‘On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs and Heroes’ by Robert J. Morgan – Book Review

I recently discovered a unique devotional – ‘On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs, and Heroes’ by Robert J. Morgan.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Amazing Stories of Faith From Twenty Centuries of Church History. From the Roman Empire to the Reformation, St. Valentine to St. Francis, Martin Luther to Billy Graham, best-selling author Robert J. Morgan introduces you to a parade of preachers, popes, martyrs, heroes, and saints. Intriguing and inspiring stories from two thousand years of Christianity offer a glimpse into church history.

On This Day in Church History is an introduction to 365 of the most remarkable men and women of faith you will ever meet. Simple, colorful stories tell you about history-making events in the lives of people who loved God wholeheartedly. This unique devotional:

·         provides a rarely seen view of believers and their roles in the Christian church

·         offers daily Scripture reading from the Contemporary English Version

·         is a goldmine of speech starters – lessons and sermon illustrations for speakers, preachers, and teachers

·         includes a helpful index of selected topics

On This Day in Christian History brings a year’s worth of insight and spiritual challenge as you learn what some Christians endured because of their love of God.

Here is the biography of this author:

Robert J. Morgan, pastor of the Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, is the author of best-selling Then Sings My Soul (volumes 1 and 2), Come Let Us Adore Him, From This Verse, Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes, and The Red Sea Rules. He conducts Bible conferences, parenting and marriage retreats, and leadership seminars across the country.

I always like to focus on important dates in my life when I review a book that is categorized by date – February 21 (my birthday), June 10 (our anniversary), and June 12 (my husband Fred’s birthday).

Interestingly, February 21 focuses on one of my favorite women in history – Jeanne d’Arc - also known as Joan of Arc:

A sorcerer or a saint? Spiritual forces were active in her life, but from what source? The French called her a godsend; the English burned her as a witch.

Joan was raised in a poor farming family in Champagne during the Hundred Years’ War when England was battling for possession of France. When Joan was thirteen, she was the first of many transcendental experiences, hearing voices accompanied by searing light. The saints, she determined, were commissioning her to save France. She set out to see the Dauphin (prince). He attempted to disguise himself, but Joan wasn’t fooled. “The King of Heaven send word by me,” she told him, “that you should be anointed and crowned in the city of Reims. You are the heir to France, true son of the king.”… (February 21).

At the bottom of each page/date, Pastor Morgan shares a complementary Bible passage. The one for February 21/Joan of Arc is 1 Samuel 28:5, 7-8):

Saul took one look at the Philistine army and started shaking with fear. Then Saul told his officers, “Find me a woman who can talk to the spirits of the dead…” His servants told him, “There’s a woman at Endor who can talk to spirits of the dead.” That night, Saul put on different clothing so nobody would recognize him. Then he and two of his men went to the woman…

June 10’s entry is entitled ‘What Grace!’ – which happens to be one of my favorite spiritual topics! This entry introduced me to John Hus:

John Hus, born in a peasant’s home about 1373, worked his way through school and began teaching theology at the University of Prague. He was exposed to Wycliffe’s writings, and in 1402, when he was appointed preacher at Prague’s influential Bethlehem Chapel, his powerful sermons about justification by faith stirred all Bohemia. Church officials grew alarmed by the ferment, and in 1414, Hus was summoned to Constance in charges of heresy. On June 10, 1415, he wrote to his followers in Bohemia:…. (June 10).

I really appreciate this book. I plan to add it into our daily devotional circulation. Although it is not a traditional devotional, it is unique in that we learn a lot about Christian history. It is also very encouraging for the Christian who wants to live an honorable and God-glorifying life.

This would be an awesome book for some of the events happening at this time of year – as a graduation gift and as a great Father’s Day gift. Books make great gifts!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson and provided by them for review purposes.

‘Wonders Never Cease’ by Tim Downs – Book Review

One of the most fascinating subjects to me is the subject of angels. So when I learned about a book called ‘Wonders Never Cease’ by Tim Downs, I knew it was a book I wanted to read.

