This blogger would love to just say, "Wow! Now you read it!" but that won't suffice.

Review done by Sarah

About the book from The Missionary:

Yesterday, David Eller was an American Missionary in Caracas, Venezuela. Today, he’s an international fugitive.

David and his wife Christie rescue impoverished children in the slums of Venezuela. But for David, that’s not enough. The supply of homeless children is endless because of the corrupt policies of the Venezuelan government.

In a rare moment of anger, David lashes out publicly against the government, unaware of the chain reaction that will soon follow.

When the CIA offers David a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a key role in a “bloodless” coup, he decides to go for it. But little by little, he falls into an unimaginable web of deceit that ends in a desperate, life-or-death gamble to flee the country with his wife and son, with all the resources of a corrupt dictatorship at their heels.

My Opinion:

This is one of those books where I’d love to just say “Wow! Now you read it!” but that won’t suffice.  From page 1 I was hooked – this is a fast paced novel about David, his wife and their young son who are missionaries.  I’ve written before on my heart pull for mission trips and for now I satisfy my thirst by reading about missionaries, both fictional and non-fiction.  I also enjoy a good suspense/espionage and I’m glad that their are Christian choices for that as I find I can no longer read those written for the secular community.  The elderly couple who founded the mission relies on God and their faith isn’t shaken – I think that comes with their age and having gone through fire to get where they are.  However, David, is a younger man with a wife and child and trying to do what he thinks is best – his faith gets shaken and built stronger.

The book is hard to put down especially once David realizes that what he’s done endangers everything he and others believe in, even his own faith.  I read this in one day  and am so glad that I did as I would have been on pins and needles to find out what was going on with the characters inside the covers of a book that shows the inner struggles that missionaries could go through as they are met by temptations.

With lots of twists and turns, some expected some not so expected – this book will have readers, both Christian and non-Christian, flipping the pages long into the night.  I felt like I really got to know the Eller’s and got caught up in their plight of wanting to do what’s right, having choices go south and then fighting for freedom and justice and ultimately forgiveness.  Please don’t take my word for it though, this book is a great must read and it makes some wonderful faith building words.

To read more reviews like this one, go to: Tell Us The Truth Reviews.

**I received this book from Bring It On! Communications, in exchange for my honest review – no other compensation was given.

"The Place of Belonging is really well written and I love it!" said this blogger.

Review done by Abby

I have been very lucky to have the chance to review quite a few books this summer.  I have another great, quick read that is perfect for anyone looking for a book to add to their summer reading list!

About the Author: Jayne Pearson Faulkner is a graduate of Central Bible College.  She is a former editor and writer for Gospel Publishing House.  She also served as a missionary for many years to the Philippines and the South Pacific.  She now lives in Oregon with her family.

About the Book: The Place of Belonging is the story of a child of a single mother in 1940′s Big Sky Montana.  She lives with her mother and grandmother.  After her mother, who works at a beauty parlor meets and man and gets married there are a lot of changes in Jayne’s life.  The Place of Belonging is written from Jayne’s point of view as a child as she looks for her very own place of belonging.

My Review: I really enjoyed this book.  At only 190 pages it is a very quick read than can easily be finished within a couple of days and since it is so engaging it is the kind of book that you don’t want to put down.

The Place of Belonging is really well written and I love that it is written from the view point of a young child.  Jayne is a sweet child who truly wants her very own place to belong.  Since she did not start life with a dad and her family is changing, belonging is at times hard for Jayne and it is what she most desires.  It is fun to think about how a child perceives the changes in her life and in the lives of those around her.

While her family is constantly changing and growing, it is nice to feel the love in Jayne’s family.  There is a lot of love between Jayne and her mother, grandmother, siblings and her new dad though everyone shows it in their own unique way.

The Place of Belonging is a story that I feel that anyone could relate to enjoy.  We all want a place to fit in and belong and to be loved.

This book is a keeper!  It is sweet and made me happy.  Adults will love it and I think teenagers would enjoy it and relate to it as well.  I will be passing this book on to some friends to read!

Buy It: The Place of Belonging is available through Amazon now for $11.44!

This was not a paid post.  I was provided with the review item free of charge through the the sponsor or representing PR agency.  The opinions expressed are mine.

Mai Spencer, author of The Son in My Eyes is at booth 1138 right now!!

Come read this intense, in depth review of The Forgotten Awakening!

Review done by Graphoniac

The Forgotten Awakening

How the Second Great Awakening Spread West of the Rockies

By Douglas McMurry

ISBN: 1-935265-63-6

Published by Deep River Books, © 2011

Softback $14.99 @ www.deepriverbooks.com

Overall Grade: A-

Deep, challenging, rewarding content; not my favorite writing style

Let me preface this review with a little background information, so you understand where I'm coming from.

