Grace-filled story

The Prodigal by Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett

Jack Chisholm, pastor of a mega-church with the mantra of “we can do better” ends up disgracing his family and his church with infidelity.  In the depths of despair and thinking about taking his own life, he is rescued by his alienated father.  And so begins Brennan Manning’s timely tale of a prodigal.

Brennan Manning is a new author to me, but I hope to read more of his books.  As a Roman Catholic priest he hungered for more of God.  He had an epiphany of the love of God for him and it changed his life.  Although he struggled with alcoholism and resulting health issues, he spread the gospel of the love of God and the forgiveness He offers  every individual.  This message is clearly seen in his final novel.

This novel captured my attention from the start and is a very capable vehicle to bear the author’s message.  I enjoyed the slightly gritty characters with their imperfections.  The story line moved along quickly enough to maintain my interest.  And, like real life, it didn’t have a tidy ending, but it was satisfying enough.  This book whet my appetite to check out his other books.  I recommend it to those who hunger for more of God’s grace in their life.

Historical Fiction by Brock and Bodie Thoene

Take This Cup by Brock and Bodie Thoene

Nehemiah is the son of shepherds and has been given charge of Joseph’s cup.  He is to present it to the Messiah in Jerusalem.  His journey is a long and convoluted one, filled with despair yet laced with hope.  Step by step he comes closer to his destiny, while learning many lessons of faith along the way.  Will he be able to complete his quest?  Will he be reunited with his family?

Brock and Bodie Thoene have recreated the political and religious climate in Israel in the days before Jesus’ death and resurrection.  They have meticulously researched the details of Nehemiah’s story.  One of the enjoyable aspects of this book was that old characters, like old friends, resurface in the story.  Even though I have not read every one of the novels in this saga, I followed the plot quite easily.  True to form, the Thoenes keep the reader wondering what will happen next. All in all, it was an excellent and educational read.  If readers have appreciated the Thoenes' previous works, this is a book that will be enjoyed as well.

Edgy Christian Fiction

Runaway Saint by Lisa Samson

I must admit that this review was difficult to write.  Lisa Samson is one of my favorite authors for her quirky, not run of the mill characters.  She does an excellent job in developing her characters and revealing them layer by layer.  And this book had the added element of re-introducing some characters from her previous book, which was a bonus.  Her writing style is easy to read.  And she deals with the nitty gritty issues of real life.  However, this book raised some questions in my mind of the purpose of Christian fiction.

I had always thought that Christian fiction was to elevate and stimulate Christ-like behavior.  Her characters have so many flaws that go against the grain of my conservative Christian up-bringing.  I am not used to “Christ-followers” who smoke and drink alcoholic beverages.  I am, perhaps labeling myself as one of those fundamentalists who follow a list of do’s and don’ts.  However, I still believe in personal holiness and feel that although Ms. Samson’s work is trendy or even hip, it doesn’t reflect my view of Christian literature.  She walks a tightrope between being too modern and appealing to more conservative readers like me.  Although some might consider her refreshing, I don’t think she can become much more edgy and still maintain her current readers.  But perhaps that is the purpose—she may wish to attract younger, hipper readers.

This being said, I enjoyed this book and found myself interested in Finn and Sarah’s life and work.  I was curious to find out why the characters behaved the way they did.  I was mostly satisfied by the conclusion of the book, although it seemed to resolve itself a bit too quickly.  She left enough questions unanswered that another book might be merited.  Putting aside my previous concerns, her readers will find this book interesting.  I recommend it to those more trendy than myself. 

Imaginative but boring

The Returned  by Jason Mott

What would life be like if the dead returned to life—not as zombies, but real, living people?  Jason Mott imagines it would cause havoc.  He paints the picture of Harold and Lucille, and what their life was like when their dead son, 8 year old Jacob returned one day.  Not only Jacob returns, but millions of others, so many that the world doesn’t know what to do with them.  In the end, the returned are kept in camps, away from the “true living.”  Life spirals out of control.  Will anyone be left alive?  Will the returned disappear?  When and how?

Jason Mott writes an imaginative tale, which waxed a bit long in my estimation.  I enjoyed seeing the growth in Harold and Lucille and their character development, but felt that the entire book took too long to reach its climax.  Although the premise was intriguing, the story fell short in my estimation.  I would have preferred a more swiftly moving plot.  This is not a book that I would recommend.

Children's Fairy Tale

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

Ophelia, whose father is a museum curator, finds herself in a foreign city while he prepares an exhibition of hundreds of swords. Because  her mother has recently died,  her father hopes that this week will give them a white Christmas away from their too quiet home.  In the museum, she stumbles upon a golden keyhole.   When she peers though it, she sees a boy!  And so begins her strange adventures.

This book captured my imagination and compelled me to read.  I enjoyed the setting of the museum, a rather dusty and down-to-earth place, which contrasted with the fantasy of the story line.  Ophelia was an admirable character who struggled with her role in the story.  The Marvelous Boy was quite intriguing as he encouraged Ophelia to fulfill her destiny.   Fairy-tale lovers will enjoy this story, which was written for children.  I would recommend it for third grade children and older, as younger children might find it a bit unsettling.  It was a very enjoyable read.

Nuclear Power Plant Setting in Legal Thriller

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

Kieran Mullaney works at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation on a night when the unthinkable occurs.  He is swept into a web of deceit and cover ups.  While trying to unravel exactly what has happened, he needs legal representation and calls upon former college friend, Emily Hart, now a lawyer.  Her father Ryan, also a lawyer, reluctantly agrees to help also.  Going to battle against Hanford will be no easy task, but Kieran has no choice.  However, more is at stake than what the three of them know.  The truth will come with a price and perhaps their lives.

Author Todd Johnson has written a legal thriller laced with suspense and unexpected turns.  What sets it apart from other legal thrillers is its setting in a nuclear power plant.  Although the plot took time to develop, once the story reached critical mass, it was difficult to put down.  I enjoyed the satisfying way that the author developed his characters and resolved issues between them.  However, he did not answer all my questions and left me wondering what would happen in the future to Emily, Kieran and Ryan.  Readers who enjoy legal thrillers will enjoy this book if they persevere to where the plot picks up pace.    

Australian Setting Enhances Romance

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

  The winter of her husband’s death, her mother’s disconnection and her daughter’s recent departure to college make Lily’s life  seem very bleak, but things are about to change as she goes in search of her lost twin sister.  Her distant mother has told her that she has a twin and that her twin lives in Australia.  She hopes to forge a relationship with her sister that will compensate for the dismal relationship she shares with her mother.  When she arrives, she is swept off her feet by Marcus, who says he will help her find her twin.  Australia proves to be more than what Liz has expected.

I enjoyed this book.  The setting in Australia made it more interesting.  Although some parts of it were predictable, the author did manage to surprise me with some of the twists of the plot.  I enjoyed the unfolding story and the revelation of the author’s characters.  I would recommend this to those readers who enjoy a novel laced with some romance