"lights out" by travis freeman with rebeca seitz

I've sometimes imagined what it would like to be blind. It always seems absolutely horrific as I think about all the things I'd have to give up, and I end up thanking God that I have my sight. Travis Freeman's story has given me a new perspective ...

---

When illness completely stole Travis Freeman’s sight at 12 years old, his dream of playing football felt dead. However, the unshakable kid found a way to overcome the impossible and not only play football, but become a champion. 

A severe migraine attacked Travis after he’d returned from a week at summer camp. Multiple visits to doctors in different cities yielded no diagnosis. Not until an eye doctor saw something that sent Travis to the hospital clinging to his life. The undiagnosed condition was Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, an infection attacking his ocular nerve. Doctors saved his life, but not his sight.

Doctors warned that he would go through a period of depression, but Travis never did. Instead this determined young man attacked learning to live in a sighted world with inspiring ferocity. “God let this happen to me for a reason,” Travis said.

Opting to stay at his school instead of attending the Kentucky School for the Blind, Travis was surrounded by a support system that had known him most of his life. That included the junior high football coach who found a spot on the team for Travis, not as a manager or water boy, but as a player. That year, with Travis playing Center, his team won the championship. Travis continued to play football all through high school, astonishing other teams and officials across the state. 

---

Lights Out is part memoir, part Christian living, and part Bible study, and those parts come together to form a fascinating book. While Travis Freeman's story of how he became blind and then didn't let his blindness stop him from living life to the fullest is inspirational, I most appreciated how he used his story as a springboard to present the gospel in a very natural and unforced way.

Travis Freeman isn't looking for a pat on the back or for people to feel sorry for him; instead, he's using his story to encourage believers and share Christ with others. The book is written in such a conversational style that the reader can't help but be drawn in—and I found myself nodding in agreement as Freeman talked about spiritual blindness and the disabilities that we all face. Everyone struggles with something—it's just that Freeman's struggles are more readily apparent than most people's. How we deal with our struggles is what's important, and Freeman is quick to point the reader to Christ.

Lights Out is a very inspirational book, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.
Watch the trailer for 23 Blast, the film based on Freeman's story.

---

Disabled people can do anything they want to in life. Travis Freeman proves that. After learning how to play football completely blind, Travis went on to win a championship with his team. The story of a blind football player caught the attention of the national media, spawning interviews with Dateline and TODAY. He went on to serve as the equipment manager for the University of Kentucky football team and earned his doctorate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Travis teaches religion at The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Learn more about Travis at his website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"first blush" by rebeca seitz

About the book (from the publisher): Elizabeth Bakersfield may live in the gorgeous town of Naples, Florida, but she is not the thirty-year-old she envisioned. Her husband left with a Miami Dolphins cheerleader. Her job prospects are nil. The rent is due. Her best friend is living a thousand miles away, building a career in NYC. And her closest companion is the cockatiel Johnny Carson.

The job front starts looking up when she's offered the position of caretaker of Ganderley's - a library, kind of. Elizabeth's job is to loan out the priceless antiques and cars amassed by the widowed Ganderley sisters. Easy, right? Sign things out, get them back in two weeks. And, if she runs into trouble, there's the gorgeous Ganderley nephew with the British accent, Nicholas Harrington, waiting in the wings with help.

But Elizabeth is about to learn first-hand that possessions - and gorgeous Brits - bring their own kind of drama. If she doesn't figure out how to sidestep it, her job (not to mention the start of a new life) might be over before it ever really began.

My take: "First Blush" is a delightful novella about a woman's longing to find her place in the world. A young divorcee who lives in the shadow of her wealthy parents' expectations, Elizabeth longs to live life for herself ... though she has no idea what it is she really wants. Her life changes when she is given the opportunity to run Ganderley's, a sort of lending library to the rich, while its elderly proprietresses go on vacation. There she meets Nick, a mysterious Brit who helps her bosses reclaim their property when those who borrow it "forget" to return it. Elizabeth can't deny her attraction to Nick, but is he safe?

I enjoyed "First Blush" immensely. It's a super quick read (only 93 pages), and I never was sure what would happen next. My only complaint? It's too short! So many things that I wanted to know were left unanswered, especially the questions surrounding Nick. I hope that "First Blush" is just the beginning of Elizabeth's story, because I certainly want more!

Content note: I would categorize this as clean fiction. It's not Christian per se, but there's nothing objectionable about it. A few characters do drink (some to excess). There is no swearing or sex.

My rating: 4 stars

Buy the novella.

