A faith-filled adventure...
581376
SUMMARY:
Working as an undercover investigator, Caroline Lang secures a position at the Dinsmores World Famous Chocolates Factory in Kansas. Much to her surprise, Oliver Dinsmore has the same idea-working as an undercover janitor to monitor the factory which he soon will inherit. Through many unexpected circumstances, orphan children, questioned morals, prayers, and a sheltered heart, Caroline must stay true to her priorities and values while overcoming her own past. Sometimes a secret must be kept for the truth to be revealed

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Excited to read Kim Vogel Sawyers newest novel, I was not disappointed. With grace and mercy, she weaves an intriguing story line with equally developed characters. Some hard issues were touched upon during the course of the novel but the main character, Caroline, stayed faithful to her values, heart and beliefs. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as well as the subtle humor and genuine hope interspersed. A very well written, well thought-out, and well developed story which I enjoyed to the very end.

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Echoes of Mercy from WaterBrook Press Publishing for my honest review*
571086
The members of one church find out what it truly means to be at the center of a most unforgettable day.
When the cross is destroyed that has become a comfort to many a weary soul and a symbol of faith for the St Thomas church on one strange and stormy night the pastor and parisoners wonder how it will be fixed without adequate funds and manpower.

Brooke, mother to a young vivacious red haired boy Alex, comes to realize the biggest challenges are those that sometimes lie unfulfilled. Alex's timid and kind hearted friend Charlie, is a protector of Alex and a man of few words.

Macey, pediatric physician meets a young man Kenneth, who offers to lend a hand to help fix the cross at the church. She wonders if she has met him before he seems so familiar.

Confident Zach has always possessed a worldly view of faith, but he is about to receive a startling wake up call.

Will one physicians efforts be enough to save a young patient?

Wow!! I truly loved this read! What an faith affirming inspiring book to spend the day with! This not to be missed impossible to forget story will stick with you as you discover The Reason. So many down to earth, well developed, and interesting characters make up the storyline along with easy to follow dialogue, crisp and smooth flowing plot and realistically clear scenery. I was highly entertained by this heartfelt novel. Hope to read more from this author in the future. I will highly recommend this book to others. Very Well Written 5 Stars!! Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Netgalley for this ARC copy for my review.
1935630
A thoughtful, personal and theologically perceptive content that brings with it much encouragement to those on the faith journey
1280627
This wonderful book had me held captive from the first pages.  It is an amazing journey of life as a missionary family in East Africa, told over two generations both from the perspective of the parents and the children.  It tells of hearts filled with a devotion to serve God's people, and of the delicate balance of American vs African cultures, of a respect and admiration for a country and people group vastly different from our own, and of the exhilaration and trials that can come with that.  The path God puts us on in our life can be challenging and unpleasant at times, but putting our trust in Him can open doors and change our lives in truly amazing ways.  Thank you Cinda Adams Brooks for sharing a part of your life journey with us.
3685943
From Matthew 7:7, " Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. "This novel is a fast read and provides compelling evidence of what a difference faith in God can make in our day-to-day lives. This faith journey presents a number of difficult challenges for the main character, Jayden. Life circumstances for Jayden seem, at times, brutal and overall tragic. The plodding along existence of everyday life was accepted as the natural course. That darkness was lifted as the Lord was accepted and began His work in her heart and mind. I always enjoy a book with a happy ending. For this character, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) certainly applies.
1317244
I liked the journey the main character, Elizabeth, went on to find her purpose and faith. Wherever you are at in your faith, this should encourage you to keep searching.
1108218
Referring to the personal life of the early church in Jerusalen, more specifically the first chapters of the book of Acts, finishing when the persecution of christians begins, this book is the second of a series called "Acts of Faith," and the first I have read, but this does not hinder understanding of the overall story. It is just the opposite, and sometimes I would have liked to read faster than I do, as the story becomes more and more enticing with each page turned, and am just waiting for the first opportunity to buy the first book, and would not doubt to get the third one, whenever it becomes available!