Here is the synopsis of this novel novel:

“It’s true what they say, you know: If you talk to God, you’re religious; if you hear from God, you’re schizophrenic.”

When a car accident leaves a famous movie star in a coma, nurse Kemp McAvoy thinks he has found his ticket to the life he’s always wanted. As a med school dropout who was on his way to becoming an anesthesiologist, Kemp has the knowledge to carry off the crazy plan he concocts: adjust the star’s medication each night and pretend to be a heavenly visitor giving her messages. He recruits her agent and a down-and-out publisher to make sure the messages will become the next spiritual bestseller and make them all rich.

But his girlfriend’s daughter, Leah, keeps telling people that she is seeing angels, and her mother and her teachers are all afraid that something is wrong.

Before it’s too late, they’ll all learn a few things about angels, love, and hope.

Here is the biography of this author:

Tim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate until 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred major newspapers worldwide.  His first book, Finding Common Ground: How to Communicate with Those Outside the Christian Community...While We Still Can, was awarded the Gold Medallion Award in 2000, and his third novel, PlagueMaker, was awarded the Christy Award for best CBA suspense novel of 2007. He is also the author of End of the Earth, Head Game, Less Than Dead, Shoofly Pie, Chop Shop and First the Dead. His most recent novel is Nick of Time. Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy.

There are several primary characters in this novel – Kemp McAvoy, Natalie Pelton, and actress Liv Hayden. In my opinion, Kemp has absolutely no redeeming value, other than being a child of God. He got my blood boiling numerous times through the course of reading this novel. He comes across as self-centered, dishonest, and arrogant. In contrast, his girlfriend, Natalie, had her moments of bad behavior, but, overall, I wondered what she saw in Kemp and why she was with him.

Another interesting aspect of this novel is the Hollywood/show business element. The emphasis is more clearly on the business than on the show. In his writing, Mr. Downs captures the environment perfectly. Here is an exchange between Liv Hayden and the director of her latest film project:

The director grinned at her. “I’m really looking forward to working with you on this film, Ms. Hayden. I welcome your input – your opinion means a lot to me. I mean, an actor of your – stature.”

Stature. The word stung, but Liv kept a smile plastered on her face. Stature – durability – longevity – they were all just euphemisms for the same brutal reality – age. It was no picnic being a forty-plus box office icon in Hollywood, especially for a woman. Oh sure, male actors complained about the ravages of time too, but it was different for men. Less than a week ago, she was lunching with Nic Cage at The Ivy when he started whining about hairlines and face-lifts and she shoved his corn chowder into his lap. She reminded him that Brando was the size of a Macy’s balloon when they paid him $3.7 million to do Superman – but let an actress pack on an extra twenty and the only role she’ll get is doing commercials for Jenny Craig. It’s not the same, she told him. Women in Hollywood have to do everything men do, but we’re supposed to do it crammed into a size four. (pp. 3-4)

After Ms. Hayden’s auto accident, several people, including Nurse McAvoy and Ms. Hayden’s agent, Mort Biederman, concocted a scheme to get her to write a best-selling book which would make all of them rich. The meeting to nail down the details was interesting:

“We need a story with conflict – tension – something to hook the audience and draw them in.”

“I like it,” Biederman said. “Keep going.”

“How about this? The angel tells Hayden there’s a cosmic conflict brewing somewhere in the universe, a conflict to determine which path people will follow – the old way or the new way. You know, sort of a Star Wars thing: ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.’” (p. 99)

There is not much of a Christian element in this book, which is published by Thomas Nelson. It falls under the Christian Suspense category. The only character who exhibits any Christian virtues is Emmet, a custodian at the hospital. Here is an exchange between Emmet and Kemp, as Emmet confronts Kemp on his nefarious scheme. This is a perfect example of the mindset/character of these two men:

        “The whole thing was just a harmless prank.”

“Does that seem harmless to you? You put words in an angel’s mouth – that’s a mighty bold thing to do. You’re foolin’ with things you don’t understand, Mr. Kemp. An angel’s just a messenger; that means you put words in the mouth of the Almighty, and that’s a fearful thing to do.”

