About the Book:

After witnessing the suicide of a church sister, Minister Francine Amen is disgusted with herself for turning against the young woman and refusing to accept her claim of sexual abuse by their pastor. Now, after a short stay in a psychiatric hospital, Francine is trying to pull her life and her ministry back together. But first she must face all of the people she has hurt so deeply--including her younger sister, Dawn. But can Dawn trust her? Francine used to date Dawn's husband, Sly--who now seems just a little too interested in Francine's recovery. As far as Dawn is concerned, Sly would be better off spending his time making amends to her for his own sins.


My review:

The Amen Sisters has a killer beginning and moves along at a pretty fast pace for a while. There is plenty of drama to move the story forward and the tension is realistic and well done. The story slowed a bit in the middle when it got heavy on the church scenes and talking a lot about forgiveness and issues from the past. Then the action picked up again.

I prefer to be in the middle of the action and experience conflict and agony along with the characters. There was potential for emotional suffering at first, but the slower parts were hard for me to get through. But that's just the way I see things.

I enjoyed the conflict between Dawn, Sly, Freddy, and Walter. However, I'm a pretty forgiving person so Dawn's ongoing anger started bugging me. I was glad when she and Sly began seeking the Lord more in their relationship, which is the best way to heal from that type of rift. The point the author made about stepping out in faith to rebuild trust and choosing to love was excellently done.

Overall I enjoyed this novel. I liked how the author tied some scenes back to Genesis House, which was from an earlier book the author wrote. But it would've been better with a little less talk and more action in the middle to keep the story from sagging. Regardless, The Amen Sisters ranks high in edgy content, so I'd recommend it to people who enjoy reading about real life issues.

The Amen Sisters was published by Warner Books/Walkworthy Press and released in 2005.

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Getting Past the Religious Garbage and Finding True Faith by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz. About the book: Have you heard this complaint from your unsaved friends? It can be difficult to share Christ when He hasn't been represented well. With humor and insight, authors Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz take a look at some believers' behavior. Learn how to reach past the misconceptions and bad examples of a few to find authentic Christian faith. Enable yourself to communicate with non-Christians in a relevant, honest way. My review: In case you are wondering by the description above...I don't see this as a handbook for how to save your non-Christian friends. If you want a how-to book, this isn't it. I do see this as a book that will make you examine your heart and attitude regarding your own faith and as a result you will be more understanding of where people are coming from who can't stand Christians. The authors have pretty hilarious comments. Want to get a belly laugh out of your teenager? I did when I read him several things out loud. The authors drive their points home with humor, and what they share is often profound. This isn't fluff reading. Like the nose on your face, the truth was always there, but you may not have noticed it before. I agreed with about 90% of their comments. The other ten percent I was more neutral on or maybe not quite as sure I felt the same way, but if you glean anything from this book that will change the way you see yourself and the world around you, then you will be glad you checked it out. My favorite chapter was I'm Fine With God... but I can't stand Christians Who are Convinced God Wants Them Rich. I detest the "name it and claim it health and wealth false gospel" and charlatans who rob the poor and the widows through their lies and con games. So I got a real chuckle out of the witty sarcasm the authors used to drive their point home. For example: If you give to Billy Bob's television ministry you'll receive... A swatch of fabric packaged as a Holy Spirit Prayer Cloth--actual pieces of the beach towel used by John the Baptist during his baptismal ministry on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Now that's obviously an over-exaggeration, but I found it hilarious. The other examples are even funnier. But the bottom line is the authors illustrate in every chapter why the hang-ups and weird beliefs in the modern Christian culture (often committed by people who haven't a clue) are a barriers to reaching the lost. The insight they share is amazing. And if you enjoy satire and sarcasm, you'll want to get this book. I'm Fine with God...It's Christians I Can't Stand is published by Harvest House and will be released in January 2008.

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Book Description:

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith is not sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household.

My review:

This is moving to the top of my list of favorite books of all time. It's packed with romantic tension, and emotional and spiritual passion. It made me crazy as I wasn't sure what I wanted them to do and my feelings were all over the place. I did enjoy the ending, though, as it was very satisfying and I cried through the last three chapters or so. Don't read ahead if you get this book. It'll spoil the joy and wonder of the story for you. I was tempted to do that several times (which I never do) because I so desperately wanted to know who Faith ended up with, but I was good and I'm glad I didn't peek.

What an emotional roller coaster ride! I got whiplash from the plot twists and the changing of the tides. My heart soared and plummeted along with Faith. I could not stop reading this book and hauled it with me everywhere. It's long (like 480 pages) but I wouldn't cut a thing. Everything is relevant and important to the story. I'll admit that I was extremely curious about this book after reading an article that said it was overly sensual. I disagree. Just because you are in her head and her thoughts are honest doesn't make it sensual. A lot of author's can write about kissing but most aren't daring enough to write the honest thoughts in a heroine's head. That's what this author did that was so fabulous. If she took out the internal thoughts she would remove the alleged sensuality, but then the passion is squeezed from the story and it would be a dry scene with description, but no life. I loved this story. It's daringly innovative and the most fabulous debut I've ever read. Plus, the historical portion of the novel was well done, too. I felt like I was there!

One last thought...I see this as a clearly Christian novel in that the emphasis is that having passion for God is what makes a marriage a beautiful, solid, and holy union and anything less than that is robbing you of the joy you could experience if you loved within the boundaries God set. It's a very strong message but done naturally and through the story. It feels real. I knew men like Collin who were insanely jealous of a woman's relationship with God and how they said they felt like they were competing with Him. Without the love of Christ in our hearts we are truly deprived of the most intimate love their is. This story delivers that message with such perfection I want every woman who has not married yet to read this book! It would save a lot of heartache if women trusted God in regards to their marriage partner. He wants marriage to be an example of his love for us and that cannot exist in a marriage without Him at the center.

Before you judge this book you need to read it for yourself. Initially I struggled with the number of POVs but once I got into the story I see how important that was for the author to include so many. Bravo!

A Passion Most Pure is published by Revell/Baker Publishing and will be released in January 2008.

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My review of Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman...

Canteen Dreams (2007)

In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Audrey Stone wants to help in the war effort. But what's a young schoolteacher from Nebraska to do? When her community starts a canteen at the train station, Audrey finds her place. Willard Johnson worries about his brother who joined the navy to get off the ranch and see the world. Will his budding relationship with Audrey survive in the pressures of war? Can two such determined people find their place in the war and with each other?

My review:

This historical romance rocked! I love it when true events are used for novels because I feel like I learn something at the same time. This story revealed several things to me that I hadn't thought about before. Like how some men weren't drafted because of their importance to the United States food supply and industries that helped the war effort. It was refreshing to also read about the town of North Platte's support of the "boys" going to war no matter where they came from. Since Vietnam, our troops have been given such mixed messages about their value. It would be awesome if they were supported like that again.

I also enjoyed the romance and the romantic tension. Audrey had such conflicted feelings, as did Willard, and it was enjoyable to go through the ups and downs with them. The way Audrey dealt with her issues was to work all the time so she didn't have to confront them. Isn't that typical of many of us? The way Willard and Audrey resolved their lack of faith came out naturally as well, especially when it came to giving up their own plans and embracing God's plan for them. Very encouraging to read. The setting and voice were also perfectly done. I was there! Folks, this is a great debut novel. I can't wait to read the rest of them.

Canteen Dreams was published by Heartsong Presents and released in October 2007.

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