With twists and exchanges among Jews, Gentiles, Romans, Christians (or followers of The Way), priests, soldiers, rich and poor, the authors achieve a beautiful fictitional story of true love and hope. It is exciting to imagine how the early life of those christians might have been. The main character is Abigail, a beautiful young woman that captures the desire of two suitors; the story develops as she has to face this new circumstance in her life, and honestly tries to stay within the will of the Lord. She is in charge of the food to be served to the needy and is giving more responsibility as the book develops. She interacts a lot with Martha, who also doubles as her advisor now and then. It is easy to picture them with Mary and the other women preparing food and serving in the tables; one can see Stephen being appointed as deacon or even Peter returning after spending one night in jail and being delivered by the angel.

Christians gather together for prayer, fellowship, celebrations, having meals and wondering at constant miracles; they also share everything they have, including grief and betrayal. Their daily chores are executed with such fervor and passion that invite the reader to enjoy every duty and perform it to our best, as it is the best way to serve the Lord; these come to be the best companion of frequent mentions of Christian doctrine, always emphasizing that Jesus paid it all for us to live in the faith that leads to salvation and eternal life.

I do not want to spoil anything, but I would like to mention that I really enjoyed how the authors make clear that salvation and eternal life are available to anyone who would like to open their hearts to Jesus and give their lives to the Lord; the importance of studying the Scriptures and become disciples is also mentioned. It is Stephen himself who begins teaching and training someone who was initially considered alien to 'The Way."

A free copy of the book was provided by Bethany House Publishing for review, but this does not bias my opinion on the book or the authors.
1598666
Faith.  Jesus said that if we have faith as small as mustard seed, we can move mountains. What would the world be like if we really believed that? That is the question that is explored in Blessed Child.
In Ted Dekkerss latest novel Blessed Child we meet a boy named Caleb who has been raised by a priest in a remote monastery in Ethiopia. When forces larger then themselves collide, Caleb is forced to leave the monastery and travel with relief worker and a Red Cross nurse to the United States. His rescuers quickly learn that he is no ordinary boy. When his extraordinary and supernatural power to heal is revealed to the world, everyone takes notice, including those who want this boy dead. Will those closest to Caleb find the faith they need to protect this child?
This was a really interesting read. While at times I thought the story was a bit far-fetched and dragged on, the biggest thing that hit me was the challenge it laid out to my own faith. Am I walking in the kingdom as Caleb puts it? And I think that was the ultimate goal of the author for this book. And in that, he certainly has succeeded.
I received a copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my review. I am not required to write a positive review.
2065861
A Motivational Book that will help strengthen your Faith
245130
a as some faith builder in the faithfulness of god.
3873423
I deeply enjoyed reading this new book by Mick Mooney.  In this book he managed to weave a real plot with believable characters together with his
faith sentiments - a difficult feat.  It would be easier to simply share faith sentiments, or to simply create fiction, but to do both at once is much more challenging.  The book really made me think about my own Christian faith, my experiences with church, and the disappointments and hurts I've experienced and seen others experience in Christian religious settings.  Apparently religion drives people with an attempt at self righteousness, which also involves despising and condemning others.  I recommend this new book to Christians and to unbelievers, but especially to Christians, because it will help them to confront and question the religiosity that passes for Christian faith.  My only criticism would be that I think the book ends a bit too neatly, tying up all the loose ends of a broken family too readily.  This makes the ending less believable, in my opinion, than it would have been if the ending had been just a bit more tragic.  A very promising fiction work.  I certainly look forward to reading the rest of the series which the author promises will be coming.  The book will inspire me to think about my own life, relationships, faith, and about Christianity for a long time to come.  Thanks, Mr. Mooney.  I also think Mr. Mooney may have created a new genre here.  I've never read a book quite like this one.  Be sure to read it.
1839716
Invigorating Tale of Faith & Adventure.  This is a story of a boy with big dreams who is transformed into a man who submits & abides in his faith in Christ.  Encouraging & Inspiring!
3034670
Sam Torode has prepared both a wonderful story of a young man's journey to a new place in the world, but also a new place in faith.  With years of hearing threats and warnings about his humanity, Tobias sets out to discover the reality of the world and God.  Guided by an irreverently wise student of the bible, he reaches not only his family's roots, but also that of human joy.
Throughout my ministry I've been troubled by the Christians, professional and lay, who insist our holy book is filled with stern warning and condemnation.  It has always seemed to me filled with joy, love, and humor; plus some great sex!  What more could you ask for?  Thanks, Sam, for a great story, great characters, and a great insight into the love God has for us mortal creatures.
4207230
`Bible-based action adventure' isn't a standard genre, or one that most people would imagine could be executed well, if attempted at all. Author Chip DeWitt--himself a former pastor--does just that with his new book, Betrayed, a Bible-based action adventure about Chad Gamble, a pastor who was once a policeman.

