The Lucado Inspirational Reader by Max Lucado

In The Lucado Inspirational Reader, by Max Lucado, the best of this renown pastor and author is gathered in one portable edition. Max discusses topics ranging from "The Church" to "Second Chances." This excellent book has something for everyone and meets needs of hungry hearts.
While reading, we feel that Max not only knows the Bible characters he describes, but that he also knows us--and he definitely knows the Father as well. He illustrates truths by sharing anecdotes of his family, such as his daughters' lemonade stand, a lesson in grace. He explains "the civil war of the soul;  once we know the law we don't want to do it" (as Paul). To illustrate this, he relates driving down a back alley to avoid the daily traffic jam. When he discovers it is a one-way street, and he had been going the wrong way, he still wants to use it!
He describes God's amazing love for each of us: "Since he could not bear the thought of eternity without you, he chose the nails." Max's folksy, common sense writing style invites the reader to sit down with him and be comforted and encouraged. This is a book that belongs on everyone's book shelf. It can be studied as a daily devotional guide or just picked up for a few moments of spiritual refreshment. I highly recommend The Lucado Inspirational Reader; it's the perfect gift for others or for yourself.
I received an examination copy of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

In this upbeat and engaging book, Andy Stanley relates God’s redemption story in a style that everyone can relate to and learn from. Beginning at the beginning with Adam and Eve, Andy traces mankind’s fall and God’s “cleaning up of the mess sin had made” (22). As Andy shares the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Jonah, Matthew and other great faith followers, he explains their place in the salvation plan—and our place there as well.

The story we’ve heard many times becomes richer and more relevant as Andy threads the ribbon of grace throughout his text. Andy includes personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate the Biblical principles he draws. For example, to explain a “slightly modified parable of Jesus” (181), he tells about a contractor who hires workmen who later dispute their paychecks. He also tells us “…you can’t be good enough; you don’t even have to be. That is the way of grace.” (143). 

This book is different enough to hold your attention; Pastor Stanley has an enthusiastic, contemporary writing style that invites the reader in to learn and grow.  It is also fundamentally sound and will teach you clearly how God’s unfailing grace promises each one of us eternal life.  I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review; the opinions expressed here are my own.

Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Set in modern day Alabama, but with flashbacks to an abusive childhood, Charles Martin’s Wrapped in Rain: A Novel of Coming Home sends a message of forgiveness. Although written in a realistic and engaging style, elements of the novel appear to drift from the focus. The basic concept of this story is excellent; it did not need overdone embellishment.

The plot is interesting. Noted photographer Tucker Rain returns to his decaying family estate to help his mentally ill brother and to face his own demons from a past filled with cruelty. A former high school girlfriend comes on the scene with a five year old son and her own story of domestic violence.  Martin takes us into the seriously ill mind of Mutt who compulsively washes his hands and everything else around him. The spirit of deceased housekeeper, Miss Ella, the only kind figure the children had ever known, speaks to Tucker throughout the novel. Her Christian wisdom guides him in his interactions with his brother and with his aged father now suffering with dementia. 

The author’s description is compelling, if sometimes stretched. Baseball works very well as a symbol  throughout the novel. However, certain incidents in the story do not seem to fit.  Tucker’s happening upon Katie’s auto accident is just too convenient. Also, I could not discern the purpose of the clown and ice cream truck that came down the driveway on a Sunday morning.

This is a readable book about real problems (especially mental illness); just don’t get bogged down in the Alabama swamp or in too many details.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Surprised By Oxford, A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Surprised by Oxford, A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Coming from a dysfunctional and disadvantaged background, Carolyn Weber is awarded a scholarship for graduate study in England.  In her memoir, Surprised by Oxford, Weber describes her experiences as an American girl privileged to study her beloved literature in the prestigious, austere center of higher learning, Oxford University.  I found the book compelling, although certain areas of the book were distressing.

Entering as an agnostic, Carolyn revels in the lecture halls, dorm rooms, and community of this famous institution. But she also explores her own beliefs and comes face to face with a compassionate and calling Christ.  The author’s creative use of phrasing and diction make this a skillfully written piece. She begins each chapter with a literary quotation. She creates suspense by introducing a character (i.e. “TDH”) and then waiting a few chapters to bring him up again as her spiritual mentor. The writing is excellent.

 I appreciate the fact that this memoir is honestly written in the voice of one who struggled spiritually; her journey may be helpful for other academics who can certainly be both classically educated and Christian.  However, the frequent references to the pub, the pint and the tipsy students disturbed me. Surely, one does not have to have all that alcohol to earn a PhD or to celebrate a baptism.

I received a complimentary, review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the writing here is my own.

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Water’s Edge by Robert Whitlow is a suspenseful legal thriller infused with spiritual truths. The main character, Tom Crane, just fired from his prestigious big city law firm, returns to his north Georgia hometown to close down his deceased father’s law office.  Tom steps right into the middle of financial fraud, a clinging old girlfriend, and too many questions about his father’s death. While sorting out the clues and conflicts, Tom learns to trust God and finds answers on his knees.

I found this plot, although cleverly woven with legal facts, easy to follow. There are plenty of ambiguous clues and characters to maintain reader interest. We meet a tobacco chewing backwoodsman and a feisty, attractive British lady. We encounter white water rafting and money laundering.   Along the way, Tom’s crime solving is intertwined with his spiritual journey.

Whitlow has crafted an amazing tale that has it all: mayhem, mystery and maybe even murder.  The author’s own legal background makes his writing accurate and credible. Water’s Edge is a thriller with all the elements of good fiction and with a positive Christian message. It was a pleasure to read, and I’ll look for more fiction by this competent author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review; the opinions expressed are my own.

Billy Graham in Quotes

Billy Graham in Quotes by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney is a wonderful, concise sampling of the famous preacher’s words of spiritual wisdom.  On “Life,” Dr. Graham shares “We must learn to live triumphantly amid the traumas and pressures we face daily.” (214)  Concerning “The World,” he advises “The world judges the Christian by his life, not by his belief.” (374)

The book is arranged in topical sections including “Abortion,” Christianity,” “Marriage,” “Morals,” “Sin,” and many more. This makes it easy and quick to find Dr. Graham’s comments on a particular subject or problem.  End numbers refer the reader to a “Notes” section which lists the date and occasion of each quotation.

This world can never hear enough from Billy Graham. His strong testimony has been a beacon to world leaders and corporate CEOs, as well as to millions who, for many years, have filed into large arenas and football stadiums to hear his Biblical wisdom.  His ministry continues now in Billy Graham in Quotes. This is a volume fit for private meditation, sermon preparation and reference. But it is mostly a volume to be treasured as words fitly spoken by a true man of God. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from publisher Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are my own; I was not required to write a positive analysis.