“I don’t believe in angels – or the bogeyman.”

“Your daughter does.”

“My girlfriend’s daughter is a loon. Bad genes, I suppose.”

“Then let me put it another way: You’re foolin’ with words. Folks are gonna read those words, and some folks are gonna believe ‘em. Words are some of the most powerful things in the world, Mr. Kemp. Not a terrible thing’s been done in this world that didn’t start off with words. Words matter – a smart man like you should know that.” (P. 195)

The wisdom is coming from the humble man, clearly!

I enjoyed the ending of this book. It was the perfect twist! If you’re looking for a beach or summertime read, this would be a good one. Just know that there is just one character in the book who exhibits Christian virtues (if that is a component of a book that is important to you). Most of the other characters desperately need Jesus!

You can order this book here.

This review was written using the Advanced Reader’s Copy; the page numbers may not correspond with the final publication. The finished product, published by Thomas Nelson, is currently available for purchase. This ARC was generously provided by the author for review purposes.

‘The Lightkeeper’s Ball’ by Colleen Coble – Book Review and Interview

One of my favorite authors in the Christian Romance genre is Colleen Coble, a fellow Midwesterner (she lives in Indiana; I live in Michigan). I recently had the opportunity to read her latest book in the ‘Mercy Falls Series,’ ‘The Lightkeeper’s Ball.’

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

At the elegant Mercy Falls masquerade ball, Olivia’s hidden identity will be revealed. It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to a fortune. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred – those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America. Unfortunately, their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests upon the Stewart daughters’ marrying well.

Olivia’s sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation’s wealthiest men, but has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor’s fiancé. Using her family’s long-forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage. There she finds that Eleanor’s death was no accident. And Harrison is not the man she thought he would be.

When Mercy Falls holds a charity ball masquerade to raise funds for the new lighthouse, secrets – and truths long hidden – will be revealed. But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity? Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing – not money, family, or romance – will ever compare to God’s unconditional love?

Here is the biography of this author:

RITA-Finalist Colleen Coble is the author of several best-selling romantic suspense series, including the Lonestar series and the Rock Harbor series. She lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana.

And here is Mrs. Coble talking about this book:

As is the case with all of the books I have read by Colleen, this one features several faith-based characters. The main character in this book, Olivia Stewart, learned something about how other characters related to God; she had previously been unaware. Here she is observing her friend Katie’s relationship with God:

“God expects us to use those gifts. You just have to be brave enough to do it. Ask God how he wants you to use your gifts.”

She’d never considered asking God something so personal. He was, well, God. He couldn’t be bothered with mundane problems. Did Katie really talk to him on such an intimate level? It was much too personal a question to ask. (pp. 68-69)

I also loved how another main character, Harrison Bennett, relied on God for direction:

Harrison wished he could climb into his plane and fly off into the sunset. Never come back. See the world and see what else God had for him. Vistas beyond this small town and the climb to the top that his father wanted for him. When would he get to pursue his own dreams? (p. 110)

Here’s another example of Katie sharing her faith with Olivia:

“God has you right where he wants you,” Katie said. “He provides for our needs no matter how much money we have. Any money you have is from his hand.”

Olivia had never really considered that God had given her family their money. Her father had been quick to take credit for their family’s astute business sense. (p. 183)

And here is Olivia’s observation about Katie and her other friend, Addie (the main character in the first two books in this series, ‘The Lightkeeper’s Daughter’ and ‘The Lightkeeper’s Bride:’

Olivia had never had friends like these two, one who always pointed to Jesus       in all circumstances. Her faith had been strengthened so much since coming here. She was beginning to believe she could be who she was inside. (p. 261)

I have enjoyed all of the books I have read that were written by Mrs. Coble: ‘Abomination,’ ‘Anathema,’ ‘Without A Trace' (Rock Harbor Series # 1), ‘Beyond A Doubt' (Rock Harbor Series #2), and ‘Into the Deep' (Rock Harbor Series #3).  I also read the first book in this Mercy Falls series, ‘The Lightkeeper’s Daughter’ (you can read my review here) as well as ‘Lonestar Homecoming,’ the third book in the ‘Lonestar Series’ (you can read my review here). This book was no exception! I always am excited when I find out a new Coble novel is coming. She is a speedy writer (or so it seems!), so I usually don’t have to wait very long for a new one!

