Long Way Gone by Charles Martin

“No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home.” 

At the age of eighteen, musician and songwriter Cooper O’Connor took everything his father held dear and drove 1,200 miles from home to Nashville, his life riding on a six-string guitar and the bold wager that he had talent. But his wager soon proved foolish.

Five years after losing everything, he falls in love with Daley Cross, an angelic voice in need of a song. But just as he realizes his love for Daley, Cooper faces a tragedy that threatens his life as well as his career. With nowhere else to go, he returns to his remote home in the Colorado Mountains, searching for answers about his father and his faith.

When Daley shows up on his street corner twenty years later, he wonders if it’s too late to tell her the truth about his past—and if he is ready to face it.

A radical retelling of the story of the prodigal son, Long Way Gone takes us from tent revivals to the Ryman Auditorium to the tender relationship between a broken man and the father who never stopped calling him home.

My review:
 
  This is actually the first book by Charles Martin that I have read. I've never been a big fan of books written from the first person point of view, and shy away from trying a new author using that style of writing. This book is on one of my favorite topics - God's love for prodigals - so I decided to review it.

  To say the book affected me is an understatement. I actually blogged about it on my other blog (http://markallansmusings.blogspot.com/2016/10/long-way-gone.html). I didn't mind the first person point of view, and am actually putting a couple of his books on my Christmas wish list after reading this one.

 The book is described as a "radical retelling of the prodigal son story", and it is radical. There is one major difference in this story, which I can't say because it would be a spoiler. The story itself is awesome, and Martin brings the message of Jesus' parable through in a way that had me literally in tears. His style of writing, his characters, and the words he used all combined to make this a truly great story.

 It was different weaving the story around Nashville and country music, but it worked. I honestly didn't want to put the book down, and I was pulled into the story and didn't want to stop reading, though I had to a few times because of time constraints.

 Charles Martin truly did the story of the prodigal son justice with his retelling of it. I highly recommend it..... it will definitely stir you and bring afresh  the realization of how much God loves us.

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

About the author:

CHARLES MARTIN is a New York Times bestselling author of ten previous novels, including his most recent book A Life Intercepted. His work is available in 17 languages. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and their three sons.


Long Way Gone is available from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for the review copy.

Shaken by Tim Tebow with A.J. Gregory

First, he was a beloved college football champion, Heisman trophy winner, media sensation, and best-selling author drafted in the first round of the 2010 Draft. Then he had a miracle playoff run with the Denver Broncos before being traded to the New York Jets. After one season he was cut by New York. Next he was signed by the New England Patriots then let go after training camp—a scenario that repeated itself the following summer with the Philadelphia Eagles. Tim Tebow has achieved big victories and plunged the depths of failure, all while never letting go of his faith, even in the face of doubt and disappointment. In Shaken he explains why neither the highs nor the lows of his life can define him—and he reveals how you, too, can find confidence in your identity and know who you are. In revealing passages, Tebow pulls back the curtain on his life, sharing the vulnerable moments of his career that have shaken him to his core—while also teaching the biblical principles that will enable you to keep the faith, no matter what comes your way.


My review:

   I hate football..... really, really hate it. So it may seem weird for a guy who hates football to read and review a book by a football player. Maybe so, but this book isn't really about football. I have been impressed with Tim as a man and Christian for quite some time, even if I never watched a game that he played in, so I was intrigued enough to request the book.

 Tim talks a lot about being cut from a team, and how that feels, and then goes on to say how he - and all of us - need to focus on God and the fact that we are His when life deals us a blow like that.

 I honestly can't say what I expected from the book, but I definitely didn't expect what I read. Sure, he talks about football a lot... but he talks about God, his relationship with Him, and our identity in Him a lot more than football.

 To put it in simple terms, there is a lot of good stuff in this book. The book is an interesting read, and I didn't find myself bored at all. Tim's faith comes through on every page, and I was encouraged and challenged by what I read, and it made me want to be a better man and Christian. It didn't make me like football, but that isn't the intent of the book anyway.....

 Tim relates a few stories of people he has met who have challenged in their lives, and it helped bring home the truth that God is the answer to whatever we face in life.

