Michael Neale’s The River delivers a poignant story of a young man’s coming of age and coming to terms with his father’s tragic death.  It is an interesting read with engaging description and several riveting sections, but the lack of a clear Christian message somewhat disappoints.  Neale frames this narrative as a tale told in an airport by a world travelling whitewater guide.  Journal entries by the guide and others are sprinkled through the novel.  The story centers on Gabriel Clarke, who at the age of five, witnesses his father’s rescue of a careless kayaker.  Dad John Clarke saves the kayaker’s life but loses his own, and Gabriel is devastated.  Through the years, Gabriel harbors a resentment  toward  the kayaker who lived and for the river that took his dad’s life. The story follows Gabriel as he grows up with a mom he has hardly known, and as he searches for answers in unlikely places with surprising results.  Neale’s descriptions take the reader into the rugged outdoors. We can almost hear the rushing water and feel the craggy rocks under our sneakers.  We can smell those sizzling rib eyes on the campfire.   We can empathize with Gabriel’s plight because we’ve all searched for life’s answers.  However, this story does not cite Christian answers.  Redemption is a theme, but it is not clear that it is Christian redemption.  This novel is recommended as a compelling story, but it lacks the message expected from “Christian fiction.”  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

 

 

Michael Neale’s The River delivers a poignant story of a young man’s coming of age and coming to terms with his father’s tragic death.  It is an interesting read with engaging description and several riveting sections, but the lack of a clear Christian message somewhat disappoints.  Neale frames this narrative as a tale told in an airport by a world travelling whitewater guide.  Journal entries by the guide and others are sprinkled through the novel.  The story centers on Gabriel Clarke, who at the age of five, witnesses his father’s rescue of a careless kayaker.  Dad John Clarke saves the kayaker’s life but loses his own, and Gabriel is devastated.  Through the years, Gabriel harbors a resentment  toward  the kayaker who lived and for the river that took his dad’s life. The story follows Gabriel as he grows up with a mom he has hardly known, and as he searches for answers in unlikely places with surprising results.  Neale’s descriptions take the reader into the rugged outdoors. We can almost hear the rushing water and feel the craggy rocks under our sneakers.  We can smell those sizzling rib eyes on the campfire.   We can empathize with Gabriel’s plight because we’ve all searched for life’s answers.  However, this story does not cite Christian answers.  Redemption is a theme, but it is not clear that it is Christian redemption.  This novel is recommended as a compelling story, but it lacks the message expected from “Christian fiction.”  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

 

 

Twelve Unlikely Heroes by John MacArthur

Would you like to meet a man who “was and was not” or a man who would not be king?   These, along with ten other well-known and little-known men and women, are part of Twelve Unlikely Heroes,  written by noted pastor and author John MacArthur.  This book is a must-read spiritual experience.  Through reading the stories of these sometimes imperfect heroes, we learn that God can use us even with our imperfections.  Miriam, for example, was instrumental in saving the life of her baby brother who became Israel’s leader out of bondage.  Yet Miriam became jealous of Moses and suffered a deserved punishment. She had to learn obedience and to draw closer to God.  MacArthur calls her “the leading lady of the Exodus.” Also, James, Jesus’ half brother, who had grown up with the Lord, was a skeptic until the resurrection. Then, however, he became a leader in the Jerusalem church, proclaiming the way of salvation. Each hero’s story is penned with Biblical accuracy, yet in a down to earth, readable style that makes us eager to read more. MacArthur allows us to see the weaknesses as well as the strengths. He encourages us to see how God worked in each hero’s life to accomplish His purpose. We can see ourselves, in the disobedience of Jonah, in the desire of Samson, in the decision making of Esther. And MacArthur’s message is clear that we too can be used of God if we surrender to His will.   I highly recommend this book.

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

Through Rushing Waters

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

The best book I’ve read in a long time, Through Rushing Water is a thoroughly engaging story that combines history with romance and adventure. Christian fiction writer Catherine Richmond has crafted an excellent, must-read novel that shines with genuine yet unique characters in a colorful, old West setting.

