I was very excited to first learn of Laura Davis’ story of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Mary, his mother. So, I really jumped on the opportunity to participate in the book tour when Laura’s turn came around.

I was not disappointed. There is a real warmth that jumps off the page in this book. Laura does a wonderful job of bringing the apostles to life. She elaborates on their relationships with Jesus and their experiences witnessing his miracles. As the story is told through Mary’s eyes, we learn a great deal about Mary’s faith and her submission to God. Laura does not give us a holy mother to be revered, but a young woman who is devoted to the Lord as his servant. 

This book would make a wonderful gift for someone who is not familiar with the Bible. Sometimes people are intimidated about reading Scripture if they are not from a “church background”. (Sometimes they are even more intimidated when they have grown up in church.) I think Laura gives a great summary of the Gospel for someone who might be more inclined to read a novel.

A few notes:

Toward the end of the novel there are places where the author stopped including footnotes of Scripture and I missed them.

I was a little thrown when the point of view seemed to change from Mary to Judas during some parts of the novel.

I’m still not sure how I feel about Laura’s take on Judas. He comes across as more naïve and less intentional in his involvement with Christ’s betrayal than Scripture states. I know that she has taken some liberties where Scripture was unclear, but there are instances in Scripture where Judas’ actions are clear. The Bible tells us that Satan enters Judas around the time of the Passover feast and Judas seeks to betray him to the officials (Luke 22:1-6). In the garden, Judas points out Jesus (with a kiss) and says “arrest him” (Matthew 26:48-50). He wasn’t unsure about what was happening.

Regardless of this, I still think this is a lovely book full of great value for believers and unbelievers alike.  

Come to Me is available for purchase at:

Amazon

Lulu

Barnes and Noble

Tag Steve. . .you’re it.
 

Check out these member blogs Sept. 7-13 for more info.

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Rebecca’s Review

Becky Jane Dice has written a series of Inspirational Young Adult novels that follow the complications of adolescence and spiritual growth for Chenoa Fawn Gray Owl. Chenoa’s Spiritual Journey is the first in this series.

Growing up is a difficult process. We can joke about teen angst and drama once we’ve moved past it; however, we all can remember the onslaught of emotions. We can recall feeling pushed in all sorts of directions and not being able to distinguish what the best choices would be. Chenoa experiences this as a young Native American woman growing up on a reservation. Her problems escalate when her family chooses to move away from the reservation. Leaving the only type of life she has known, Chenoa must face some very difficult events. Life comes at us quickly and can change in an instant. Chenoa must learn this as a sixteen year old girl.

Throughout the novel, a relationship with Jesus is emphasized. The parents encourage their children to seek out answers by praying to Jesus. They want their daughter to trust God even when she doesn’t understand what’s going on. Anna, Chenoa’s mother, is often seen reading her Bible or praying.

The relationship between Chenoa and her boyfriend (no spoilers!) is innocent. It grows along with their spiritual growth. They are seeking Jesus together – as it should be. This was a great example of a young, Christ-centered relationship. That aspect alone makes this book a great novel for young adults.

I did have some difficulties with technical aspects of the writing. I tried to remove my editor’s hat; but it wasn’t always possible.  At times, the author over explained things. This is a tactic that can leave the reader feeling insulted. It seemed that the momentum of the book picked up later on in the novel as some of these technical aspects began to improve. I would like to have seen a more polished work, but I certainly believe this book is a great novel for young adults.

Becky Jane Dice incorporated a lot of Apache language and culture into the novel. This gives a realistic feel to the characters as we learn about Chenoa’s struggle to maintain her culture outside of the reservation.

Overall this was a nice novel for the intended audience. I’m curious to see where Chenoa’s journey takes her in the additional novels.

To order Chenoa’s Spiritual Journey, you can visit WordClay.

When I was younger and we would sing hymns about the blood of Christ, I have to admit, it would sometimes disturb me. I would try to picture what unchurched people visiting must have thought of all of this adoration demonstrated toward blood and sacrifice.

Years later, while examining Leviticus 16 (where we find the instructions for the Day of Atonement), I remember trying to imagine this horribly graphic ceremony. There was literally blood everywhere – sprinkle blood here, wash this with blood.

It’s disgusting. It’s horrific. It is supposed to be.

God wanted his people to know how appalling sin was to him. He wanted this gruesome image to be linked with sin. He wanted to point them to the cross, to the blood that would wash away their sins and to the Lamb that would take their sins far from them. . .far from Him.