About the author: An award-winning novelist and President of the first public relations firm dedicated to representing entertainment created from a Christian worldview, Rebeca has worked with various national media outlets, including The Today Show, USA Today, National Public Radio, Southern Living, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, and Good Morning America. She is recognized for her groundbreaking research into the behaviors of Christian consumers as well as development of public relations standards specific to creators of values-driven, entertainment-oriented products. She also co-chairs the non-profit SON: Spirit Of Naples, which equips and encourages Christians creating mainstream, commercially-viable media content. Learn more at glassroadmm.com and spiritofnaples.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the  Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the big picture interactive bible"

About the book (from the publisher): Are our children really getting the full meaning of the stories as we read the Bible to them? When we read the Bible to our children, the stories are often in bits and pieces and focus on "being good." But children should get the message of "being saved" from reading the Bible instead. The Big Picture Interactive Bible (B&H Kids) is the first children's Bible of its kind—the Jesus story from start to finish, filled with features and interactive elements that capture the true meaning and significance behind all of the verses and stories.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible has nearly a thousand features in full color throughout including pictures of key items so children can understand what they're reading. The B&H Kids Augmented Reality App (free and available for Android and iPhone) creates a digital pop-up book when used with full-color illustrations, bringing the Bible to life for each child. It features the full text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, a clear, contemporary English translation that's faithful to the original languages of the Bible.

Other features included are:
~Big Words - Colorful Bible Dictionary entry with photos, maps, illustrations and descriptions of key terms, right in the Bible text.
~Big Questions/Big Answers - Kids always want to know why. This feature asks and then answers many of the common "big questions" throughout the Bible.
~Christ Connection - This feature can be found from Genesis to Revelation and will help kids understand how each story points us to Christ and His work for us.
~Introductions - Basic information about the books of the Bible will give kids perspective on the who, what and when for each book as well as "the Big Picture" from that book and key stories it contains.
~Icons - Special icons are placed throughout the Bible to connect to the Gospel Project for Kids curriculum.
~Memory Verses - Scripture memorization is much more than "saying the words." When a child memorizes a Bible verse and puts it to practice in their daily life, that child begins to learn how God can lead his life. The top 100 verses to remember are highlighted throughout the Bible.
~Parent Connection - This feature is designed to help parents be empowered to engage deeper in the story with their kids.
~Seeing the Big Picture - This feature digs into key Bible stories to help young hearts and minds grasp the meaning and provide parents with extra information to discuss the Bible with their kids.

My take: The Big Picture Interactive Bible is exactly the kind of Bible I would have loved as a child. With an attractive cover (what kid doesn't love the story of David & Goliath?), full-page illustrations, introductions to each book, and helpful notes throughout, this Bible would be great for elementary students (or perhaps even advanced preschoolers).

The one thing I didn't like (and actually found quite frustrating) was the "interactive" part. Basically, you go to the Apple or Android app store and download the B&H Kids Augmented Reality app, which will then allow you to "bring to life" certain pictures in the Bible. When it works, it's great—not only do parts of the pictures become 3D, but there's also narration that goes along with each picture. Unfortunately, I had a horrible time getting the app to work. (I have a Samsung Galaxy S4; perhaps the app works better with other phones or tablets.) I spent about 30 minutes trying the app, and I was only able to get it to work with two pictures in the Bible.

Fortunately, you don't need the app in order to enjoy this Bible. Overall, it's a great children's Bible, and I definitely recommend it.

My rating: 4 stars
Buy the book.

About the publisher: At B&H Kids, we believe Every Little Word Matters®. B&H Kids creates Bible-centered, age appropriate, engaging content for kids. Our resources are designed to help kids develop a lifelong relationships with Jesus and empower parents to guide them in their spiritual growth. For more information visit: BHKidsBuzz.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the  Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"Seams Unlikely" by Nancy Zieman

Update: Nancy Zieman passed away in November 2017. You can see a tribute from Wisconsin Public Television here.

When I was young, my mom often watched Sewing with Nancy on our local PBS station. I didn't care much for sewing, so I paid little attention ... except to note that there was something "wrong" with the host's face. Throughout the years, I caught bits and pieces of Sewing with Nancy here and there, but I never really considered the woman behind the show until I was offered the opportunity to review this book.

"rescuing hope" by susan norris

About the book (from the back cover): Every two minutes, evil strips innocence from a child and sells her into slavery for sex. Not in a third-world country, but in the United States of America. Before you take another breath, the next victim will be tricked or taken from her family by a profit-hungry criminal.

At fourteen, Hope Ellis is the all-American girl with a good life—until the day she tries to help her mom with their cross-town move by supervising the movers. When they finish, one of the men returns to the house and rapes her. held silent by his threats, darkness begins to engulf her. But the rape proves to be the least of Hope's troubles  In a gasping attempt at normalcy, she succumbs to the attention of a smooth-talking man on the subway. he promises acceptance. he declares his love. He lures her out from under the shelter of her suburban life.

Hope's disappearance sets a community in motion. She's one of their own. they determine to find Hope, whatever the cost, before she's lost forever. 

