10 Secrets to Life's Biggest Challenges by Peter Lord and Kent Crockett

Certain kinds of things just happen--and they happen to everyone. Trouble at work, conflicts in relationships, money problems, criticism, temptation--these are just a few of the situations we all find ourselves in. The big question, then, is this: Are you prepared for them? When the storms hit, are you and your loved ones ready to survive--and even thrive?

In addition to identifying ten inevitable challenges you will face, bestselling author and respected pastor Peter Lord also reveals the secrets to overcoming them. Learn how to prepare and live victoriously no matter what your circumstances are.

My review:

    This is a very helpful book. The authors take 10 of the biggest challenges we face in our lives and using Scripture, show how to get through and make the best of the challenges. 

They are:
1) Making decisions

2) Overcoming temptations

3)  Developing relationships

4) Resolving conflicts 

5) Healing your hurts

6) Adjusting your attitudes

7) Managing money

8) Trusting through trials

9) Submitting to authorities

10) Preparing for death

      At first glance, one might think there are bigger challenges in life than these, but these are challenges we all face at one point or another, and depending on our relationship with God, temperament, etc, some of us will find some of them more challenging than others. This isn't a long book, coming at close to 200 pages, but in those pages the authors do a great job of addressing these issues, why we might struggle with them, and how to overcome the challenge they present. The book is interesting, concise, and easy to read and understand. I would highly recommend it to anyone who might be struggling in any of these areas.

About the authors:

Peter Lord is a nationally known speaker and pastor as well as the author of several books, including The 2959 Plan, which has sold more than 500,000 copies and been translated into four languages. He pastored the Park Avenue Baptist Church in Florida for 30 years. He and his wife, Johnnie, have five children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren and live in Titusville, Florida.

Kent Crockett graduated from Texas A&M University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is pastor at Journey Church in Prattville, Alabama, and is the author of The 911 Handbook, Making Today Count for Eternity, and I Once Was Blind but Now I Squint. Kent and his wife Cindy have two children. His website is www.kentcrockett.com.

10 Secrets to Life's Biggest Challenges is available from Chosen Books, a division of Bethany House and Baker Book House Publishing,.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

ReaL Life Miracles by James Garlow and Keith Wall

Is God Still Doing Miracles Today? Absolutely!

These real-life, credible stories of miraculous experiences, gathered by the authors of Miracles Are for Real, reveal that God is still very active in the world. Each gripping story is sure to encourage and inspire, offering hope and a sense of wonder.

• When Steve rolled his car, he should have been killed. Why didn't he die that day?
• Caleb and Penny moved to a poor part of town to serve their community. But when one group of neighbors makes and sells drugs, will God's angels protect them?
• Bob's MS was getting progressively worse. Could God heal such a debilitating disease?

Whether you've experienced God's miracles or aren't sure if you believe in them, explore fascinating true stories like these and many more. You'll be in awe of God's power as you get a glimpse of how he personally cares for each of his children--including you.

My review:

    This is a really neat book. It has thirty-one chapters. The first thirty each contain one story each of something miraculous that happened to someone. The last chapter contains shorter stories of several other people. The book was an interesting, fascinating, and encouraging read. It is one thing to read about the miracles in the Bible, but its another to read about miracles that are happening today and in recent years. The authors did a terrific job of putting these stories together and relating them. I'd recommend this book to anyone, but especially if you need encouraged and reminded that God is still working miracles in our lifetime.

About the authors: 


James L. Garlow is the coauthor of Cracking DaVinci's Code, with a half million copies in print. He is the senior pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego and a speaker at pastors' and leaders' conferences. Jim has master's degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary and a PhD in historical theology from Drew University. He speaks nationwide and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, and NBC. His daily radio commentary, The Garlow Perspective, can be heard on nearly 850 radio outlets. Jim and his wife are the parents of four children and live in San Diego, California.