It’s difficult to talk about the blood. We spit out “Jesus died on the cross for our sins” like it was some peaceful event where he just closed his eyes and “passed away”. It was much more than that. It was everything. It was what our Creator demanded and it is the only thing that we can depend on.

Visit the CFRB Blog Tour page for more information about this month’s book!

Rebecca’s Review

Misunderstandings, lies and assumptions begin the clumsy romance of Eden Barrett and Colin Ashton in Gentle Journey.  This was a lovely inspirational romance. It seems Elaine Lyons Bach did her research and it was fun to see how she incorporated items as well as idioms from the time period. I asked Bach to explain a little bit about her researching process for the novel. She graciously shared the following with me:

I began writing Gentle Journey before there was an Internet so the researching I did consisted first of finding time-lines of the period, then from the time-lines I chose authors and historical figures of interest and read biographies of them and works by them that were written in the actual Regency era, constantly taking notes on interesting facts on index cards and categorizing them. Then the notes needed a file cabinet. As I began to imagine scenes, I would wonder if a word or item existed at that time and make a search for it. While searching, I found more neat stuff that gave me more ideas for scenes. I had so much research that I could not use in the book, so I just had to write a few more manuscripts. Now when I have a question, I Google it, or post the question online to the Beau Monde chapter of RWA or the Regency Writer’s group on Yahoo Groups. It is so satisfying to be able to do that because I want to be as accurate about the historical details as I can.

Bach uses historically accurate settings to bring Gentle Journey to life.

I am a huge fan of Jane Austen and this story reminded me of her.  And like Austen, Bach has fleshed out her lead characters in impressive form.

Eden is a young woman who lives according to her faith. She can’t help but express it in her actions, and it overflows into many of her conversations. I was greatly impressed with Eden as the heroine of Gentle Journey. Her faith is presented with confidence. She isn’t apologizing for her beliefs, but she is also not attempting to state them blindly. She simply lives them out.

As I read more, the verse 1 Peter 3:15 came to mind. This verse states:

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect”(NIV)

This is the example Eden offers the reader. She honors the Lord and is ready to defend the reason for her hope. Yet she does not respond “defensively” or rudely when questioned. Bach is able to demonstrate bold faith without removing love from the message of the Gospel.

Colin Ashton, Seventh Earl of Edmund, has seen much suffering in his life. He has a heart for children in need and uses his wealth and title to do what he can to help them. Colin has a difficult time accepting that a loving God could allow suffering in these young lives. Eden gently, yet confidently, addresses his doubts.

God’s sovereignty is not an easy concept to grasp. He chooses to allow things to happen for reasons we may not understand and we may not like. Yet, whether we agree with his choices or not, he is God. Whether we reject the God of the Bible or not, he still reigns.  

I loved the messages presented in Gentle Journey. I greatly enjoyed a sweet love story that took me to another time and place. I encourage you to check out Gentle Journey. You can find other reviews or more information about the book by visiting any of the CFRB blogs found toward your right.

Visit Elaine Lyons Bach’s Author page .

Book Details:

Gentle Journey
Elaine Lyons Bach
Fiction Romance
Outskirts Press (February 9, 2007) 248 pgs
ISBN: 978-1598009040

Purchase a copy of Gentle Journey at the following sites:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Other CFRB Reviewers

On Friday, visit Christian Mystery Writers for a review of Gentle Journey by David Brollier. In addition to being the co-founder of the Christian Fiction Review Blog (CFRB), David Brollier is a husband, father and grandfather.  He and his wife Barbara are looking forward to their 35th anniversary this July.  He’s a retired correctional officer, library clerk, licensed minister and author.

David’s first book, THE 3RD COVENANT, is a mystery novel about a deadly cult and the people in the NYPD who bring them and their leader down.  There are some problems there too.  Detective Nat Adams is an outspoken Christian, but his new partner, CSI May K. Wish, is an agnostic.

David enjoys diversity, believing it to be one of God’s traits.  So he likes many kinds of music, literature and art, although he does have his favorites.  One of David’s greatest joys is working with the talent members at CFRB.  He considers it a privilege, not a duty, to work with so many wonderful and vibrant people who love the Lord as well as good Christian fiction.

On Saturday, be sure to stop by CFRB’s Main Site for a wrap-up of the Tour.

