The Spirit in Football, Kathrin Nixon & Ana Boudreau

Another excellent children's book on the fruit of the spirit. This one is set up much the same as the one for baseball. I think the idea is unique and very applicable. Sports would be much more enjoyable for those involved if everyone practiced love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This book is very enjoyable and like the other it is filled with beautiful illustrations. All four of my children really enjoyed this book.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

The Spirit in Baseball, Kathryn Nixon & Ana Boudreau

This is a unique book about the sport of baseball and the fruit of the spirit. My children, ages 10 to 3, enjoyed the lessons taught. Each page layout has the scripture reference for the fruit of the spirit then a short example of how that fruit can be used in the sport of baseball. For example: Love Roman 12:10, "I LOVE my teammates. They are my friends. We spend a lot of time in the dugout together!". I think this book will be beneficial in making sports a more enjoyable experience for children. If everyone payed attention to putting into action the fruit of the spirit the whole world would be a better and more tolerable place. There would be less fighting and more enjoyment.

This is an excellent book with very sweet illustrations.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Martha, Diana Wallis Taylor

From the first page the reader is immediately immersed in the New Testament time and customs of a well known character of theological and moral teachings - Martha the sister of Mary. The story of Mary choosing the better path is so well taught that we often forget to glean the goodness of sacrificial service for others.

Within these pages the often looked down upon Martha has a chance at her story being told. I do not know of any older sibling who could not relate to the struggles that Martha faced as she the responsibility that fell upon the eldest of the household.

The book is well written and the story long over due. The encounters with Jesus presented in this book offer the reader a different feel of an old story. For once they are able to see the heart of Martha who lived to complete the service of her family. She must learn that the important things in life aren't always completing the task - but knowing the task master. In this book walk with Martha and learn to lay down your own self-imposed responsibilities of perfection and order to better understand the Master and His work. Work through the bitterness that often accompanies being the eldest and feeling held to a different standard. Cry with Martha and rejoice with her - and as an eldest see life in a new light - that of the Savior.

Thank you Revell for this review Copy.

Young and In Love, Ted Cunningham

I will say on the first page I wondered where this book was going. I am not for reckless dating and sudden marriage. However, this is not the purpose of this book at all - far from it. In fact Ted Cunningham is questioning the current status quo of marriageable age. Should one wait until all is perfect in life - the job, career, a house, school? Or should one pursue love and life together?

I married directly out of High School at the young age of 18. After 14 years of marriage 5 pregnancies and 4 healthy children and one on the way I can say it has been a blessing to be married to the one God intended for me for this many years. Many of my friends are just now beginning their families as they reach their early to mid 30's - some are just now considering marriage after they've finally completed college and gotten a career solidified. Though I see their reasoning - I can attest that the blessing of early marriage has meant a longer period of time with the one God chose for me. We have grown spiritually in the Lord side by side. We have pursued God's will in our marriage, parenting and personal lives. We have together faced joy and tragedy (in the loss of our baby Caleb) and we have seen God knit us together in an intimate and personal relationship with Him and each other.

This book attests to the fact that God had a plan in marriage. It was not that we take sex casual and "try on" different people until we find the right one. Nor was it for us to experience life and get it all together before settling down. God's intention for love and marriage is that two become one and in that relationship they experience life and grow together.

I am glad that this author has taken on such a touchy subject and is willing to challenge young men to Grow up and take responsibility - to leave behind the gaming systems, their parents home, their life of no responsibility, their ipods, mp3 players, and the Facebook world and to pursue God's will. Women too are challenged to leave behind romantic illusions and pursue God.

Regardless of age, God has one person for each person to marry. Find yours and follow God.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

The Constantine Codex, Paul L. Maier

On a archaeological dig Shannon is disappointed at what she has unearthed, hoping to have found something of more value she decides to visit an old church built on ancient grounds. There in the dusty caverns of the library she comes across a codex (or letters) tucked into a book. Not knowing exactly what she has stumbled upon she asks to take the manuscript home with her for her husband Jon, a Professor and renowned author, to look at. Upon looking at it they find what appears to be an important manuscript that may rival the dead sea scrolls.

However, before they can discover more controversy over Jon's book erupts and threatens to tear apart their world as the Muslims declare a Fatwa on Jon. Thus the non stop action, suspense, twists and turns begin.