 I read through the book much faster than I had expected, for it being a non-fiction book..... and by a football player..... but it is a book I would definitely recommend. If this football hater enjoyed it and was encouraged and challenged by it, anyone will.

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


About the author:

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, first round NFL draft pick, and Heisman trophy winner. After playing in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, Tebow joined the SEC Network. In addition to his role on SEC Nation, the network's traveling road show, Tebow also contributes to a variety of other ESPN platforms. Through everything Tim's true passion remains the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation which he began in 2010. The foundation's mission is to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is fulfilling that mission everyday by serving thousands of deserving children around the world.


Shaken is available from Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing.

Thanks to Waterbrook/Multnomah for the review copy.

Messenger by Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Bestselling author Stephanie Grace Whitson's latest historical novel features an adventurous young heroine who joins the Pony Express.

Orphaned Annie Paxton and her brothers may have lost the only home they've ever known, but they're determined to make a better future in St. Joseph, Missouri. Annie dreams of a pretty house with window boxes, and having friends, and attending church every week. But then her brothers spot the ad for a new venture called the Pony Express. "Wanted," it reads, "Young, skinny fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders and willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred." Sure enough, both her brothers land jobs as Express messengers, and Annie puts her dreams on hold to work as a cook at Clearwater Ranch, a station along the Pony Express route. 

Annie struggles to adapt to her new job--work made all the more challenging when she has so many to feed and few ingredients. The gruff station owner, George, doesn't seem inclined to make her life any easier, or at least not at first. But slowly a friendship builds between them. When Annie attracts the attention of a refined, dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort, she'll have to learn how to trust her instincts and follow her heart, even if she's conflicted about which way it's leading her.

My review:

  I have never read any books by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I tend to avoid books that are just romance, and hers seem to fall into that category. This one caught my attention since it is about the Pony Express, something that interests me.

 As one might correctly assume by the plot idea, this is a historical novel. And though historical novels are not my usual genre' either, I really liked it. The Pony Express part of the book was of course very cool, and I thought the author did a great job of portraying the life of a Pony Express rider, and of others involved in that life.

 The romance part of the book was OK...... hey, I am a guy :) - it wasn't overdone or gushy. The plot was awesome, great characters, and the story line kept me intrigued to keep reading. I would have liked to have had the story center more on the riders than it did, but it was still enjoyable and a good look into what life might have been like on the Pony Express trail.

About the author:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.


Messenger By Moonlight is available from Faith Words, part of the Hachette Book Group.

Treason by Newt Gingrich and Pete Earley

Leading politician and bestselling author Newt Gingrich and novelist Pete Earley are back with another gripping international thriller. 

THE WORLD'S MASTER TERRORIST, known only as the Falcon, has infiltrated Washington's highest corridors of power, threatening the very existence of our democracy in this realistic tale of modern day TREASON. Major Brooke Grant has been waging war against terrorism since her parents were murdered during 9/11, keenly aware that her enemy transcends borders. But a coordinated attack on the president at the funeral of a Washington power broker leads her to a terrifying revelation: the enemy is closer than she'd ever imagined and is hiding in plain sight. The Falcon has gained a weapon no terrorist has ever wielded before: an American-born traitor burrowed inside the U.S. government itself.

TREASON is a story of a nation fighting for its life not only against outside threats but also against an internal threat-a fanatical jihadist who uses liberty as a shield while trying to destroy the civilization created in its image. Major Grant's deadly chess match with the Falcon turns personal when he issues a fatwa against her and those she loves. Can she unmask the traitor and stop the Falcon's most skilled assassin sent to kill her before he strikes? Or will she fall victim to betrayal by a false friend in this gripping tale of treachery, courage, and ultimately patriotism where good battles evil? Only Newt Gingrich, who brings decades of experience in national security and politics to bear in his collaboration with journalist Pete Earley, can spin such a vivid mix of reality and fiction, daring readers to guess where the line between the two is crossed.

My review:

   Although I am not used to cursing in books since the fiction I read is always Christian, I have enjoyed the two books in this series.

