. They also tell the story of Ron's personal journey from same-sex attraction and sexual brokenness to healing. 

Truth does not preclude kindness--and a good dose of humility is necessary to love our neighbors. With sensitivity and winsomeness, this book will offer an honest but inviting message to readers: We are all in need of the healing that can only come from the truth of the gospel.

My review:
  Occasionally a book comes along that everyone should read. This is one such book. You'd have to be totally asleep to not see the militaristic and bullying-like tactics of those who want to further the gay agenda with the end result of silencing anyone who dares disagree.

 And yet for every gay person marching in a gay parade and trying to force his views on anyone who dares disagree, there are people in our churches and families quietly struggling with the issue. And those who may be out, yet are not confrontational about it and we may work with or live beside, or even have in our family.

  How does one stand against the gay bullies, stand against the push for this lifestyle to be taught in schools, to fight for religious freedoms that seem to get bulldozed in the name of gay rights, while still loving those who struggle with same-sex attractions and/or fully embrace them? How does one show compassion without compromising and going against God and His Word?

  This isn't a long book, coming in at only 158 pages, but the authors do a great job of covering the issue and providing some great answers. They address and answer several questions throughout the book from people from things like if you should attend a gay wedding, what to do if your child tells you they are gay, etc.

 They also cover why we can't cave into the idea that God is OK with homosexuality. They use Scripture to back up their points, and answer some common arguments used by those who are trying to revise what the Bible says about the issue. 

 Christians need to be ready to deal with things they will face in regards to this issue, and they need to understand it better and how to love and relate to those who are dealing with it. This book will help in those areas. I highly recommend it.

There is a website with more about the book and authors, including a downloadable study guide for the book at CompassionWithoutCompromise.com

About  the authors:

Adam T. Barr serves as senior pastor at Peace Church, a healthy, growing community in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As the president and founder of Borderlands, a worldview ministry, Adam has lectured across the country on this topic and produced video curriculum. He also serves with Kevin DeYoung on the board of RCA Integrity, a renewal movement in the Reformed Church in America that gathers pastors from across the denomination each year for the Integrity Conference, which has hosted speakers like Mark Dever, Ligon Duncun and Carl Trueman, and where Adam has presented some of the material in this book.
He graduated magna cum laude from Hope College with a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy, earned his MDiv from Western Theological Seminary and a ThM from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and completed several PhD-level courses at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. 
Adam's book Exploring the Story (Zondervan) has sold more than 20,000 copies. In 2004-05, Adam revised, edited, expanded, and wrote for the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Commentary, originally edited by F. F. Bruce. Currently he is under contract with Baker, producing preaching and teaching components for the Teaching the Text commentary series.
But Adam's first calling is as a husband and father. Together with his wife, Jennifer, and their four sons, he seeks to embody the ideas he has been called to communicate.

Ron Citlau graduated from the University of California, Riverside and Western Theological Seminary. He has served in ministry positions in Southern California and Kansas City. He is the pastor of Calvary Church in Orland Park, Illinois, part of the Reformed Church in America. 

Ron struggled with same-sex attraction his whole life and has worked with and walked alongside many others who have struggled with sexual brokenness, as well as equipping pastoral leaders to serve those dealing with sexual sin. He also worked with Andrew Comiskey, producing curriculum on sexual healing now used by Desert Stream Ministries in hundreds of churches throughout the country. When he isn't working, he loves to be with his wife, Amy, and their four boys: Jack, Sawyer, Eli, and Crosby.

Compassion Without Compromise is available from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.