Though the plot is very well developed and the story line is good I found this book difficult for more to get involved in. In fact I had to begin it again several times after putting it back on my "to be read" shelf behind the other books there. It is no fault of the author - I believe those who enjoy books that are based on such themes would greatly enjoy this. The author has done an extraordinary job at developing every part of this book. The characters and plot are well developed and the descriptive nature is wonderful. One can actually imagine one's self in the places and feel the tension and excitement at each twist and turn.

If you read the Da Vinci Code you will love this book because it is similar only more action packed.

If you have read and enjoyed other books by this author I have no doubt you will enjoy this one also. I just expected something different and found it to be a little dry at parts.

Thank you to Glass Roads Public Relations for this review copy.

The Blackberry Bush, David Housholder

Absolutely stunning!

This is a book that everyone needs to read. There are so many things that are quote worthy that my copy has pencil markings all in it and page references marked in the back.

As if the story was not compelling enough the author has been gracious enough to include a section of questions. If you are looking for an excellent book for a book club this is it! You will not be disappointed in the storyline nor will your group have a shortage of discussion regarding the topic.

This is a coming of age story of sorts for two very different people separated by a continent. They are connected by the faith of their grandparents and a story that connects them in ways they never would have guessed. An old story of love, treachery, betrayal of all sorts and the prevailing evidence of God's grace and forgiveness. This story comes together in the third generation and with it comes the finality of God's infinite love and power of restoration.

Join the journey that spans three generations. Be pulled into the story and discover the truth that resonates within the pages. Open your eyes to the back light of your own story - - Allow God to reveal to you the same power in your own life.

The book opens with this quote on page 16, "Walls are real, yet they always come down. Creation and Nature never favor walls. They start to crumble even before the mortar dries."

It ends with the following quotes: "But faith and blessings will always find a way to be fruitful and multiply./Faith like water, will always find its way back to its Source. Carry it, and it will carry you. Receive it from others, and pass it on to them." So profoundly simple: The spiritual foundations we build now will impact other generations, even if for a moment they seem lost.

Finally on page 171 and 172: "It takes a crown of thorns and truly good heart to destroy the wounding of the thorns of life./Curses are meant to be broken./Evil and brokenness are never even any good at being evil and broken. the Pharaoh always ends up at the bottom of the Red Sea. The evil dictator must die by suicide. Good is simply good at being good. And prevailing."

Thank you B&B Publishing for this review copy.

Trusting God for Everything: Psalm 23, Jan Johnson

I absolutely loved this book. It was a discipline to set aside very quiet, undivided time to do this book (with five kids in the house). However, the benefits were amazing. This book is meant for a spiritual retreat, but this was not an option for me. Instead I set aside time for uninterrupted silence. In this time a I did the studies. To be honest at times I had to review the last one, because I felt that there was more to glean from the study. It is set up with a portion of the 23rd Psalm and then guided questions and other scriptures to help the reader think more about the significance of the section of the scriptures. I especially liked the questions because they made me stop and really think on the motives and deep parts of my heart. I spent much time turning more over to God - things until this study that I did not realize I still tried to hold on to or control. This book is a great study and I would recommend it to any person seeking a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. It is short enough to do on a weekend retreat or to break into mini sessions of retreat and reflection. It is one that you will want to read over and over again - it will certainly not be a dust collector after one read.

Thank you NavPress for this review copy.

Day of War, Cliff Graham

The first in the Lion of War Series this one will have you hooked from the first page. New hero's are born from an old story. For the first time in epic proportions the story of David and his mighty men is brought to life in such a fashion that one can not help but to desire to be as heroic as these men.

I can't wait for my sons to be old enough to delve into this gripping story of war and honor, of struggle and victory. David's Mighty men are brought to life and their story is highlighted within the pages of this book.

Very masculine in it's themes it is still an enjoyable read for women. In fact I read it purely out of a curiosity of this biblical fiction piece. My question being - Could anyone truly do justice to the untold and often overlooked impact that these trusted men of David had on the course of history. My answer - ABSOLUTELY. Cliff Graham has done an exceedingly good job.

In each page the reader can feel the tension of the political climate and the cost of the sacrificial lifestyle of these men. They fought alongside and under the leadership of one of the greatest kings in history. Come along for a very personal journey into their lives and discover for yourself the magnitude of their service and impact on history as we know it.

Thank you Zondervan for this review copy.

