Spiritual Fantasy/Adventure

Soul’s Gate  by James Rubart

Reece Roth has received a prophecy that he will teach four persons to fight for the hearts of others by entering into their souls.  They will wage spiritual warfare and bring freedom to those oppressed by the enemy.  Now he must convince the four of that calling.  Dana, Brandon and Marcus seem willing, but what of the fourth?  This task is not without many dangers, as Reece well knows.  As his protégés become stronger, the enemy takes notice and their families and Reece come under attack.  Are Dana, Marcus and Brandon ready to take on the challenge to stand against the enemy and deliver Reece?   

James Rubart writes an intriguing novel based on the premise that spiritual warfare can be waged inside a person’s soul.  Rubart admits that this possibility doesn’t really exist, but it makes for an interesting read.  This novel reminded me a lot of his novel Rooms, which I found interesting as well.  His style is straightforward and the plot moves along, although I found the beginning of the novel to be confusing when he was introducing multiple characters at once.  It didn’t help that for some reason the copy I received from the publisher would not display the first page of each chapter on my nook.  As I continued to read, I became more involved in the plot and found myself challenged to spend more time in prayer.  This story, because it is fiction, may not be found to be doctrinally mainline, but it does challenge the reader not to settle for a blasé faith.  If you enjoyed Peretti’s Piercing the Darkness novel, you will enjoy this one, too.  The publisher gave me a free copy and this is my honest opinion.

Life with an Incurable Disease

Seeing Through the Fog by Ed Dobson

Ed Dobson is a familiar name in the Grand Rapids area as the well known former pastor of Calvary Church.  I have never had the privilege of hearing him preach or attending his church, but know others who have.  His book gave me a glimpse of the man behind the reputation.

Ed writes about his diagnosis of ALS.  He transparently shares his thoughts and emotions concerning life with a debilitating disease.  His honesty regarding his struggles will encourage many grappling with the same issues.  I have to applaud his willingness to be real with his readers.  This book may well turn out to be one of his greatest ministries yet.  He approaches his disease and life with faith, but does not use it to sugar-coat his situation.  His book is a practical tool for others traveling the same road.   Even those who do not suffer from a debilitating disease will profit from his insights. I have a new respect for him and highly recommend this down-to-earth book.   The publisher provided me with a free copy and this is my honest review.     

Sensitively Rendered Story of Family Relationships

Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Heart Like Mine tells the story of a family’s shattering loss as seen through the eyes of 3 women.  Kelli is Victor’s ex-wife and is struggling because of the divorce and past hurts in her life.  Ava, her 13-year old daughter, is adjusting to the fact that her father is no longer at home.  Grace, Victor’s fiancée, is floundering while trying to establish a relationship with Ava and her brother.  Then Kelli dies and it changes everyone’s life.  The stress and the secrets kept threaten to destroy the family. 

Amy Hatvany writes a sensitive story dealing with depression, past hurts, and the possibility of second chances.  She pinpoints the emotions in difficult family situations.   She writes of mistakes made and forgiveness extended, of despair and of hope.  Her writing drew me into the story and challenged me to look past the surface into a person’s heart.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.   The publisher furnished me with a free copy and this is my honest opinion.

Constantly Twisting Plot Makes for Riveting Read

Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle

 

Christina Robin Duncan is an ex-marine who has a goal.  She wants to care for her ailing niece who needs an expensive medical operation.  The best way to earn some cash is to take an assignment in the Congo to find the terrorist who is raising a guerrilla rebellion against the efforts of her employer, Ares Solutions, to mine molybdenum.  But when she arrives, she is surprised to learn that a former marine buddy, Michael Stewart, is also nearby as part of Doctors Without Borders.  They had last seen each other when he was medevacking her injured brother from Afghanistan.  Michael's promise to her to keep her brother alive had been broken.  But nothing is as it seems and Chris is thrust into a dangerous situation where the truth may kill her.

 

Jeanette Windle has written a carefully researched and suspenseful novel.  Although it was a bit difficult to get hooked on this book, once I was, the pendulum swings and constant shifting of the plot kept me off balance and reading.  Her writing is easily read and yet covers some meaty topics like suffering, sin and God's love.  Her main characters express their (and I assume the author's, as well) biblical viewpoints in well-thought-out ways.  Their viewpoints give the reader much to ponder.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its plot, its well-drawn characters and the setting.  I heartily recommend it.  The publisher provided a free copy for this review and this is my honest review. 

A Fresh Take on Grace

Dirty God by Johnnie Moore

 “Jesus’ love and Jesus’ grace are so great it’s scandalous—too much to bear, and too easy to get, and that’s why it’s always been so controversial,”writes Johnnie Moore.   His book addresses a centuries’ old concept in a fresh and balanced approach. He says  that grace is not freedom to live life the way we want.  It is not cheap grace, but rather costly grace that persuades us to flesh out Jesus’ love to others.

This book is well-written and thought -provoking.  It changed the way I viewed my relationship to God.  It caused me to savor the grace offered to me and to want to give it away to others.  The author also deals with the abuse of grace, which he calls one of the most dangerous illnesses within the body of Christ today.   This review is a poor reflection of the impact this book has.  Read the book!  I thank the publisher for the free copy that I received and this is my honest opinion.  

Well-written book on suffering

Glorious Ruin by Tullian Tchividjian

The problem of suffering grasps most of us around the throat at some point in our lives.  Tullian Tchividjian, author and pastor, says it is not a question of why but rather who?  Most of the questions we ask, like Job’s, are beyond us.  Instead of trying to moralize (find the why) or minimize (my pain isn’t that bad) our suffering, we should dwell on the presence of our suffering Savior, who understands our pain.

Tullian Tchividjian takes a fresh, compelling and compassionate look at suffering.  He uses examples from his own life and from the lives of others, including Job.  His book takes an honest look at our pain and helps us to use it to seek comfort from our Savior.  This book gives new insight into ministering to others in painful circumstances.  It is a must read for everyone who has ever suffered or ever will suffer.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

New Christian Sci-Fi

Asylum  The Circea Tales by Ashley Hodges Bazer

Captain Chase Leighton, a member of the rebel Ghosts, has been fighting against the cruel forces of the Legacy.  He and his wife, Trista will soon celebrate their first wedding anniversary when disaster strikes.  While sent out on an assignment, Trista is taken hostage by the enemy Legacy and is used as a medical experiment.  Her memories of Chase and her previous life are wiped clean and replaced with new memories and a new identity among the Legacy.  Chase is determined to rescue her, but his attempt fails and he and his crew are being held on a spaceship for the insane, undergoing shock treatments to ensure their compliance.  Will he be able to escape and rescue her, or has he lost her forever?  Will she ever remember him?

The author writes a tale with many twists and turns in a sci-fi setting.  The plot kept me reading, although the names and the abbreviations of some of the people and equipment confused me.  Ms. Bazer did not fully explain “Logia” which further added to my confusion.  However, once I deduced the meanings of the words and abbreviations, I enjoyed the story.  (She does include a glossary at the end of the book, but I wasn’t aware of it until I had finished the book.)  I would read a sequel if one is available.  If you enjoy sci-fi with a slice of romance, you will enjoy this book.  I appreciate receiving a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.