My take: Rescuing Hope is a powerful story because it reminds us that human trafficking and sex slavery aren't only happening in Thailand, India, and Russia—they're happening in our own cities. And the girls who are trapped in this life aren't only drug addicts, runaways, or immigrants—they could be girls you've met in your day-to-day life. Cheerleaders. Youth group members. Grocery store employees.

I would say that I'm more educated about human trafficking than the average person. But still, I almost solely think about it happening to people from other (often third-world) countries. (I haven't been naive enough to believe that the sex-for-money industry isn't thriving in America, but never once did I imagine that a girl caught in this life would be someone like Hope.) Rescuing Hope powerfully describes how a girl might end up a sex slave ... a girl just like the one you might meet next door. It's not an easy book to read, but it is important.

The writing in Rescuing Hope isn't as polished as it is in most of the books that I read, but I was quickly able to get past any of that as I became entirely absorbed in the story. I ended up reading far too late into the night to find out what would happen to both Hope and her pimp. And while the ending didn't wrap everything up into a neat bow, it was satisfying ... and, I daresay, realistic. And on that note, I have to mention that while Rescuing Hope is classified as a Young Adult novel, I wouldn't want many of the teens I know to read this book. It's graphic. It has rough language. It deals with a disgusting topic. So while adults should read it, I'd classify it as appropriate for ages 17 and up.

That said, I highly recommend reading Rescuing Hope. Educate yourself. And then figure out how you can get involved. As William Wilberforce said long ago, "Having heard all of this you may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say that you did not know." 4 stars.

Buy the book.
Learn how you can fight slavery.

About the author: A powerful voice for hope, international speaker Susan Norris helps teens and women find freedom from strongholds in the areas of purity and spiritual identity. Up until a few short years ago, she denied that writing would ever be something she would pull out of her bag of tools. But she started to blog, and her opportunities expanded.

As she opened herself to relationships outside her normal sphere, God began to reveal stories of girls as young as nine years old trafficked for sex in her own quiet suburb outside Atlanta. Shocked and heartbroken, Susan set out on a quest to protect them. In her debut novel, Rescuing Hope, she frames the realities of sex trafficking in our neighborhoods, our cities, our America.

Known to many as Mama Susan, this woman of boldness spent countless hours with survivors, their families, detectives and a former pimp, emerging a voice for victims and a catalyst for action among her peers. One ministry director offered an early review of the book: “Susan made me feel such a deep connection to Hope, I now carry her in my heart. She is the face of the girls I am fighting for.

Susan raises her voice on behalf of all the “Hopes” across our nation and champions the cause of organizations such as Resolution Hope, Not for Sale, and Out of Darkness. She lobbies for stronger laws to protect victims, walks alongside rescued girls as they piece together shattered lives and invites all she speaks with to join her in the fight for freedom.

A CLASS certified speaker, Susan graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Master’s of Education, taught in public and private schools and served as a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes before being called to full time ministry. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and children and considers them to be her highest calling.

Visit Susan online at http://www.susannorris.org/.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the  Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the return of cassandra todd" by darrel nelson

About the book (from the back cover): Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he is shocked to see Cassandra Todd and her young son in town. The sight of her brings back powerful memories of being bullied in high school-she was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her friends' mean-spirited pranks.

When Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous drama that will require him to forgive and draw on every skill he has if they are to survive.

My take: The Return of Cassandra Todd deals with a topic that is far too common in real life yet rarely discussed in Christian fiction: spousal abuse. Also, to a lesser degree, the book deals with bullying. Both topics are timely, and I felt that author Darrel Nelson handled these delicate subjects expertly.

As I read the book, I began to get a bit uncomfortable as I could tell that Cassandra, still a married woman, and Turner were falling for each other. I wondered how Nelson would deal with that moral dilemma. In the end, he took the expected route (though not in the way I anticipated). It was an emotionally satisfying conclusion, but I would really have liked to see the characters wrestle more with right and wrong in light of Cassandra's marital status.

One thing I loved about this book was that it was quite unpredictable. I was never quite sure what would happen to Turner and Cassandra next, and the conflict was resolved in a way I didn't see coming. However, at times I felt like I was reading the script to a Lifetime movie—it was entertaining, it was suspenseful, but it wasn't always completely plausible. (If this book was made into a Lifetime movie, I would totally watch it! I guess I like my books to be a bit more realistic than my movies ...) I also wasn't a fan of all of the point of view shifts—when Nelson was writing from Turner's point of view, it was completely believable, but he didn't bring that same credibility to the sections written from Cassandra's perspective.

All told, I did like The Return of Cassandra Todd. It won't make my "Best Books of 2013" list, but I enjoyed the time spent reading it. 3 out of 5 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my review of Nelson's debut novel, The Anniversary Waltz. 

About the author: Darrel Nelson recently retired after thirty-seven years as a schoolteacher so he could devote himself to writing full-time. He now spends his time writing novels, articles, plays, and music and soaking up time with his ten grandchildren. Nelson has bachelor's degrees in English and education from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, where he lives with his wife Marsha.