Double Take, Melody Carlson

In this coming of age story two girls from two very different worlds collide. In a classic switch-a-roo they decide to change places for a week. In this week they will discover things about themselves they did not know as well as learn the truth of what really matters in this world.

Madison Van Buren is the only daughter of divorced parents. From the time she was born she has gotten everything a girl could want. Now at seventeen she is feeling pressured from all sides to do what everyone wants. Her mother wants her to spend spring break traveling with her and her grandmother, her father wants to take a road trip to an Ivy League College, her best friend Vivian wants her to come with her, and then there is her boyfriend Garrett. Sometimes she wishes that she could just get away.

Anna Fisher is an Amish girl who's heart is broken by the fact that her childhood boyfriend has left on his rumspringa and she feels that he will never return. She is restless and eager to find some sort of contentment. Then to her surprise and dismay she is told that she will be staying with her aunt in another community for the summer. The very aunt that she thinks is lazy. She is upset at the prospect of the summer.

While waiting in the city for her uncle Anna meets Madison. Agreeing to switch places the girls embark on a journey that will forever change their lives. This one week will lead to discovery and change for both girls as they find out what matters most in this world - and how to appreciate the blessings right in front of them.

Excellent store.

Thanks to Revell for this review copy.

In The Lick of Time, Pam Kumpe

Pam Kumpe is breaking into a new realm of writing with this children's book. A local of New Boston, Texas she is a writer for a local paper, speaker, and great friend to many. She has a dynamic personality and looks at life through comedy and scripture - meet her in person and you will be introduced to the world in a whole new way!

This children's book is filled with bright boisterous illustrations and sweet readable text. It follows the journeys of a self-proclaimed fashion expert sheep and a tossed off raggedy stray of a dog. Priscilla, simply called Silla, decides that Schade, the misfit stray needs a make-over and that she is the one to do it. In the midst of making Schade her new project a visitor comes to the shepherds with a life changing proclamation: The birth of a Savior. This leads Silla and Schade on a journey that will forever change them both. Lugging a huge suitcase and her lipstick she drags Schade along with her. On the way they face all sorts of adventures and learn new things about themselves. In the end they both find out what kind of make-over is really needed - and it has nothing to do with lipstick, hair products, brushes, or accessories - it's a matter of who you know and by whom you are known - it's a heart issue.

Thanks Pam Kumpe - thanks for this copy! It has quickly become one of my children's favorites!

Chasing Sunsets, Eva Marie Everson

Devastated by a divorce, Kimberly Tucker is searching for answers. How could a marriage that seemed to be so perfect have fallen apart? What had she done to cause her husband to turn to some one else? Kimberly had been a people-pleaser and problem fixer since she was a child. She depended on others approval of her and was determined to fix all things around her.

Will a trip to the family vacation home at Cedar Key force Kimberly to come face to face with truths that she had buried deep in her heart?

This book starts out in the court room as Kimberly and Charlie Tucker are meeting before the General Magistrate to determine the summer arrangements for their two boys Cody and Chase. There Kimberly is told that the boys would be with their father for 5 weeks of the summer. Absolutely devastated at this announcement Kimberly is left feeling as if her heart is shattered. To distract her from the heartbreak her father sends her on a job to the family vacation retreat - a place she had not returned to since her mother's death.

In this place Kimberly is forced to look at the past and face the ugly secrets of life that were locked up there. She must decide if she will allow God to rekindle and old flame and redeem the things she thought were lost. But this will mean that Kimberly must also admit some truths about herself and her family that will forever change her - and will set her free.

I could not put this novel down. The author has carefully developed each character in such a way that the reader feels as if they know them personally. I enjoyed the fact that there were chapters that were flashback style - so that the reader could gain more knowledge about the past of each character so that the current choices, actions and feelings make more since.

I could not put this book down. I can't wait for the second book!! I will be anxiously awaiting it's print date to see how this story unfolds more - to see what happens to the others in this book.

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Thank you Revel publishing for this free review copy.

The Waiting Place, Eileen Button

Who hasn't been in the state of waiting: waiting on a bus, waiting on the elevator, waiting on the doctor, waiting on marriage, waiting on babies, waiting for the time of our children's graduation. All of us have waited at some point in our lives. In fact in all honesty it seems that we move from one waiting place to another.