A former parishioner comes to him, looking for ablution.  His words make Chad uneasy: he clearly has a diabolical plan in the works, but what is it?  When Chad takes the limited clues that he has to the police, they don't believe him, nor can they act on only a first name and the ominous request for ablution.  It is up to Chad and the rest of `The Four Amigos'--a local group of pastors from various denominations--to put together the clues as to who Everett really is and what he has planned.

As they start piecing the clues together, it becomes evident that Everett has something planned for the anniversary of September 11th, and it is going to be tragic.  Can a band of pastors save the day?  They have God on their side, but they are not exactly your typical heroes, and they are dealing with a very unstable man who has been plotting ever since he got pushed off the edge of sanity.

It is a fast-paced adventure founded upon an affirming religious message of purpose and finding hope in dark times.  Betrayed is a welcome new style of story for the Christian market, but it is also one that readers who are not particularly religious can enjoy.  Yes, there are many verses of Scripture, and God plays a big role, but the story is one that many types of readers will find compelling.

Once the action takes off, DeWitt keeps readers at the edge of their seats until they have turned the very last page.
2085504
I could hardly put this book down!  It takes you on a wonderful journey into the life of Charlie Yates, who was a dear friend and mentor.  He had such a life of adventure - from pranks and mischief, to wartime thrills and scares as an Air Force pilot, to camping in remote parts of Alaska with his family.  But his greatest and most rewarding adventure was coming to faith in Jesus Christ, seeing his life transformed, and growing in serving Christ as a faithful witness, able Bible teacher, and church elder.  He was a model for one who invested himself in others for their spiritual benefit.  Diane Yates does a fabulous job as your tour guide into the life of Charlie.  You will laugh, cry, be challenged, and perhaps even be changed by reading this book and coming to better know this man and his Savior - I know I was!
123216
With the wonder and awe of a child and the passionate, unquenchable quest of the missing piece of her restless soul, Maryamma uses all her senses to weave together the story of her journey towards a trusting relationship with Jesus Christ. In reading this book, I felt joy, helpful conviction, and a renewed energy of faith. It is a story that is good for those who are seeking, curious, or just want to be inspired by an ordinary, flawed woman, who has the extraordinary strength to trust and allow Christ to work through her.
4358465
I would almost suspect this book to be a work of fiction if I didn't know better.
This is a captivating story of an extraordinary man and his extraordinary grandmother.  It is a story of how the positive teachings and role models of our youth can provide a foundation of faith and understanding that can help us through lifes greatest challenges; Of how wise counsel, born of integrity, intelligence, and a faithful life, can help us overcome the horrors of the world. It is a story of how the Spirit of God can overcome all.
This book documents one man's real-life and ongoing adventure, and causes one to wonder if we all are not led through life, from one experience to the next, by a supernatural hand.
I enjoyed this book on several levels and had a hard time putting it down.  Even though someone of the LDS faith may enjoy this book more than those of other faiths or beliefs, I would heartily recommend this book to anyone.