After being jilted by her intended fiancé, Sophia Makinoff takes the first offer to leave her college town. She signs up with the Mission Board to teach Ponca Indian children in the American West of the 1800s. Sophia’s sophisticated manners are definitely out of place in this rough, uncharted  territory. She quickly discovers that the Indians suffer from a lack of food and basic farming implements.  Sophia lives in the Indian Agency house with Preacher Henry, his mother, Nettie, agent James and carpenter Will.  Teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, Sophia has experiences with the children that begin to change them and her.  Along with light-hearted, funny classroom moments, there is the disturbing backdrop of the historical movement of all tribes to the “Indian Territory.”  

This is a masterful story filled with compassion, history and just plain fun. It’s a love story of Sophia and the man she can’t seem to understand even as he protects her from gun runners and a devastating snowstorm.  It’s a commentary on the sometimes cruel treatment of the proud Native Americans forced to leave the land they love.  It’s a tribute to God’s grace as Sophia’s faith grows day by day.

Making the story even more engaging, the author has penned events and characters from historical research; the “Author’s Note” appendix is quite enlightening.  Kudos to a professional writer who keeps the reader wondering what will happen next and does not bore us with unnecessary detail. I highly recommend this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

The Truth About Grace

John MacArthur’s The Truth About Grace should be on the “must read” list for every Christian, especially those who have questions about the awesome, but somewhat mysterious quality of God’s grace.  Beginning with the definitions of grace and ending with the “ongoing work of grace in the Christian’s rebellious life,” MacArthur emphasizes God’s great love for humanity.

God’s saving grace frees people from sin; we cannot accomplish this by our own efforts. Although this concept is difficult for many to comprehend, Pastor MacArthur clearly explains the plan of salvation: “by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone.”  His discussion includes many scriptural examples such as Jesus’ feeding the five thousand and Naaman’s leprosy cure.  The life and teachings of Paul are also described.  MacArthur additionally has a message for the church of today:  beware of false teachers who “often deliberately conceal themselves within the heart of the evangelical mainstream.”

This relatively short, easily read paperback book is easy to carry in briefcase or purse for a few free moments of meditation.  It can also be an excellent devotional study with an open Bible handy to look up the many verses cited by MacArthur.

Written by a noted and well-respected pastor and author, this book is part of “The Truth About” series. It is highly recommended as a Biblically based and straightforward explanation of salvation.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and  review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

Hope Springs

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate is a Christian novel that deals with many family and personal dynamics. The story is set in the small Southern town of Hope Springs.  With her husband serving a medical mission out of the country, Stephanie returns home to become a caregiver for her terminally ill grandmother.  Janelle, with her two small children, hopes to find solace in her childhood home town as she mourns the death of her husband.   Becca comes to Hope Springs, her husband’s boyhood home, with misgivings over leaving the big city that affords her contacts for her own ministry. These women, along with other family members, the diner waitress, and two pastors help each other deal with personal tragedies as they bond across racial differences.  The story contains several romantic subplots; for example, Janelle reunites with her high school boyfriend only to discover he is going through an acrimonious divorce.  Their relationship takes many twists and turns.

A strong Christian witness is embedded throughout the novel.   The characters are realistic and contemporary;  their problems and concerns are real.  Frequent Bible verses and references to holy living are emphasized.  At times, however, an overabundance of dialogue becomes tiresome to follow.

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

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

A young man’s repressed terrors, a young woman’s desire to marry the man she loves, and the Amish principle of non-violence – all of these, in the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, come together in Kelly Long’s historical Christian romance, Arms of Love.  While the premise of the book is compelling, the romantic tension between Adam and Lena becomes tedious.  Early in the story, in an effort to settle his personal demons, Adam says he will not marry Lena but will go to fight in the war, a repudiation of  his Amish faith. Yet, the two lovers continue to meet, too coincidentally.  There is just too much tedium between the exposition and the conclusion.  On the other hand, the story comes to a fitting and excellent conclusion.  All loose ends are tied up and the reader is somewhat surprised but quite satisfied.   The author explores Amish beliefs and habits with sensitivity. We learn not only about Amish views on violence but also about such traditions as “bundling” and the Amish wedding.  For the consideration of book clubs, Long’s novel contains an extensive question and answer section. The questions provided should provoke interesting discussion.  Overall, Arms of Love is a pleasant and pleasurable read.

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