This book is filled with short essays about just that - waiting. In it you will be encouraged in the time of waiting you are experiencing now. Your perspective might even be forever altered as she read through each essay. I truly enjoyed the honesty and open writing style of Eileen Button. With truth and candor she opens up her heart for others to see. Through it we are invited to savor those times of waiting, to eagerly look for God during these times, to grow with Him and in Him.

I believe this is a book to be read over and over. It is one that will be dog-eared, or marked with sticky-note tabs to mark you favorite essays. Each person who picks up a copy of this book will be able to relate to at least on, if not more, of the essays.

Take time to enjoy your waiting place - look carefully and see what God is doing.

Thank you Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson for this review copy.

A new name for Worthless, A Hero is Born; Rocky Shepheard

This book was written in support for the organization Dogs Deserve Better. I must say that I have great appreciation for the fact that this author wants to bring to the forefront the fact that dogs need humane treatment.

This story is about a dog name Worthless (or at least that is what his owner calls him). His life is one limited to a chain in the backyard and a nasty dog house. Needless to say he is somewhat neglected. His friends free him and he is on a journey to find happiness when he stumbles into the life of a new person.

I won't give away the heartwarming story, but in the end Worthless is renamed.

My children most certainly learned that abuse or neglect of animals is not acceptable. This book came at an appropriate time as we just adopted a dog from the Humane Society foster care program. However, our dog does stay outside - and the general view in this book is for dogs to be inside. I realize that this is the feeling of many. When we adopted several years back from the Humane Society of Montgomery County (in Texas) we were told that our dog (A Huge Black Lab) had to stay inside. I do believe however, that inside or outside a dog must be loved and cared for - and our children go out at 6:45 every morning to love on our dog Sabrina.

Thank you to the author for this review copy.

I encourage readers to visit their website to learn more about this worthwhile organization and to see how they might help in supporting or otherwise help.

www.dogsdeservebetter.org

My Dad, My Hero: Ethan Long

Absolutely Great! This is a must have for Father's Day! Instead of a card invest in this book....send a message to the Father in your life that quality time is more important than any other thing! The pictures are brilliantly colored, the verse is easy to read and simple. The over-arching theme: Even though Dad is not a super hero he is My hero because he spends time with me.

Thank you Sourcebooks for this review copy

Daily Steps for God Chicks, Holly Wagner

A great bible study for any woman looking for an enjoyable study. This one will help encourage the reader in their relationship with the Lord. This is a great addition to anyone's library - as with all the books that Holly Wagner has written. This one is no less humorous and enjoyable. Her writing leaves the reader feeling like they are in conversation with a close friend and enjoying great fellowship and bible study.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

PrayFit, Jimmy Pena

28 days to a stronger faith and a healthy body - too good to be true? - not with this book.

I am thankful that this book is not about conforming to the world's standards of weight loss but is focused on a whole person experience of fitness. Each day has four sections: 1. The Exercise: daily scripture readings with a study to help you dig deeper into scripture, 2. Pastor's Point: a few questions that make the reader think more in depth about the scripture passages, 3. Walking with Him: This is the spiritual exercise designed to help the reader develop a closer walk with the Lord, 4. Journal space for your thoughts on the passages and bible study. This is all followed by the fitness part.

I have greatly enjoyed the bible study part! However, the exercise was a bit intimidating to me. I am not physically fit at all. So when day one opened with an inclined push up my mouth dropped open! I did it though, and intend to keep trying to do more (I don't think 3 is a great number to start at, but three is good for someone who has had no previous exercise regimen other than chasing after toddlers all day. I do not think this book is discouraging in anyway. Rather it creates in the reader a desire to seek physical fitness as well as spiritual fitness.

In fact I found that the main emphasis is on the spiritual fitness, with the follow-up being the physical.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

The Waiting Place, Eileen Button

Who hasn't been in the state of waiting: waiting on a bus, waiting on the elevator, waiting on the doctor, waiting on marriage, waiting on babies, waiting for the time of our children's graduation. All of us have waited at some point in our lives. In fact in all honesty it seems that we move from one waiting place to another.

This book is filled with short essays about just that - waiting. In it you will be encouraged in the time of waiting you are experiencing now. Your perspective might even be forever altered as she read through each essay. I truly enjoyed the honesty and open writing style of Eileen Button. With truth and candor she opens up her heart for others to see. Through it we are invited to savor those times of waiting, to eagerly look for God during these times, to grow with Him and in Him.