The Return of Cassandra Todd follows Nelson's highly praised debut The Anniversary Waltz.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the  Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"five miles south of peculiar" by angela hunt

About the book (provided by Glass Road): Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather's legacy and she enjoys being a pillar of the community . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns.

Carlene Caldwell, veteran of the Broadway stage, is devastated when she realizes that a botched throat surgery has spelled the end of her musical career. Searching for a new purpose in life, she retreats to Sycamores, her childhood home.

Haunted by a tragic romance, Magnolia Caldwell is the youngest of the Caldwell girls. Nolie spends her days caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she's created, but when she meets a man haunted by tragedy, she must find the courage to either deny her heart or cut the apron strings that tie her to a dear and familiar place.

My take: I don't know Angela Hunt's background, but she certainly knows sisters! As in last year's The Fine Art of Insincerity (which I reviewed here), she has created sisters who seem real—so real that some of the hurts and misunderstandings are ones that I could see myself having with my own two sisters.

As the book unfolds, it becomes obvious that each sister is harboring a secret of some sort. As I began piecing things together, I couldn't wait for Darlene's big reveal—and it was certainly worth the wait! I also enjoyed Nolie's transformation and Carlene's cluelessness when it came to her sisters. When you throw in the small town charm, a couple of romantic interests, and a two very large dogs, you have an excellent summer read! 4-1/2 stars.

About the author: With nearly 4 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the bestselling author of more than one hundred books, including The Tale of Three Trees, Don't Bet Against Me, The Note, and The Nativity Story. Her nonfiction book Don't Bet Against Me, written with Deanna Favre, spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. She and her husband make their home in Florida with their dogs. Learn more about Angela at AngelaElwellHunt.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the  Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the anniversary waltz" by darrel nelson

About the book (from the back cover): At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz. After the dance they gather the family and share their story—a story of love and courage overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.

It's the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.

When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime.

My take: The Anniversary Waltz is a gentle tale of love, heartache, and family. It also packs an emotional punch that I wasn't expecting. Of course, the relationship between Adam and Elizabeth is the heart of the story, but other relationships—between Adam and his father, Elizabeth and her aunt, and Adam and his cousin Ty—are equally compelling. I also was surprised by the emphasis on sacrifice, which is woven throughout the novel and gave me cause to examine my own life.

I do wish the mutual dislike between Adam's father and Elizabeth's aunt had been further discussed—I feel like there has to be more to that story! Also, one scene in particular featured so many point of view shifts that it was hard to keep up. But those are both minor quibbles. The story itself is completely entertaining, and I expect Nelson's writing will only improve with his next novel, due next spring. (There's a preview at the end of The Anniversary Waltz, and Nelson's next book looks to be quite the departure from this one, dealing with domestic violence. It also looks like I book I want to read!) I give The Anniversary Waltz 4 out of 5 stars.

About the author: Darrel Nelson is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, with bachelor's degrees in English and education. He is a schoolteacher by profession, with thirty-three years of teaching experience, and currently teaches fourth grade at Raymond Elementary School. Nelson has had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and has written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. He won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running and has had one song receive international airplay. Writing has always been a passion, and over the years he has written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but he reads them annually to his fourth-grade students. The Anniversary Waltz is his first novel intended for the adult market.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the  Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 6-14-12 edition

Yes, I realize it's not a Thursday, my usual "What's in the mail?" post day ... but my week has been completely swamped with yearbook, VBS, frantic reading, and meeting up with old high school friends. So here are the items I'd received by Thursday:

illy issimo Coffee Drink, Caffè
I got this from Vine. I'd previously reviewed illy issimo's similar cappuccino drink, and I really liked that one, so I had high hopes for this. I was sorely disappointed—it was bitter with a terrible aftertaste. Here's my review.

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY Damage & Color Repair Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner
Thanks again, Vine! Honestly, I'm not too picky about my shampoo and conditioner. I really just want something that smells good and doesn't leave my hair weighed down. (And if I'm being honest, the smell is by far the most important factor—I once paid $22 at the salon for the shampoo my stylist uses when she washes my hair because I fell in love with the smell.) Well, I'm happy to report that this shampoo/conditioner has an amazing scent! Plus, it's cheap—especially if you use the Amazon coupon. My reviews are here and here.

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt
I haven't cracked this book open yet—the review isn't due until the 28th, and we've certainly established the fact that I'm a procrastinator! I have enjoyed all of the other Angela Hunt books I've read (especially The Fine Art of Insincerity, which I reviewed last year and put on my Best Books of 2011 list), and I'm sure I'll like this one, too.

