Petra: City In Stone by T.L. Higley

This new book called Petra was a great read and really enlightened me to the times of the early church as they were being persecuted in Rome and elsewhere around the world.  In this book the main characters Cassia and her son Alexander travel to the city of Petra, a city carved in stone.  When Cassia discovers that her husband was heir to the throne the Queen plots to kill Cassia’s son Alexander and calls on demonic powers to carry out her goal.  This is to have her own son gain the throne of the kingdom.  Cassia joins a Roman named Julian, who has also fled his home, and his band of believers in the Jewish Messiah.  They seek a protection and a movement from God in that wondrous city.

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman

The Pirate Queen is a modern drama in the life of one Saphora Warren and her relationship with her husband Bender and the rest of the family.  As I read it I truly had a hard time understanding the writing style of this book. I just can’t quite get Patricia’s style.  It was highly erratic and very confusing to me.  To get a clearer understanding of what happened in the first few pages of the book I turned to look for other reviews of the book.  Here is a pretty good description of what happened, though I didn’t know how to  figure out what was going on:

For the sake of their three children Saphora Warren stayed married to her womanizing spouse plastic surgeon Bender. However, with the nest empty, she has had enough of his cheating so decides to leave him and their affluent lifestyle. Her plan is to let Bender remain on the affluent estate overlooking Lake Norman where they just did a shoot for Southern Living magazine; she will move to their dilapidated bungalow Oriental on the Outer Banks.

As Saphora begins her exit speech, Bender interrupts with two words: “I’m Dying.” She agrees to remain with him at Oriental though she also feels like a fool for her sympathy towards the father of her children. Paradise Lost becomes more crowded than Noah’s Ark when a horde of family members arrive and townsfolk keep dropping in on them. As Saphora seeks herself she finds inadequate time to do so; instead she asks God for a sign of divine guidance to help her find Paradise Regained.

The Place by Kevin Kaiser

I recently read a short story by Kevin Kaiser, brand manager of Creative Trust and the man behind Ted Dekker.  He is a very creative person and I thought it would be cool to share my thoughts on that short story that he wrote.  It currently goes by the title of The Place and it really seems to be an exploration of the ideas of what a creative person is.  What purposes an artisan has in the world of today and what purpose art has had throughout history.

The main character is not known by name but only by what he does.  He is an artisan himself and he lives on the outskirts of a small village.  He is woken one night by a small boy that wants to show him how to fly, how to be alive and extraordinary.

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews has been getting a lot of reviews from me recently, but it is for a really good reason.  Andrews has a way of writing that cuts to the heart of the story and feeds you the most tender cut of meat, something you really can grow on.  He writes about things that not only are interesting and exciting, but are of spiritual significance.  The Heart Mender is another such book, and is quite possibly the greatest book he has written thus far.

In The Heart Mender Andy writes about a personal discovery that led to learning of some really exciting events that took place in his own backyard…..literally!

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

Max Lucado delivers again in this stunning book that seeks to awaken a movement among christians that will rock this world.  What would happen if the events that took place in the book of acts took place just in our home towns?  In our back yards and on our porches?  What would happen if we christians cared for the world as Christ calls for us to do many times throughout the bible?  What if we gave a little to pay for a well in africa or to feed the hungry or clothe the naked?

Great Parents, Lousy Lovers by Dr. Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham

This new book does seem to take the form of many similar self-help books on love in a relationship but in reality Great Parents, Lousy Lovers gives you a fresh take on how you should live your life towards your spouse.  It attempts to be new and fresh in many ways and I believe it succeeds in that goal quite well and it keeps this book rather interesting from beginning to end.

A parent in todays fast paced world can be a great parent and yet still have a healthy love life, which is very important in a happy marriage.  This is the philosophy that drives this book and it is this idea that is reinforced throughout.  The book gives great insight into a typical marriage today and how one is to balance being a good parent with being a great lover.

Havah by Tosca Lee

Tosca Lee thrilled me with her last book, Demon: A Memoir and now she enthralls me with her newest book Havah.  This book elegantly tells the tale of a woman we all have heard of but know too little about.  Tosca goes deep into the tale of Eve in this novel and tells the tale that was never told.