I spent 4 years learning classic grammar, style and diction, to attain my writing degree. I have a proofreader's mind; I can't help but edit as I read. And I read everything. I despair at the decline of the English language, and find it especially offensive when professional print is subpar. I have been asked to review another writer's work, something I do with hesitation. I know what it is to have my own work criticized, what it is to fight the urge to take critiques personally. I must, for the sake of my integrity, and for the benefit of my readers give my honest opinion. So when I remark to the quality of writing, please know that I mean nothing personally against this author; I am merely relying on my classic training while comparing the manuscript to the ones I hold in highest regard.

All that being said, this book is pretty good. :)

Douglas McMurry spent two decades researching The Second Great Awakening, but not the same Second Great Awakening you may've heard of. It is all too easily forgotten that America's European settlers were not the only people on the continent at the time. And it is also too easily dismissed that the First Americans, the indigenous peoples could also be Christian. McMurry calls it ethnocentrism, belief in the superiority of one's own race. Too many of the missionaries and other settlers of the land were convinced that because the Natives were not civilized, they could not become Christians. Christ's love transcends all races, traditions, religious habits, and civilization. Because a few forgotten missionaries believed that, the Natives had their own Great Awakening while America's newest inhabitants had their Second.

Through the story of Jedediah Smith, American mapper, the story of Spokan Garry, a Great Spokan Chief's son, and the stories of several missionaries and trappers that affected Jedediah Smith and Spokan Garry, we get a glimpse of God's loving plan for all people. McMurry's research has found several accounts of God revealing Himself to Native tribes through their spiritual leaders, in ways familiar to The People, prior to the spread of European and American influence. It was prophesied to these tribes that the white man would come with "leaves bound together" to teach them more about God, "He-who-made-us." These prophesies were fulfilled to the detail--including the color of the hair and clothing of the people intended to bring the Gospel. 

In The Forgotten Awakening, McMurry relates historical details in a narrative, facts told as an intimate story. He brings to life characters of history, reminding us that they too were mere humans, regardless of their historical portrayal. By digging through letters, journals, and other historical documents, McMurry found and has presented us with the common thread of God's love and provision making a distinct impact on the lives of Natives and Immigrants alike.

I found the writing itself to be very difficult to read. Mr. McMurry's writing style is very modern, and includes modern phraseology even in 1st person thinking. I found several grammar, style, and diction errors that, though they may be commonly accepted in today's literature, I think greatly diminish a book's ability to last the ages. He also freely changes from 3rd person narrative to 1st person thinking without visual cues. These 1st person thoughts often carry on for full paragraphs of needlessly philosophical musings, sometimes interrupting narrative so that the reader has to stop and re-read to realize that the speaker has changed. I prefer to be shown details and to gather for myself how the character must have felt or thought. I find 1st person thoughts only necessary or helpful when the character doing the thinking is also the narrator throughout the book. But this comes of McMurry's conversational style. It'll be something that you either really enjoy or find difficult to get through. 

McMurry doesn't just preach about the injustice done to the Native Americans, he actually lives his beliefs. He and his wife created The Clearing Where Eagles Fly, a retreat and prayer center whose mission is to help heal and reconcile the American peoples of all heritages. While I am not a fan of his writing style, my hat's off to the Douglas McMurry. From reading this book, his bio, and his website, I believe he is as gentle, genuine, and compassionate as his portrayal of the godliest characters in this book.

I believe that if you read The Forgotten Awakening, regardless of your personal beliefs, you will see how the God of Christianity lovingly allows all people to come to Him in the ways familiar to them. You will see how Christ's love is not tied to civilization, but rather to each person's choice to obey God's calling, even through rituals unfamiliar to The Church. Christianity is simply a matter of obedience, not of religious icons, traditions or clothing choice. This book simply glows with stories of America's first Christians, both white and red.

Pros:

• As a historical narrative, the facts and impressions of years and years of research become much more enjoyable to read
• The story line supports and makes the concept easier to understand
• Decent organization for such a vast amount of information
• Includes simple maps, excerpts from journals, and pictures (in the center fold)
• If you like the conversational style of writing, the whole book is written as though told at an intimate gathering, using modern terms and idioms
• The whole point of the book is obvious, poignant, and powerful. It sticks with the reader

Cons:

• Written in a very conversational style, which I personally find difficult to read
• Has minor diction, style, and grammar errors that I found distracting. However, the average reader probably won't even notice them
• Switches between first, second, and third person almost excessively and without visual cues, a habit that this speed reader finds rather annoying
  This product was provided free of charge to Graphoniac, for review. All opinions are my own.

Untitled

Review done by Going Green with Noah

"When the Brook Dries  Up"
A Study Based on 1 Kings 17: 1 - 16
Author: Blondina Howes Jeffrey
Publisher: Deep River Books
ISBN: 978-1935265474

Is God more than enough when you don't have a job, when your health fails, or when you have no money and it seems you are on the verge of being homeless? How is God more than enough when your loving relationships shatter, or when everything you have worked so hard for slips from your grip? 