I’m not sure how I missed it, but I did not read the second book in the ‘Mercy Falls Series,’ ‘The Lightkeeper’s Bride.’ There is no doubt in my mind that it would be worth your time to read!

Please enjoy this interview with prolific and charming lady!

An interview with Colleen Coble, author of The Lightkeeper’s Ball

Q: Did you always dream of becoming a writer? Why did you choose the romance genre?

I wrote my first story in the first grade. It was about a horse that had twin colts.  The teacher praised it and the writing seed was planted. I love illustrating God’s love through romance. I especially love the suspense I put into all my books as well. I have a strong streak of justice and it plays out in the suspense element.

Q: What inspired you to write a historical series based in the early 1900’s? What would you have enjoyed about living in that time period and what would you have found the most difficult?

I happened to read an article about the Gilded Age and it mentioned how that era was so similar to today’s. I was intrigued with that, plus I wanted to choose a time period that wouldn’t be too much of a departure from my contemporary books. In that era, there were still cars and telephones!

I would have loved the simpler lifestyle. However, I would miss my jeans! How vain.

Q: Society at the turn of the century was very preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people.  How is that not so different than our society today and how can we keep from falling into that same trap?

That’s exactly right! The parallels between the two eras are astounding. I’ve been at the cancer hospital this week with a dear friend, and it was a reminder of how fragile this life is. We seek THINGS when God wants us to seek Him. We need to keep our eyes set on eternity and remember that THIS life is the real dream. When we reach heaven, we will finally start to really live.

Q: Bitterness and unforgiveness led to the death of Olivia’s sister. Why is it so important to forgive those who have wronged us?

An unforgiving spirit hurts us much more than the person we hate. It makes us ugly and crowds out the love we want to show other people. God is love, not hate.  Bitterness is the very opposite of the attitude God wants us to have.

Q: This is the third book in your Mercy Falls series. Addie and Katie were the main characters in your first two books. Olivia was given a true gift in the friendship of Katie and Addie. What does it take to find trustworthy and loyal friends? Why do you think that we all desire to find friends like these?

You have to first be a friend. You have to be open and giving of yourself to have those kinds of friends. A true friend tells you the truth in love, and that’s an important component of the give and take of real friendship.

Q: What do you hope that your readers will take away from reading The Lightkeeper’s Ball?

I hope the readers who feel they have to earn love will take away the realization that their true worth is that Jesus loves them and died for them. They are valuable beyond comprehension. When we can step into the role of daughters and sons, we can realize our true potential.

You can order the book here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and provided by The B & B Media Group for review purposes.

‘Save the Date’ by Jenny B. Jones – Book Review

I had the great good fortune to read – and enjoy – another new author (new for me). The author is Jenny B. Jones and the book is ‘Save the Date.’

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

You are cordially invited to the wedding of the year with the most unlikely bride and groom. Save the date…and say your prayers.

When the funding for Lucy’s non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair, former professional football star and heir to Sinclair Enterprises – the primary donor to Lucy’s non-profit organization.

Both Lucy and Alex have something the other desperately wants.

Alex has it all…except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn’t quite what he seems. Lucy finds her heart – and her future – on the line.

Save the Date is a spunky romance that will have readers laughing out loud as this dubious pair try to save their careers, their dreams…and maybe even a date.

Here is the biography of this author:

Jenny B. Jones writes Christian Fiction with equal parts wit, sass, and untamed hilarity. When she’s not writing, she’s living it up as a high school teacher In Arkansas. Since she has very little free time, she believers in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching E!, going to the movies and inhaling large buckets of popcorn, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. She is the four-time Carol Award-winning author of Just Between You and Me, the Charmed Life series for young adults (So Not Happening, I'm So Sure, So Over My Head) plus the Katie Parker Series (In Between, On the Loose, The Big Picture).