The Boy Who Changed The World by Andy Andrews

The Boy who changed the world is a new children’s book by Andy Andrews which tells the tale of Norman Borlaug.  This tale has been told in Andy’s book The Butterfly Effect as well but this time it has been further simplified for a child’s reading.  Also focusing on one story instead of a couple also helps simplify this book for kids.  Where this book gets its heart is its great illustrations and its interpretations of the major events of the story in such a way that a young child would understand.  This book is approximately a Juvenile reading level though an adult’s help in understanding the deeper concepts of the book would help a lot.  The main purpose of the book is to say to kids that because of something they do today they could change the world!

I would again recommend this book to anyone who has kids who are reading and would love to give them another great story.  Also it helps as an adult to read this with your kid as it is a gentle reminder to give yourself some perspective.

This book was provided to my by BookSneeze to review.  I was not required to give a positive review and anything I have said is purely my own opinion of this book.

Be sure to check out my review of Andy Andrews’ other book The Noticer.

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

The Butterfly Effect is a great new book from the mind of Andy Andrews.  Andy yet again writes of making a difference in the lives of those around you and how you can change your life for the better.  In this particular book he retells the story of a man who changed the history of the world with one brave choice.  A man who created his own butterfly effect.

Who are we to say that we won’t create our own butterfly effect upon those around us?  We may or may not see the impact we have on the lives of those around us but you can be guaranteed it will make a big difference further down the line.  Maybe you won’t be around to see it but it will happen.

This book is a great read, and though it is short it packs quite a lot into such a small package.  All you really need is a little perspective as Andy would say, and he is right.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone to put on their coffee table in their living room.  It is a perfect little bit of light reading for a cloudy day.

This book was provided to my by BookSneeze to review.  I was not required to give a positive review and anything I have said is purely my own opinion of this book.

Be sure to check out my review of Andy Andrews’ other book The Noticer.

Quick Preview: Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick

Sun Stand Still is a new book and small group study by Stephen Furtick and it looks to change the way we view and use faith.  To give us a renewed faith that is strong in Christ.  There are also videos by the author to use for small group discussion.

This new book pushes forward and looks to God as the source of all that is good.  It asks us to place everything in the arms of God as we ask him for physical and spiritual healing, ask for our every waking need.  There is a lot to be learned for many Christians today as many of us have little to no faith in God and what he will do for us.

I definitely recommend this book to those who are struggling in our faith, which is really all of us.  I’m sure the study will be highly beneficial for those looking for more.  So check it out for yourself when it comes out September 21st!

BANNED-Immanuel’s Veins

Ted Dekker is a great author and writer of some of my very favorite novels.  Among those novels is his new book Immanuel’s Veins.  This novel is full of amazing imagery depicting vampires in a new light, with chivalry and fighting enough.  The story is largely a love story however, and also largely reflects upon the biblical story in the Song of Solomon also known as Song of Songs.  It is this reason why Immanuel’s Veins has been banned from Holland.  It is seen as far too sensual of a book for a christian audience and so the publisher refused to print the book. Song of Solomon is a highly sensual book of the Bible and many churches tend to steer away from teaching from it while other churches will use it in marriage courses and such.  The question among many is whether or not Song of Solomon is appropriate for many audiences.  Does it go too far?

My question is, why are you asking that question of a book of the Bible?  The Bible says all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.  I understand that Immanuel’s veins is not on the same plane as the Bible of course so I am not equating the two, but the message contained within the book is one of a biblical, sensual love.  This kind of love is very beautiful in the eyes of our Creator God and should be viewed with respect.  All Immanuel’s Veins did was emulate this same love within the realm of fiction.  Does this make it wrong?  Is Song of Solomon wrong?

Please comment and let me know what you think!  Do you feel the same way or do you think sex should have no part in christian literature?  Where is the line drawn for you?

I definitely recommend Immanuel’s Veins to you so please read my review for the book!