Treasures of Healthy Living by Annette Reeder
When this arrived in the mail, it took me by surprise. I signed up for the Glass Road tour back in March, and the tour kept getting pushed back because there was a holdup with shipping the books. So by the time the book arrived, I'd completely forgotten about it! This is a Bible study. Basically, it looks at what the Bible says about food and eating. It wasn't really my thing ... but you're welcome to check out my review!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these products free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"treasures of healthy living" by annette reeder & dr. richard couey

About the book (from the back cover): Did you know you can find the answers to many health problems in the pages of Scripture? Think of God's Word as a treasure map that leads straight to the healthy life you've always dreamed of. It reveals how you can move from a sick, lackluster life to one that is full of energy and hope. This practical Bible study will reveal the truth about the foods you eat and provide simple tools to begin improving your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. You won't believe how much your life can change when you grab hold of the treasures God has provided for you.

In this Bible study, you will:

• Discover the basics of nutrition to build a firm foundation for your health
• Obtain the tools you need to evaluate and improve your health
• Examine the harmful effects of altered food and household products
• Find healthy alternatives to unwholesome foods
• Learn how diet, exercise, and your spiritual life go hand-in-hand
• Lay the groundwork for a lifetime of positive health

My take: Thanks to some health problems in the last few years, I've been on a quest to become healthier, so when I had the opportunity to review this book, I jumped at it.

I should have paid more attention to the book description, as I missed the "practical Bible study" part. In the short time that I've had the book, I haven't had time to really dig into the Bible study portion, but I have read through the book. The authors' insights are interesting, and I have a feeling I'd learn a lot if I took time to dig into the suggested scriptures. However, the book often references two other books: Healthy Treasures Cookbook and Treasures of Health Nutrition Manual. Obviously, you can get by without buying a special cookbook, and I'm sure you can find plenty of similar healthy recipes online. But the Nutrition Manual is a different story. So often, the authors will be discussing a topic, and then there's a little "Digging Deeper" box that says something like, "For more information on _______, read about it in the Nutrition Manual." I really want to know that information, but without spending $17 to buy the book, I won't.

It boils down to this: If you're looking for a nutrition-based Bible study, this is probably perfect for your needs. But if you're looking for nutrition advice, you'd be better off with the Nutrition Manual or another nutrition book. 3 out of 5 stars.

About the authors: Annette Reeder, a Biblical Nutrition Consultant, is leading people all around the country on an adventure with the power of food to change lives one meal and prayer at a time. Annette is a graduate of Liberty University and Huntington College Health Sciences and the founder of Designed Healthy Living a nutrition consulting ministry.

Dr. Richard "Dick" Couey is Professor Emeritus of Health Sciences at Baylor University. Dr. Couey has spent nearly fifty years studying the physiology of the cell. He has especially studied how nutrition, exercise, and stress affect the cell's biochemistry and physiology. Dr. Couey's students praise how Dr. Couey can make the complexities of the cell seem understandable.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 5-31-12 edition

I got several things in the mail these past two weeks—more cereal, a movie, and lots of books!

Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Cinnamon
Apparently Vine has discovered I like cinnamon ... I've gotten cinnamon-flavored cereals two newsletters in a row! This one doesn't hold a candle to the other. It's bland and not very cinnamony. Don't get me wrong—I'll eat it for breakfast ... but I definitely won't be buying it in the future! Here's my review.

Coriolanus
I thought this adaptation of a Shakespeare play would be my cup of tea. I was wrong. So, so wrong. I haven't posted my Vine review yet (because I'm a bit afraid of getting my review voted down—all the less-than-glowing reviews are getting voted down like crazy!), but I did post about it on Cinematic Survey, where I can be completely candid. You can see the post here.

Tarnished by Daniel & Christina Morrison
Earlier this week, the Morrisons did a guest post about their fantasy novel and the Kickstarter project to fund the audio book. My book arrived yesterday; I'm looking forward to reading it as soon as I finish the one I'm currently reading.

The Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson
When this book arrived earlier this week, I had no idea where it came from. I'm not so in demand as a reviewer that I have unsolicited books arriving at my door, so I knew I must have requested it. And I did—a mere 18 days ago! How quickly we forget ... Anyway, it appears to be mainly set around WWII, which is my favorite historical era to read about, thus explaining why I requested it from Glass Road!

After All: A Hanover Falls Novel by Deborah Raney
This is the book that I mentioned last time—the one that got sent to the wrong mailing list. I loved After All and finished it in one afternoon. Here's the review.

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato
Some of you may have picked up the Kindle edition of this book for free a couple weeks ago. I did! I requested this from Bethany House in March. I never got a confirmation e-mail, so I assumed I didn't make the cut. Then this showed up last week ...

Legacy Road by Graham Garrison
I'll be reviewing this for Kregel in July ... which means I probably won't read it for another five weeks! It's about a journalist, and that's all I know. I signed up for this tour because I really like working with Kregel.