I was pleasantly enchanted by the main characters in this book – Lucy Wiltshire and Alex Sinclair. Each of these characters has their quirks – Lucy is a huge Sci-Fi fan and Alex is a former professional football player who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Both initially acted as you’d expect – Lucy was a major league nerd and Alex was very cocky. However, they both came to be loving and charming people.

Here is an early glimpse at the person of Alex Sinclair:

Though the media was having a field day with his life at the moment, Alex wasn’t about to give up. It was a foreign feeling – this losing. He was a conqueror. Just like on the field, he should be able to size up his opponent, zero in on his weakness, and go for the kill. But it wasn’t working. Each day held another setback. Just last week People magazine had run a scathing expose on every alleged bitter girlfriend Alex had ever had. Their group photo had taken up two whole pages. Only part of it had been true – the rest lies and toxic slams on his character…. (p. 17)

Personally, I would steer clear of a man with that reputation!

Lucy decided to move forward with the plan to be Alex’s fiancée in exchange for a large payoff to help save the Saving Grace home. However, she had a hard time adjusting to his lifestyle. Her nerdy/klutzy side came out at the most inopportune times:

Throughout dinner at the Peninsula Grill, she had felt the same unease gnawing on her insides like rabid butterflies desperate for freedom. As Alex had casually made small talk and taken nice even bites of his filet mignon, the enormity of what she had agreed to play out in her head like a late-night movie. And the butterflies only flapped harder. In her defense, it wasn’t Lucy’s fault that the waiter reached for the breadbasket just as her knife slipped. Or that she knocked the water pitcher out of his hand in an attempt to help him. Or that he slipped on the ice and carried the whole tablecloth with him. (p. 71)

I love Jenny’s writing style. Here is her description of Alex; no wonder his nickname was ‘Playboy!’ His looks are contrasted with Lucy’s: 

He looked like he had walked right off a Ralph Lauren runway. Natural chestnut highlights shone in his dark hair, complementing his tan. His gray suit might have made him look sophisticated and serious, but it couldn’t hide the athlete beneath it. While she, on the other hand, had slept a combined total of fifteen minutes. Between the nightmares about close-ups and long-angle lenses, thoughts of her family, and rolling on her sore hand, she was worn out. Lucy’s eyes were so puffy she hadn’t even bothered putting on makeup, and her hair was nothing more than a limp ponytail with stray curls staging spiral revolts. And he had the nerve to show up this morning at Clare’s, whisk her off to breakfast, and look like Mr. GQ. (p. 157)

I also loved the spiritual elements in this book. Here is a brief excerpt from a message to a youth group from Lucy’s friend Morgan’s roommate, Chuck; we all, no matter our age, need to aware of the schemes of the devil, to discard them for the lies they are, and to accept the truth of the Bible:

The youth pastor held up his tattered Bible. “This is your armor.” He rushed back to the stage and pointed to the crude wooden cross. “And this is the only place you surrender. Tell the devil you’re through listening. It’s time to tell yourself, ‘I’m good enough.’ It’s time to claim the verse in the Bible that says you are a dearly loved child of God. You are adored. And you deserve love.”

You deserve love.

“When that voice sneaks into your head with lies, you claim the opposite. Say ‘I’m beautiful. I’m a success. I’m going places.’ God doesn’t care about your background, what kind of clothes you wear.” Chuck’s voice rose with passion. “Stop looking in the mirror for your truth. Stop listening to your friends. Don’t read that magazine and think that’s your reality. They’re lying to you. Because you are dearly loved.” He looked to the left. “Isn’t it time we started acting like it?” (pp. 255-256)

Amen to that!

I loved the ending of this book; sweet!

I have to add Jenny B. Jones to my list of authors whose books I will pursue and read in the future! This book is wonderfully well-written and has a wonderful message of forgiveness and love for readers of all ages. There is a Reading Group Guide at the end of this book; it would be a great choice for a group of lady friends or those ladies who want to bond over this terrifically entertaining book.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and provided by Wynn-Wynn Media for review purposes.