Comforting Devotional by Joni Tada

A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni Eareckson Tada, founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, writes honestly about life and suffering.  In her down to earth way, she encourages the readers to let God’s light shine through them every day.   Focusing on a daily scripture verse, her devotionals begin with a common word picture or experience and draw the reader into the heart of her point.  She closes with a heartfelt prayer.

The book is well-written and grounded in God’s word. It accomplishes the goal of encouraging readers to glorify God despite their suffering.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading the daily entries and heartily recommend this book to anyone wanting some encouragement through life’s difficult journey.     

A Story of Life and Death by Billy Coffey

Some Small Magic by Billy Coffey

Abel Shifflett is a most unusual child, but he feels overlooked by his peers and is picked on by the school bully.  Because of his latest plot to take revenge on Chris, the bully, he has exasperated his mother.  Shortly afterwards he unwittingly thwarts her only plan to be able to pay a few bills and finally get a bit ahead.  He feels guilty and hopes to change their situation.  On the basis of a word he received from a traveling healer, he decides to find his missing father.  On this journey with his friend, Dumb Willie, and a hobo he names Dorothy, he learns much about life and death.

I appreciate the author’s writing style.  Coffey’s novels are set in the small southern town of Mattingly, with a glimpse of the supernatural in them, and this one is no exception.  His prose is easy to read.  His convoluted plot keeps readers guessing and reading.  He gently leads the reader along and reveals the story layer upon layer.  His characters are richly drawn and flawed yet lovable, which was a bit surprising once all is revealed in this novel.  This book was absorbing and thought-provoking.  If you are looking for a different kind of southern fiction, this book is one that you will enjoy.