One.Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow by Scot McKnight
This is the lone book on the list that I purchased myself. I bought it because it was quoted in an article I recently read, and I was intrigued. Now that I've flipped through a few pages, I think I will be challenged by what I read. I haven't read a book that I really have to think critically about in a long time, and I'm looking forward to it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received some of these products free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"after all" by deborah raney

About the book (from the back cover): Eighteen months after the tragic Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband, David, and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she's finally beginning to heal.

But then she discovers that David carried a secret to his grave. A secret that changes everything she thought their marriage had been. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?

Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—because her dearest friend was someone else's husband.

Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls' fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night.

Can he ever shake the feeling that he should have somehow prevented the tragedy?

As he tries to rebuild the team at Clemens County's Station 2, it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected.

My take: After All provides a satisfying conclusion to the Hanover Falls series, all of which deal with the aftermath of a fatal fire at a homeless shelter. (I reviewed book two, Forever After, here.) In After All, shelter director Susan Marlowe gets a second chance at love ... but the woman who came between her and David also threatens this new relationship.

After All is a story full of heartbreak, redemption, and forgiveness, and I really enjoyed this final trip to Hanover Falls. I especially liked watching Pete's transformation as he fell in love with Susan and found his way back to God. I read the entire book in one afternoon—it was so good I didn't want to put it down! 4-1/2 out of 5 stars.

About the author: Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of numerous novels, including A Nest of Sparrows and the RITA award-winning Beneath a Southern Sky and its sequel, After the Rains. Deborah's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, was the inspiration for World Wide Picture's highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, Playing by Heart, was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel with Howard/Simon & Schuster, Yesterday's Embers, appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas. Learn more at www.deborahraney.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the qur'an dilemma"

About the book (from press materials): The Qur'an Dilemma gives English-speaking readers, both Muslims and non-Muslims, many of the critical arguments concerning Islam and the Qur'an. It addresses whether the Qur'an is a book of terror or peace, an inspired divine book or a mere political text. The book weaves through Islamic history and its many classical commentaries and resources to provide an objective, investigative body of research concerning the truth about Islam.

The book is a result of the team effort of many former Muslim researchers, scholars, writers, and specialists. The team approach was taken to eliminate any undue bias, misunderstandings, or propaganda against Islam and its teachings.

The critical methodology used in this book was inspired by the courageous tradition of those who have dared to analyze the Qur'an throughout history. Contemporary intellectual productions available in Arabic and foreign sources were also incorporated. The result is a book directed equally to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

My take: The Qur'an Dilemma is an excellent resource for someone wanting to know that the Qur'an really says. It is divided into three sections: "The Background of the Qur'an,"—an introduction to both the Qur'an and The Qur'an Dilemma, an explanation of abrogated verses (verses that have been overridden by other verses), a discussion of women and the Qur'an, and other topical articles; "The Qur'anic Text"—a verse-by-verse reading of the first nine suras (chapters) with explanation about abrogation, contradictions in translation, and various interpretations of the text; and "Resources and References"—suggested readings, glossaries of names and definitions, a timeline of important dates in Muslim history, and other references.

As someone who has little knowledge of Islam or the Qur'an, I found the book to be a bit overwhelming. However, if I had specific questions about the Qur'an, the book is set up in such a way that I would easily be able to find answers. I don't think this book is meant to be read from cover-to-cover for the casual reader; rather, it functions well as a reference book. (I could see it being used as a textbook in a college class, as well.)

I also must comment on the appearance of the book. It is absolutely beautiful! You can see from the picture above that the cover is stunning; what you can't see is that the center design is embossed. Inside the book, color is used to draw attention to verses (for example, green signifies abrogation) and helps the reader track with the authors. This is a very attractive book that calls out to be picked up and examined!

Overall, I give The Qur'an Dilemma 5 out of 5 stars. It may not be something most readers will devour, but I think it accomplishes its purpose of shedding light on the contents of and problems with the Qur'an.

For more information or to order the book, please visit the website TheQuran.com. There you'll find a wealth of free information, including the opportunity to read sections of the Qur'an in a variety of languages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"wayward son" by tom pollack with jim alves and john loftus

When Dr. Amanda James is asked to help crack the code to unlock a recently discovered ancient observatory in Italy, she jumps at the chance. Not only will she be helping identify ancient artifacts, but she also will be able to reconnect with her ex-boyfriend Juan Carlos. When Amanda enters the observatory, she discovers much more than she bargained for—a glimpse into the life of the first murderer, Cain.

My take: Wayward Son is predominantly Cain's story. I would classify it as speculative fiction, as it deals with the idea that Cain became immortal when God cursed him. And while I snickered at some of the ideas (such as Cain helping Homer compose The Odyssey), the plot the authors crafted for Cain was largely engaging—especially the time Cain spent in Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs and his life at the time of Christ. I also enjoyed how biblical history overlapped with secular history (of course, the two are part of the same timeline, but it's often hard for me to remember that).