Keith Wall, a twenty-year publishing veteran, has served as an editor for Focus on the Family, Multnomah, and David C. Cook. He currently writes full time in collaboration with several bestselling authors. He and his wife and two children live in Colorado Springs, CO.




Real Life Miracles is available from Bethany House Publishers, part of the Baker Book House Publishing group.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Doctor to the Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Doctor To The Rescue Love Inspired (December 18, 2012) by Cheryl Wyatt

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born Valentine’s Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. Cheryl loves interacting with her readers and can be found almost daily on Facebook.

Word from the Author:
I do regular giveaways including a Kindle for every 250 people who join (aka "Like) my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor and I'd LOVE for word to spread about that. We have a lot of fun there as I ask for frequent reader input on current books, with helpers being mentioned in the acknowledgements and fun stuff like that.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Combat doctor Ian Shupe returns home from overseas with his most important mission: to raise his little girl. But Ian's a single dad, and working at Eagle Point's trauma center means having to find child care. When bighearted, struggling lodge owner Bri Landis offers babysitting in exchange for construction work, Ian accepts. He vows to keep his emotional distance from Bri, yet can't deny that his daughter is blossoming under her tender care. But is he ready to believe that his heart's deepest prayer may finally be answered? If you would like to read the first chapter of Doctor To The Rescue, go HERE.

Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher, and a giveaway

It’s the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she’s going to have to trust someone if she’s to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband’s half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?

The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God’s love no matter the circumstances.

My review:

    This book reads more like a romantic western than just a romance, and I liked it even more than the first book in the series, maybe because of that fact in part. Betrayal is the story of another of the parent-less siblings this series is about. This book takes up the story of Hugh, and in addition to the more western-like theme of  the book, and in addition to the romance, it also has themes of forgiveness and redemption. As with the first book, the title fits the story, as the main characters are dealing with betrayal and having to forgive those who betrayed and hurt them. This was an excellent story and is definitely worth the time I took to read and review it. I highly recommend it, and the book that precedes it, Belonging. And yes, they should be read in order.

Learn more about the book here.

About the author: 

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of over sixty-five books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin currently resides in Idaho. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.

Betrayal is available from Zondervan.

Thanks to Zondervan for the review and giveaway copies.

Giveaway: I will be giving an opportunity to win a copy of this book and the book that precedes it in a separate blog post. Comments on this review will NOT count toward an entry.

Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher, and a giveaway

In the high desert town of Frenchman’s Bluff, Idaho, Felicia Kristoffersen has set out to create a future for herself that is better than her painful past. Alone in the world with only her faith to sustain her, she must prove herself as this tiny community’s new school teacher. She cannot, must not, fail. But, there are those who never wanted her there to begin with.

Five years after the death of his wife, local merchant Colin Murphy cares about just one thing: raising his daughter, Charity. Colin wants to give her the educational advantages he never had. The new schoolmarm’s inexperience doesn’t sit well with him, and if this teacher up and marries like the last one did, Charity’s heart will be broken once again.

A woman who hasn’t known love. A man who lost the love he had.

In the midst of the wide, sage-covered plains, each is about to discover that life’s bitterest circumstances truly can work together for good.

My review:

   I rarely read a romance novel that is just romance. Romantic suspense or a Christmas story with romance, yes, but rarely just romance. However, I have read books by Robin Lee Hatcher before and when I got the email offering the chance to review and give away two of her books, I decided to go for it, and am glad Idid.

   This is the first in a trilogy about three different siblings who were separated as children and are now adults trying to find each other. And this is not just a romance. The title is fitting, as it is a story about belonging and not just finding love, but finding one's place in life. I enjoyed the book and didn't find it to be a gushy over the top romance, but a book that is worth reading, for even a guy.

For more about the book, click here.

About the author: 

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of over sixty-five books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin currently resides in Idaho. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.


Belonging is available from Zondervan Publishing.

Thanks to Zondervan for the review and giveaway copy.

Giveway:  There will be a separate blog post where you can enter to win a copy of this book, and the second book in the series. Comments on this review will NOT count as an entry.