I encourage you to also check out Author Laura Davis’ site to read her review and a great interview with Elaine Lyons Bach, the author of Gentle Journey. Here’s Laura’s introduction in her own words:

I am a former singer/songwriter with a music ministry that lasted for over 30 years. Due to a botched surgery several years ago, my vocal chords were damaged. However, God works in mysterious ways and I found myself writing.

My book, “Come to Me” (ISBN #978-1-4357-0556-2), is about the life of Christ through the eyes of His mother. Throughout the book you will see the theme of surrendering to God as Mary relates her story to the Apostles Luke and Matthew. In fact, surrendering was one of the reasons why I wrote this book. It took a long time for me to say ‘yes’ to God, when I saw Him leading me in the direction of writing. I wanted my voice back! Unlike Mary who readily accepted the Lord’s plan for her, I argued! I’m so glad that I finally surrendered.

One of the areas that I feel the Lord is drawing me to write about, is bringing biblical characters to life. My next book, “Upon This Rock”, will feature the struggles of Peter and the early church.

If you would like to hear more about my story and my book “Come to Me”, I invite you to watch 100 Huntley St., where I recently made a guest appearance. You can watch the program online here: http://www.crossroads.ca/broadcas/program.htm . I was on April 7th, 2008

Visit the CFRB Blog Tour page for more information about this month’s book!

Rebecca’s Review

When I first visited William McGrath’s website, I noticed a blurb from Glenn Sunshine’s review at Breakpoint.org:

Bill McGrath’s Asulon is the first book of a fantasy trilogy entitled The Sword of Fire. Aimed primarily at young adults, the book is written in such a way as to make biblical history and Christian morality exciting to a notoriously difficult group to reach.

Difficult to reach, indeed! But what a promising opportunity McGrath has presented in this novel. I was definitely excited to read Asulon after seeing that quote. My excitement grew as I allowed myself to become engrossed in this tale.

Daniel is a young man with an incredible responsibility. Not only is he royalty, but there are those who believe he is the fulfillment of an ancient prophesy. While training to become a warrior, Daniel is faced with some incredible life changes that propel him into a battle of physical and spiritual consequence.

William McGrath uses biblical truths and parallels to tell the story of a mythical land. This is a land of giants and dwarves, of angels and corrupted man.  The God of the Bible is proclaimed as the Most High, the One True God. Yeshua is God incarnate and years after his resurrection and ascension, his followers still acknowledge his humanity and his deity. These believers face opposition from those who would deny allegiance to God based on their desires for wealth and power.

Sound familiar?

Oh, yes, there is truth in this novel and it is powerfully presented. I believe McGrath’s intended audience would be well-served in reading this fantastical treasure.

It amazed me how much thought and detail had gone into the creation of the world of Asulon and of its inhabitants. I couldn’t help but feel that sense of wonder similar to entering C.S. Lewis’ Narnia.

Asulon was an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next books in the series.

McGrath’s Website: Sword of Fire

Book Details:

Asulon
William R. McGrath
Epic Fantasy
PTI Press; January 1, 2008; 296 pgs; $14.95
ISBN: 978-0-9801058-0-3

Purchase a copy of Asulon at the following sites:

Barnes & Noble
Target

Other CFRB Bloggers:

CaroleMcDonnell

A Frank Review

The Time Mistress

Queen of Convolution

Back to the Mountain

Cathi’s Chatter

Christian Author Laura Davis

Christian Mystery Writers

I have always loved books.  As a preschooler I developed an early love of reading.  My older sister was just beginning to read and she enjoyed reading her new books to me.  That excitement was contagious, and I’ve loved reading ever since.

An early love of reading gave way to a desire to create my own stories.  Growing up with four older siblings gave me plenty of playmates.  Yet, I usually preferred the solitude that helped to bring about new characters and new story ideas.  I would act out these stories in my room, in the woods, or anywhere I felt inspired.  Yes, I was the strange kid who would be caught talking to herself.

Years later, I pursued a BA in English and graduated in 2002.  I married that same year.  My husband is an IT professional (so the English geek married the computer nerd).    We have three amazing boys and wish to continue to grow our family if that’s God’s will.  We live in Northern Virginia where we are involved in a church we love, Pillar Church, and a ministry we are passionate about, Guide My Words. 

These days most of my time is spent trying to help my young children to discover their own creativity as they explore God’s world. I still love getting lost in a story.  I enjoy helping writers to find their own voice.  I want to show others that they can create the story they wanted all along.  Sometimes we all need a little bit of guidance.