The modern storyline, however, was not nearly as enthralling. While the end of the book does answer many questions and wraps up in a satisfying (yet open to a sequel) manner, the beginning was at best boring and at worst painful to read.  While I truly cared about what happened to Cain, I couldn't have cared less about Amanda, Juan Carlos, or anyone else modern. The Cain thread was written so well that I found it surprising just how much of an afterthought the modern thread seemed.

Still, I would recommend the book to anyone interested ancient history—I'd just suggest you skim the modern chapters and spend the bulk of your time digesting Cain's story. I give Wayward Son 3 out of 5 stars.

About the authors:
Tom Pollack (center) has a passion for sailing, which led him to a friendship with Roy Disney, and ultimately to the release of Walt Disney Pictures' critically acclaimed motion picture, Morning Light. The film is based on Tom's original idea of documenting the exploits of a group of college-aged sailors recruited to compete against seasoned pros in the Trans-Pacific race from Southern California to Hawaii. Tom graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He resides in Dana Point with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children. Tom serves as President of the Mission Basilica School Foundation in San Juan Capistrano and the Chairman of ExplorOcean, Newport Beach's popular nautical museum.

Jim Alves (left) recently completed a 25-year career in bond sales and trading. He graduated from The University of Massachusetts with a bachelor's degree in finance and economics. He currently is Chief Executive Officer of Prometheus Holdings, a financial consulting firm. Jim resides in San Clemente, California with his wife Jackie and their two young boys, having successfully launched two older sons from the nest. 

John Loftus (right) spent 23 years at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where as a Managing Director he focused on new product development and marketing. A graduate of Stanford University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, his writings have been published in various financial journals and textbooks. Now President of Cascada Productions, John is also active in philanthropy and the non-profit sector. An Ohio native, John resides in Newport Beach, California, with his wife, Lori. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the opposite of art" by athol dickson

About the book: When artist Sheridan Ridler disappears into the Harlem River, the victim of a hit-and-run, his heart stops, and he sees something beyond description, something he comes to call "Glory." He doesn't know what "Glory" is; he only knows he must paint it. His quest for "Glory" takes him all over the world as he tries to find it in various religions.

The world believes Ridler committed suicide, and for 25 years, Ridler does nothing to contradict that belief. But when he comes to realize he needs to apologize for his past, those in the art world are tipped off to his existence. Two people become desperate to find him--the daughter he never knew he had and the hit-and-run driver.

My take: The Opposite of Art is unlike much of today's Christian fiction. A far cry from the fluffy fiction I normally read, The Opposite of Art is, for lack of a better word, literary. Dickson is a master of magical realism, and I found myself swept into his world. And when the story ended, I sighed in supreme satisfaction. The ending is perfect, and Dickson so beautifully led up to it, though I had no idea that was where he was taking me. The Opposite of Art is truly art in words.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars. If you like reading "real" literature, you'll enjoy this book!

About the author: Athol Dickson is the publisher of the popular news website, DailyCristo.com, and the author of seven novels and the bestselling memoir, The Gospel according to Moses. His novels of suspense and magical realism have been honored with three Christy Awards and an Audie Award, and compared to the work of Octavia Butler (by Publisher's Weekly) and Flannery O'Connor (by The New York Times). He and his wife live in Southern California.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"a short life well lived" by tom sullivan

Though blind, Brian has lived an idyllic life. He's a respected prosecutor in the DA's office; he is married to a beautiful woman; his children adore him. Suddenly, Brian's world is shattered when his 11-year-old son, Tommy, is diagnosed with cancer. A nominal Catholic (at best), Brian struggles to understand how a God who is supposed to be loving could allow his boy to become so ill. He soon meets Rev. Clayton McRae, the chaplain at Tommy's hospital. Through friendship and understanding, Clayton helps Brian come to grips with Tommy's illness and helps him understand the faith that everyone around him seems to embrace.

As I read this book, I found my opinion switching frequently. Parts of it were wonderful: The plot was heart wrenching. (Anyone who has seen a loved one go through a horrible illness will identify.) The writing was engaging, and the glimpse into the life of a blind man was informative and entertaining. And I teared up multiple times as Tommy's illness progressed--the story is quite realistic.

The problems, though, perhaps outweigh the positives. Sullivan wants to weave faith into the novel, which is a noble goal. In fact, much of the story centers around Brian's faith ... or lack thereof. The problem, as I see it, is what that faith looks like. As I read, the question I kept asking myself was, "What is the gospel according to this book?" The answer, as best as I could grasp it, is this: God loves you. If you follow God, you'll go to heaven. But what does it mean to follow God? That's unclear. The cross is never mentioned, and Jesus and sin are just given a few sentences in passing. I also found it troubling that the one time sin is mentioned, it's when Brian is asking Rev. McRae about prayer. McRae says that confession is an essential part of prayer, and Brian quickly asks what sins Tommy could have committed in his short life. I thought this would finally be the point where the gospel came out. But no. Instead, McRae brushes over it and says that they're talking about Brian, not Tommy.