 Treason takes up pretty close to where Duplicity left off. This book brings back the same characters from the first book.

 There is a lot of action and suspense in this book. There is a mole up high in the government, and they had me guessing as to who it was. The terrorists are at it again, and the good guys have their hands full protecting America.

 With the political career of Gingrich, his portrayal of the dealings and behind the scenes politics takes on a more real feel than similar books by other authors. I appreciate his not pulling punches on  the dangers of Muslim terrorists, while not giving the idea that every Muslim wants to wipe our country off the face of the earth.

  This book, though fictional, brings home the seriousness and true danger of radical Islam. Though the characters in the book were not real, the hate for Americans and Christians is real. The book is an exciting and entertaining read, but it is also a sobering read as I realized how clueless our government is on this issue. Thanks to the authors for writing a great and realistic story.

About the authors:

Newton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich (born Newton Leroy McPherson) is an American politician who served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. In 1995, Time magazine selected him as the Person of the Year for his role in leading the Republican Revolution in the House, ending 40 years of the Democratic Party being in the majority. During his tenure as Speaker, he represented the public face of the Republican opposition to Bill Clinton.

A college history professor, political leader, and author, Gingrich twice ran unsuccessfully for the House before winning a seat in the election of November 1978. He was re-elected ten times, and his activism as a member of the House's Republican minority eventually enabled him to succeed Dick Cheney as House Minority Whip in 1989. As a co-author of the 1994 Contract with America, Gingrich was in the forefront of the Republican Party's dramatic success in that year's Congressional elections and subsequently was elected Speaker of the House. Gingrich's leadership in Congress was marked by opposition to many of the policies of the Clinton Administration. Shortly after the 1998 elections, when Republicans lost five seats in the House, Gingrich announced his resignation from his House seat and as Speaker.

Since resigning his seat, Gingrich has maintained a career as a political analyst and consultant. He continues to write works related to government and other subjects, such as historical fiction. Recently, he founded the conservative 527 group American Solutions for Winning the Future.

Pete Earley is a storyteller who has penned 13 books including the New York Times bestseller The Hot House and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.

After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.

His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.

When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.

Treason is available from Center Street Publishing, part of the Hatchette Book Group.

Thanks to Hatchette for the review copy.

The Cottage, Secrets of the Shetlands #2 by Michael Phllips

Michael Phillips Continues His Sweeping Shetland Islands Saga 

When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that "the Cottage" is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir. 

The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman--and an American. Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times. Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye. And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place--and the character of its most prominent citizen--that soon gets under her skin. 

Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whale's Reef. David's cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni's hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island. But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni's very life in danger.

My review:

  I had one just one complaint about The Inheritance, the first book in this series: it left you hanging. Thankfully, it wasn't the normal year or more for a sequel that most authors do. This book came out 5 months after I read and reviewed the book it follows.

  The Cottage picks up right where The Inheritance left off. Like the book it follows, the setting is both Scotland and America, though most of the book is set in Scotland. I had not read a Micheal Phillips book in years until I read book one in this series, and I thought it the best I had ever read by him. That was matched or better in this book. I already knew from book one how the chief and laird stuff worked, so that made this book even easier to get into. There was more action and even some suspense in this one.

 One intriguing part of this novel is the dialogue about spiritual matters between the two main characters. Phllips does an excellent job on dialogue as it is, but there is some deep theology that comes through the dialogue between Lonie and David. I love a Christian fiction book that makes me think, and I appreciate an author who isn't afraid to be Christian in his content.

 This novel flowed well, and was one that pulled me into it right away and that I did not want to put down. The story is fascinating, and though it isn't a murder mystery, it is the type of book that had me reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next.

 There were some surprises, and though the book didn't end on the cliffhanger as its predecessor did, it did leave me eager to find out what happens next in the third and final book..... which I hope comes as quickly as this one did.

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

About the author:

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly thirty more books. Over the past thirty years, his persistent efforts have helped reawaken interest in the writings of nineteenth century Scotsman George MacDonald. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland, but make their home near Sacramento, California.



The Cottage and The Inheritance are available from Bethany House Publishers.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Experiencing God Through His Names by Sheryl Giesbrecht

Did you know the names of God each reveal something about His character? 