I believe this is a book to be read over and over. It is one that will be dog-eared, or marked with sticky-note tabs to mark you favorite essays. Each person who picks up a copy of this book will be able to relate to at least on, if not more, of the essays.

Take time to enjoy your waiting place - look carefully and see what God is doing.

Thank you Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson for this review copy.

What the Bible Is All About 102

I love this new series that Gospel Light is printing. I first reviewed "What the Bible is All About 101" and loved it. So I was excited to see that the series has 102 and 202 and 201!

This book covers Job through Malachi. Each session begins with a preview of the books for that session and key bible verses. It is very helpful to have the book What the Bible is All About as this assigns reading from this book (also a delightful and intriguing book to own and read). I liked this section because it encourages the reader to study different passages of scripture and thereby helps to instill God's word in the heart. The next part is called "God's Story" this takes you through what the purpose of the books are and the over all story that God is telling us through the time and ages. Section two deals with God's person and what He is revealing about Himself through the books being studied. Section three is God's Son and deals with how this ties to the person of Jesus Christ and the importance of that for us.

There are worksheets to further your understanding. I think the material is suited for older elementary, Middlers and Junior High Students. Though I would not limit it to these ages groups as I believe it to be equally good for High school, young adult and adult. Who couldn't deal with a good dose of bible basics. Most people only remember the stories of the bible but often miss the underlying meaning and the true depth and breadth of God's everlasting word.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy

Big Book of God's Amazing Animals

This is written for grades 1 through 6th grade. It would work equally well in a church setting or a home school setting. I am going to use it for my children (grades Pre-school, PreK 4, 3rd and 5th) next year. I found that though it says it is for the grades 1 through 6 most of the lessons can be worked for younger children too.

For home school purposes this would work excellent as a supplement to a science curriculum or as the traditional bible time. The book is filled with 52 lessons on interesting animals that will be sure to catch a child's attention and give them an appreciation for God's divine creativity.

Each animal teaches a lesson such as accepting others, anger, arguing, craving God's word, bearing others burdens, peacemaking, and worship. Children will easily grasp the lessons as they relate them to certain animals. I think this is a unique approach to teaching - every time a child sees a gorilla the lesson about anger will come to mind. What better way to instill in our children the importance of God's word than to give them a visual trigger that will make them recall His unchanging word and it's application to life.

I really like the "Discover Page" that is filled with neat information and fun facts and the verse for the lesson. I found that these pages make great worksheets for the children to color and keep so that they can re-visit each lesson and put into action the things they learn.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

ReCreate Your World: Find your Voice, Shape the Culture, Change the World; Ron Luce

Empower your teens to stand strong in a sex and violence saturated culture. Give them the tools to battle the enemy with courage! It is one thing to pray over our children and quite another thing to actively train them for battle. This is their fight as much as ours - it is their lives that will shape the future of this world. They are the voice of the coming years and it is their dreams that will shape the world to come.

I loved the statement found on page 36.."The media is stealing hours of your lie that you spend watching their stuff. Instead of being a dreamer and changing the world, you are watching someone else's dreams and being entertained by it." This is an echo from the parent geared book ReCreate by the same author in which is writes, "Dare to dream a dream for your children".

Help your children realize the potential they have as children of God to shape and change this world. Help them to break the disillusionment that they must just wade through the muck that the world throws out - just satisfied with surviving the torrent of attacks. Let us help our children take up their sling and stone and slay the giants of this world through the power of Christ Jesus.

Thank you Gospel Light for this review copy.

Re Create, Ron Luce

I reviewed the study guide, DVD and book. Although the book is great on its own I believe the study guide and DVD enhance the overall experience. The DVD has for each session 4 small videos: an intro, one or two short videos, and the closing statements. I will say that the speaker, Don Luce, is not the most dynamic speaker, in fact I thought he looked a little uncomfortable in front of the camera (However, in his defense I, too, would be uncomfortable in front of a camera opposed to a live audience). However, it is evident in his speaking where his heart is. The other clips are absolutely astounding and will stick in the participants head for a long time afterward.

The book is a battle cry for parents to claim the hearts of their children. It has certainly made me more aware of the subtle attacks of the enemy. As a youth worker in our church I found this invaluable.

