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.