The New Recruit by Jill Williamson

The Mission League--Mission 1: Moscow Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club. These guys mean business. Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration.

My review:
   I review quite a bit of juvenile fiction, but I don't buy a lot of it for myself. However, this book sounded really good when I ran across it, so I purchased it. For me. I liked it. A lot. It has a really neat plot and has some great characters. Some are likable, and some aren't. The main character, Spencer, isn't what you'd call a good kid, but I assume there will be some changes to his attitudes and actions over the course of the series.

   I grew up reading the Hardy Boys books, and this book is somewhat along the lines of a Hardy Boys book, but more exciting and a better read. I could see kids really enjoying this series, and in fact passed the book onto my teenage niece to read. This book is mature enough that teens won't feel it is a dumbed down version of an adult suspense novel. This promises to be the start of a great series that teenagers will love.

About the author:

Jill was raised in rural Alaska. Alone with her thoughts and the moose, daydreaming was a favorite pastime. As was reading.

She always loved reading. She started out with Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Little House on the Prairie, the Hobbit, and The Chronicles of Narnia. She loves just about every genre out there, but her all time favorites were fantasy and suspense.

Jill met Brad in college and they married after graduation. Her dreams of becoming a fashion designer dragged the couple to New York City for one year. After that, Brad's dreams of directing movies dragged them to Los Angeles. They both worked really hard for people who weren't very nice.

A few years of torture passed.

Brad started volunteering with teens at their Burbank church. They had their first son, Luke, moved to a house, Jill got out of the fashion industry (woo hoo!), and Brad became an ordained minister and full time youth pastor (double woo hoo!). God is good. All the time.

Jill started writing a book. It seemed like a good idea at the time. She didn't have a clue what she was getting into. All she knew for certain was that it was really fun. With two babies at home, it was a neat way to pass the time.

Writing was something Jill never really did before then. Daydreaming and plotting, however, were familiar old friends. So now Jill writes...everywhere. At home, in the car, at church (only notes, I promises!), in line at the grocery store, at the park, while walking, in the shower... (TMI?) and she loves it. She finds creating characters and taking them on a journey an amazing experience. She never knew what it could be like until she met Spencer, Nauja, Martyr, and Achan. Writing was a whole lot of fun. Plus, she couldn't get in trouble for forgetting to add a rosette onto a K-mart costsheet and costing the company a loss of $5,000. (True story...) And she can't get yelled at when the line of evening gowns she shipped via Fed Ex doesn't reach the showroom in New York in time for Market to open. (Was it really her fault the plane got snowed in?)

No. Jill has no bitter memories of the fashion industry at all. (Can we say The Devil Wears Prada, anyone?)

But yes. Writing is something she loves. Writing is something she could do forever, if God allows it. (Please, God? Pretty please?)

May He do with Jill what He wishes.

Flight of the Earls by Michael Reynolds

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Flight of the Earls B&H Books (January 1, 2013) by Michael Reynolds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copywriting, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.


ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s 1846 in Ireland. When her family’s small farm is struck by famine, Clare Hanley and her younger brother, Seamus, set out across the ocean to the Promised Land of America. Five years prior, Clare’s older sister Margaret and her Uncle Tomas emigrated in similar fashion and were not to be heard from again. But Clare must face her fears as she lands in the coming-of-age city of New York. There she discovers love, adventure, tragedy, and a terrible secret which threatens to destroy her family and all she believes. Flight of the Earls is the first book in a historical novel trilogy based on Irish immigration in the 1840s.

My review:
   This isn't a book I would normally pick up, but it turned out to be a great read. The book is set in the 1800's and focuses on the potato famine in Ireland and the Irish immigration to the US. This book wasn't suspense, yet I did have a hard time putting it down once I caught my interest. The author does a great job of describing the poverty and desperation of the people of that time. I haven't read much about the Irish, much less about their immigration to the US, but I enjoyed learing a little more about it, and the author has captured my interest enough that I plan on reading more of the series as it comes out.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Flight of the Earls, go HERE