The following quote from the book sums up this book: "..it is imperative that you start actively working with your children at the youngest age to create a family culture that builds stability, sets expectations and ensures security in their hearts. As you children grow into teenagers, you want them to have a strong foundation so that you're not struggling to pull them out of the pit of hell to barely survive with your family intact"

Over and over again the author states the importance of the battle before us and the fact that we must be actively engaged in the lives of our children. Prior to having a teenager move in with us I had never given much thought to the impact of certain things on children since our children are structured according to scripture.

Thanks to Gospel Light for this review copy.

The Volunteers' Guide to Fundraising, Hona Bray

Printed by Nolo this is a comprehensive guide to fundraising. It comes complete with a cd-rom filled with all sorts of forms and other helpful paperwork. Consisting of 13 chapters plus an appendixes this book covers it all - including a Bonus chapter that gives even more information.

I love this book! Anyone that is involved in fundraising for school, sports, or other organizations would benefit from the valuable information in this book. Even the most unsure person will gain great confidence in organizing and handling a fundraiser.

Thank you to Nolo for this review copy. I highly recommend this book!

MagicKeepers: The Chalice of Immortality, Erica Kirov

I did not read the first two books, however this did not distract from this book. It is easily a read alone book but I am sure the previous two add to the story.

Nick and his cousin Isabella are the next generation of magic keepers. The story begins with them in training for this very special job. However, Nick has a very special destiny - one that he sees in a vision. He sets out to visit the one lady that could clarify his mission. Talking his father and grandfather into an outing her goes to visit the old seer, but while there he is found by the Shadow Keepers who put a deep and ancient spell on his father.

The only way to break the spell is to find the Chalice of Immortality, but to do this they must undertake a very dangerous journey. Accompanied by Theo, Boris, and his cousin Isabella they set out to find the one thing that will break the spell. They must find it before the Shadow Keepers and keep it from falling into deadly hands.

The story is not stop action from the beginning to the end. In the journey the children face all sorts of obstacles and must make decisions that will alter their lives.

This book is filled with magic and witchcraft and therefor I recommend that parents review the material prior to giving it to the children.

Erica Kirov has crafted a wonderful book for tweens that will capture their attention. It is written about topics that seem to be of the highest popularity and will be interesting for those who read the Harry Potter series and other series like this.

Thank you Sourcebooks for this review copy.

Shattered, Melody Carlson

Cleo Neilson is a typical 17-year old trying to spread her wings and operate in independence. She has always done exactly what her over-protective mother has wanted her to do. But this time she makes a decision that will prove to have consequences that threaten to tear her world apart.

The last night her best friend will be in town before she moves and the girls have free tickets to a christian concert. The problem - Lola can't drive her mom's car and Cleo's mom won't let her drive into the city alone. Disappointed because she feels her mother is once again being too overprotective she decides to do what she thinks all teenagers do at least once - sneak out.

This one decision turns Cleo's world upside down - her life is shattered by one fatal choice. The guilt and shame and self-hatred from this eats away at Cleo. To try to numb this she turns to pills. However, as her life spirals out of control and she tries everything to numb the pain and memories her Aunt Kelli speaks life altering truth into her life and shares a secret that haunted her all through her childhood.

The question to be answered is will Cleo accept the forgiveness she needs from Christ and allow that grace and love to heal her and change her forever.

This book had me crying from chapter 4 on! Melody Carlson's ability to develop characters that are life-like is shocking. The entire book is heart-wrenching as you exam in your own life the aftermath of decisions that have rocked your own world, and the devastating guilt that follows.

I think this is by far one of my favorite books for teens - well I have to include Pitch Black also. This book is part of the Secrets Series and I can't wait to purchase more. The quality and style of Carlson's writing brings the gritty, dark truth of what teens are facing and thinking to the forefront. She deals with these things in such a way that teens who read these books will be pointed to Christ and His redeeming love and forgiveness.

Highly Recommended.

Special thanks to Glass Road Public Relations and NavPress for this review copy.

The Gopple Ganger Chronicles, GP Taylor

Saskia and Sascha Dopple and Erik Morrissey Ganger are at it again in the third book of this series. Eric is on his way to become a detective and the twins have found a home with their dear, albeit strange, friend Muzz Elliot.

Get the three of these kids together and action, adventure, and non-stop antics is sure to happen. With it's great typeset this graphic novel is enjoyable to read. just the cover alone makes a reader want to crack open the book and read the story. All the special type and art combined with the comic book style pages makes this a great read.