When the doors close, prayers seem unanswered, and you are holding on to broken dreams, one has to wonder, contrary to popular belief--does God give His children more than they can bear? 

When the Brook Dries Up shakes the very foundation of your faith, trust and confidence in God. In it you will explore the secret to experiencing God at work in your life at all times, and in all circumstances, even when He does not appear to be.


MY REVIEW


Ms. Jeffrey takes 1 Kings 17 to a new level with an in-depth analysis of how God can work in you and through you in the most difficult of situations.  Utilizing both biblical and real-life scenarios, this book challenges the reader to search the depths of their soul for hope, understanding, and realization of God's true and all-encompassing love, while challenging their own faith in the process.

Is God ever enough in our lives?
 
Why did you let this happen to me?

Are you even here?

Are you listening?
 
These are all questions that we all scream out when tragedy or anguish tears at our soul.  

Our lives, at many times, can seem hopeless, like a dried up brook...."a place where God's promises and provisions have seemingly been exhausted, been dissipated, have disappeared. It can represent a place where hope and expectation are lost and despair, doubt , fear and panic can become tyrannical masters."(Blondina, 55).

When the Brook Dries Up  faces these tough questions and with only 108 pages to boast, each page is packed with a plethora of insightful and in-depth analysis of verses from 1 Kings 17, intertwined with stories that can connect with the reader and draw them in.

Although the analysis and study of this book is intriguing, I feel as if the target audience would be better suited for those individuals who are currently struggling to find meaning in tragedy and recognizing God's love, even when it seems as if he is silent.  Having been a former British literature teacher, this wasn't my favorite style of writing either - although, her point is still delivered effectively.

 

** I received this book for review. 

All opinions are 100% my own. I was not paid or compensated for this review. 

 

I recommend this book for anyone ages 13-113!!

Review done by Chanin

The Place of Belonging
by Jayne Pearson Faulkner
ISBN#1935265458
Published by Carmichael Publishing
Available at Deep River Books for $13.99

Overview of the book from Deep River Books:

A warm and endearing, yet heart-wrenching memoir. The Place of Belonging, is about a child of a single mother in Big Sky Montana that is beautifully and simply told. It is an unforgettable step back in time, a fresh understanding of loss and belonging. Reading like prose, this elegantly written and emotionally satisfying story is told from the eyes of a child of the 1940’s.

Anyone who has ever tried to fit in and belong will understand both mother and child in this narrative. . . and will see that separation and loss can sometimes be the very encounters that will ultimately bring wholeness.

My Review:

I loved this book!  It was a very enjoyable book to just sit down and relax with.  Reading about Janie and the feelings she had while growing up was fun!  She made you want to laugh and cry. It was written very much like a diary.  The story was told from the honest mind of a child.  She feels and says things that adults don’t always say out loud, but want to. I found that very refreshing.
Parts of this book really pulls at your heart strings.  I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened to Janie and her family.  The way the book was written makes you feel like you are part of the family.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone ages 13-113!  I think any age will find something to relate to in this book by Jayne Pearson Faulkner!

I received this book free from Bring It On Communications in exchange for a written review on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  To read more reviews about this book and others visit Tell Us The Truth Reviews.

I found (this book) very challenging. In a good way.

Reclaiming Heaven’s Covenant
(Deep River Books, Sept. 2011)
written by Randy R. Butler
ISBN:1935265849 

In a world dominated and defined by electronic relationships, here is a refreshing reminder that we can learn how to connect to those around us in a new way -  one that is out of this world! The key is the Covenant Renewal Model which comes as close as possible to bridging earth and heaven on this side of death. If applied properly, it can positively impact every area of your life.

MY REVIEW:

In Reclaiming Heaven’s Covenant, Randy Butler shares with us how a tragic event in his life led him to a closer relationship with God.

The Bible speaks of a covenant relationship with God in numerous places. This book helps us see why we need that covenant relationship with God, and ways to establish it.

One of the things I loved about this book was the footnotes on the page. Much easier to check then having to flip to the back of the book while reading.

Every chapter has questions at the end to help you accomplish what the chapter taught us about. I found these questions very challenging. In a good way.

One of the questions was “Do you have a spiritual plan? Spiritual goals?”

I  had never thought of my faith in terms of a plan or goals before.  I do believe that we should have a plan or set goals. Not for what we expect from God, but what we can do to draw closer to God. For example: spend so much time praying, so much time reading the Bible, doing work to help others, etc.

If  you are looking for ways to deepen your relationship with God, I recommend Reclaiming Heaven’s Covenant by Randy R. Butler.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book for review purposes from Bring it On Communications for review purposes. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”