I had one other major issue with the book, but this wasn't theological. While most of the book was well written and engaging, the parts where the doctors were explaining Tommy's diagnosis and treatment plan were, well, boring. I skimmed them.

As a novel, I really enjoyed this book. As a Christian novel, I had problems with it. It does a great job of showing God's love and sovereignty, and I think it could help people deal with grief and the "whys" of life. But I think it's also misleading, as--even though it sounds nice--salvation doesn't come from simply believing there is a God and He loves us.

About the Author

Tom Sullivan, known to many as an actor, singer, entertainer, author, and producer, lives and works by "Sullivan's Rules". Born prematurely in 1947, Tom was given too much oxygen while in an incubator. Though it saved his life, it cost him his eyesight. The "inconvenience" of being blind has never kept Tom Sullivan from competing in a world where he realized that to be equal, for him, meant that he must be better.

Over the years he's made a number of guest-starring appearances in shows such as Designing Women, Highway to Heaven, Fame, M.A.S.H., Mork & Mindy, and WKRP in Cincinnati. To create the characters and fulfill the role of a blind man on prime time, he also helped write and develop many of these stories. he gained popularity on daytime TV as a regular on Search For Tomorrow and was awarded the 1984 Governors Committee Award for his role. Tome has also been nominated twice for Emmy Awards. As a special correspondent for ABC's Good Morning America, Tom has become a regular morning fixture in millions of American homes. his touching and insightful reports give many that "you can do it" bit of inspiration to start their day. Whether it was snow skiing with his son in Colorado, or interviewing the legendary Jack Nicklaus over a few holes of golf, his reporting is memorable. He is now writing and producing for television and film. He is a bestselling author of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the constantine codex" by paul maier

What if ... the "missing" ending of Mark was found? a "second Acts," which picks up exactly where Acts leaves off, was discovered? the Apostle Paul's remains were identified?

These are the questions Paul Meier addresses in The Constantine Codex. When archaeologist (and Harvard professor) Jonathan Weber and his wife Shannon discover an old manuscript in Turkey, they realize they may have found one of the earliest versions of the New Testament. But someone doesn't want this discovery to be made public, and he or she will do everything possible to stop the Webers.

I had an extremely hard time getting into The Constantine Codex. In fact, for the first 145 pages or so, I kept reading only because I'd agreed to review the book. My notes say things like, "Dialogue sounds forced," and "Muslim history being explained is vastly more interesting than the plot!" (Reminds me of my reaction to The Topkapi Secret!) Meier actually addresses this problem (though perhaps unintentionally) with this sentence on page 139: "If Jon had one questionable habit, it was his proclivity to overexplain things to people ..." That's exactly how I felt about Maier's writing!

Finally, though, a debate between Jon and a Muslim scholar piqued my interest, and the book suddenly became vastly more entertaining. I'm not sure if the dialogue actually got better or if I just didn't notice the awkwardness anymore because I was so intrigued by the story. Either way, the final two thirds of the book were quite interesting. So I'm going to make an odd recommendation: If you want to read this book--and if you're interested in Church history, you may really enjoy it--start at Chapter 10. I'd be happy to fill you in on what happens before to save you from boredom! (You will still get your fair amount of awkward dialogue by beginning with Chapter 10, but it's really where you need to start to understand the events that take place later.)

The idea of 2 Acts is really interesting, and I wonder what would happen if something like that were discovered. If nothing else, this book taught me about the history of Islam and caused me to think about the Christian-Muslim debate.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"forever after" by deborah raney

Jenna lost her firefighter husband in the Grove Street homeless shelter fire. In the year since the fire, she has needed to rely on her in-laws for emotional and financial support. She lives in constant fear that they will discover her two secrets: that she is best friends with the woman who caused the fire and that she didn't really love her husband.

Lucas, another firefighter, was gravely injured in the blaze. After a year of rehab, he's mentally ready to rejoin the fire department, but his body won't cooperate. When he runs into Jenna, she helps him discover a new way he could be involved in fire fighting ... and he finds himself falling for his buddy's widow.

A story about love, redemption, and trusting God, Forever After is a wonderful book. It's the second in Deborah Raney's Hanover Falls series, but you can read it without having read the first book--I did!

At times, I found myself annoyed with the main characters--Jenna was a bit of a self-centered brat for awhile, and Lucas kept thinking of Jenna as his buddy's wife, when in reality she was his widow and was completely free to marry again. Still, I can see how he would feel guilty about his feelings for Jenna--feelings he apparently had while her husband was still living--especially since they were also tied to the guilt he felt about living while others died. Also, Jenna went through a major transformation during the book, and by the end, I truly liked her.

I really enjoyed Forever After, and if you like Christian fiction, I think you will, too. If you're like me, you'll be left wanting to read Almost Forever, the first book in the series--I just ordered my copy!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."