As before this book is suited for older elementary students - especially those who find traditional novels difficult to read.

The twins and Eric are thrown into a mystery when a threatening letter arrives addressed to Muzz Elliot. They must solve the mystery of who is behind the crimes and stay alive at the same time. In this book Eric is teamed up with a new character Dorcas Potts who adds a new dimension to the entire cast. To add to the excitement the crimes come straight from the pages of Muzz Elliots own book - who are these masterminds that are trying to frame Muzz Elliot.

At one point Erik is introduced to a mysterious man who speaks truths into his life. Erik must decide what to do - which way is right.

Kids will love this book .
Thanks Tyndale for this review copy.

The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, The Great Mogul Diamond, GP Taylor

Saskia and Sascha Dopple and Erik Morrissey Ganger are at it again in the third book of this series. Eric is on his way to become a detective and the twins have found a home with their dear, albeit strange, friend Muzz Elliot.

Get the three of these kids together and action, adventure, and non-stop antics is sure to happen. With it's great typeset this graphic novel is enjoyable to read. just the cover alone makes a reader want to crack open the book and read the story. All the special type and art combined with the comic book style pages makes this a great read.

As before this book is suited for older elementary students - especially those who find traditional novels difficult to read.

The twins and Eric are thrown into a mystery when a threatening letter arrives addressed to Muzz Elliot. They must solve the mystery of who is behind the crimes and stay alive at the same time. In this book Eric is teamed up with a new character Dorcas Potts who adds a new dimension to the entire cast. To add to the excitement the crimes come straight from the pages of Muzz Elliots own book - who are these masterminds that are trying to frame Muzz Elliot.

At one point Erik is introduced to a mysterious man who speaks truths into his life. Erik must decide what to do - which way is right.

Kids will love this book .
Thanks Tyndale for this review copy.

The Fine Art of Insincerity, Angela Hunt

Three sisters, nine husbands between them, secrets and regrets all collide in this riveting novel by Angela Hunt.

This novel deals with a myriad of issues - in fact I was surprised by how thoroughly each of the characters were developed and how vivid their issues were presented. Three sisters raised part time by a grandmother who was married numerous times come together to clean out her house. Little did any of them know that this one weekend would change their lives forever. That for the first time they will be forced to drop pretenses and face the pain of tragedy in their lives.

Ginger thinks she has her life all put together - everything in its place. She sees her sisters as her responsibility - but then why shouldn't she. After her mother's death she was their care-giver.

Penny is the epitome of southern charm and at 49 years old still looks fit and in shape. Searching for love, romance and happiness she changes husbands like she changes shoes - always finding that they just don't fit right. Following in her grandmother's footsteps she justifies each divorce and remarriage. Bored with her seemingly dull husband she is on the prowl again.

Rosie, the youngest of the three is desperately searching for her grandmother's secret for hanging on. A thick impenetrable cloud of despair has beaten her down. She arrives at the cottage that weekend with plans of her own. Detached and set on saying her farewells she spends her time dropping hints to her sisters.

Ginger's life is devastated by a painfully close deception, Penny's version of truth is challenged and she is forced to make a choice, and Rose must finally decide to face her deepest hurt or perish to it.

In their grandmother's album the girls find a truth about God that will set them free from the bondage each of them is tied to.

"I came her hoping to find Grandma's survival secrets. Maybe the biggest of them has been staring me in the face for a long time....."


I received this book from Glass Roads Publication. Special thanks to the publisher, Howard, and Glass Roads Publications for this review copy.

Dopple Ganger Chronicles, The Secret of Indigo Moon, G.P. Taylor

The second in this series is no less exciting than the first. We received the first and third as review copies but missed out on this one. So, we borrowed it from another reviewer! What a blessing.

My daughter (10 years old) devoured the book. I think what makes these books so appeal ling to children and teens is the way the book is deigned, graphic arts pages with differing type sets, traditional pages, then the comic book pages. It is also visually interesting because the pages are all bordered in black.

The material in this one does have some themes that may not be appropriate for very young children such as the talk of murder and the pictures of guns. However, I did not find the story line to be inappropriate.

Again in this novel Sasha and Saski Dopple are paired with Eric Ganger. We are again introduced to the "bad" guys from the last story and introduced. Get ready for non stop action and antics as they try to discover the secret of indigo moon.

Thanks Tyndale.