Are you aware that understanding God's titles reveals His purposes and His commitment to us and gives practical handles for life applications? 

There are many ways to draw close to God as we study His word. In Experiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht walks with you on an exciting journey to discover and absorb the truth about God's character. Spiritually, something exciting and personal happens when we study God's names---we find out about His unique character qualities and experience His Holy Spirit presence.

In the next 31 days, God wants you to get to know Him. Are you ready?



My review:

  First off, let me say that even though this book is written by a woman and there is a woman pictured on the book, this is not geared for women.

 The book is a 31-day devotional, with each day focusing on a different name of God used in the Bible. Each day starts out with a short narrative the devotional will be based on, then the introduction of the name and what it means. That is followed by an application to our lives of that name, and it ends with a prayer focusing on that name.

 This is something that interests me, so I really enjoyed this devotional. By not using or by overlooking the various names of God, we miss out on the traits and meanings He is showing us when those names are used.

 The author does a great job on these devotionals, and it is obvious she put a lot of thought and prayer into them. As I read through them, I was helped and encouraged to see the meanings of some names I wasn't sure about, and to be reminded of the ones I did know. This book would be great for men or women, and will be a blessing and encouragement as you read and think about the different names of God and their meanings.

I was given a copy of this book to review.

About the author:

Sheryl Giesbrecht has written three books, hundreds of articles, blogs, and columns. A nationally syndicated radio host, Sheryl is a sought-after inspirational speaker who facilitates leadership training for thousands internationally.


Experiencing God Through His Names is available from Bold Vision Books.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the review copy.


The author is giving away 10 copies of her book. Enter here.

Moments With the Savior by Ken Gire

Discover a deeper intimacy with Jesus as you take a step-by-step journey through His life.

Join Jesus as He travels with His disciples through the Galilean countryside. Press through the throngs at the temple in Jerusalem. Marvel at the Savior’s challenging words, miraculous authority, and tender compassion. Watch as strength floods a lame man’s limbs and wonder washes over his face. And see the meaningful relationships Jesus formed with those He encountered.

This compilation weaves events, emotions, and thoughts into a moving depiction of the life of Christ. A Scripture portion and prayer are included with each devotion.

With moving depictions of Jesus’ humanity and divinity, Moments with the Savior: A Devotional Life of Christ invites you into a more intimate relationship with Him.

My review:

  This is not a 365-day devotional, but one that covers around two months. If I counted correctly, there are 66 devotionals in the book. It is a 446 page book, so these are not short devotionals. Most of them go 6-8 pages.

  The devotional is completely centered around Jesus' ministry here on earth that is found in the Gospels. They each start out with Scripture, followed by the actual devotional part - the meditation, and ending with a prayer.

 To me, this seems like a daunting task to write so many devotionals all focusing on moments in Jesus' life, but the author does it well. These aren't light and fluffy devotionals, but have depth to them and are not something you can read over fast, but instead it takes some time to read these. They are very well done, interesting, and well thought out and researched. I have read the Gospels and different portions countless times in my life, but Gire brought out some new thoughts that helped me see things in a different light.

  The only downside I can see in this book, is the length of the devotions. I don't always have time in the morning to read much, and these are much longer than the typical 365 day devotionals I read.... but that is a small downside. It just proves my point that there is so much more in these devotionals since they are longer.

 The book is an attractive hardcover book that would not only make a great devotional for the buyer, but it would also make a great gift.

 This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Ken Gire is the author of more than 20 books, including "The Divine Embrace," "Windows of the Soul," "The Work of His Hands," the Moments with the Savior series, and the Reflective Life series. He has also co-authored "The Birthright" with John Sheasby. Two of his books have been awarded a Gold Medallion. A full-time writer and speaker, Ken is the founder of Reflective Living, a nonprofit ministry devoted to helping people learn how to slow down and live more reflective lives so they can experience life more deeply, especially life with God and other people. Ken is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has four children and three grandchildren and lives near the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Monument, Colorado.

As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.



Moments With The Savior is available from Zondervan Publishing.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for the review copy