Ho-Ho-NOOO

But even as they headed toward her room, TJ’s mind raced back to Dad. S he had to get him something. Granted, she had no money, but somehow the gift had to be bigger and better than Violet ever dreamed. Unfortunately, some dreams turn into nightmares – especially with help from the 23^rd century.

Book: Ho-Ho-NOOO! (TJ and the Time Stumblers) by Bill Myers, Tyndale House Publishers, 2011

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Girls and Boys 10-14

Subjects: Christmas (point of), family relationships, humility, giving

Summary: Victory is always right. She always does it better. And bigger. But not this time. There’s too much on the line. Christmas. Christmas presents to be more specific. Dad’s Christmas present to be exact. Victoria is giving him a big screen tv. And she knows TJ’s gift won’t be as good as that. But TJ is absolutely determined to prove her wrong this time. So with the help (and hindarance) of her time traveling friends from the 23^rd century, she gets a job to make money for her dad’s present. But between her own inadequacies, crazy circumstances and the time traveler’s bumbling attempts to help, TJ may have the worst Christmas present ever – and the worst Christmas!

Notes: This is the fourth book in the TJ and the Time Stumblers series about TJ, a new seventh grader in town is being visited by two teenage guys from the 23^rd century. They claim she is going to be famous someday and are doing a school report on her. They make many attempts to help TJ with the various adventures in her life. In this book TJ thinks Christmas is all about giving presents, the more expensive, the better. When everything falls apart her dad tells her that it’s more about just being together with those you love and loving your friends and neighbors as God loves you.

This author has done some books with loads of spiritual content, books that really challenge you to grow spiritually. This series does not. It contains little to no spiritual content in the books. And rather than saying that Christmas is about Christ and what He did for us, it still puts the focus back on us and our enjoying it and doing good works. It gets closer to the truth, but still misses it.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Luke 2:10-122 – But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

The Great Cat Caper

Operation Catness:

1. Open the tuna cans.
2. Catch the curious kitten first then the others.
3. Give them to Frank and Nadine.
4. Get home to tutoring.
5. Make a sign-up sheet for people to adopt the cats.
6. Be done.

Book: S.A.V.E. Squad Series Book 2: The Great Cat Caper by Laurine Snelling and Kathleen Damp Wright, Barbour Publishing, 2012

Genre: Adventure/Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-14

Subjects: Priorities, Values

Summary: Goal: Get accepted back into the advanced class at school by passing the math section on the entrance test. And come up with some sort of community project she and the rest of the squad can do to meet their school requirement. Problems: Even with meeting with her math tutor three times a week, Vee still doesn’t understand and especially doesn’t like math. A simple accident causes such a disaster at the senior center, the director won’t let them volunteer there. A curious little kitten in the alley, along with others is in danger, along with other wild cats that live near the dumpster. And if all this isn’t enough trouble, Vee is still struggling with her dad and mom’s remarriages. She just doesn’t feel like there’s any spot for her now. Her dad can’t even be bothered to come to her events. Solution: study math constantly, create a save the cats service project for the SAVE Squad, and make a deal with her dad. But this great plan has so many things wrong with it, it may turn into the great disaster instead!

Notes: A story about a 6^th grade girl with way too much on her plate. Her dad has taught her to “rev up her want list” and Vee does so. She puts 100% into all she does. So when she feels that the advanced classes is the special spot she’s been looking for ever since the remarriages, she determines to stay in. An accident got her there the first time, and she determines to stay there, no matter what. The plan to save the cats just leads to disaster after disaster. She can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong at first. A special presentation and conversation after Church one day help her realize that the treasure, the special spot she’s been longing for can’t be found in advanced classes or a special pet. Her treasure has to be greater. God Himself is the treasure she’s been seeking. A lot of the book lacks any spiritual emphasis, but when it comes, it does really well.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 – For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Mandie and the Hidden Treasure

Dr. Plumbley looked where Joe was pointing. “I don’t remember that place being there. It might have been, but I don’t remember it.” “Then maybe it is sitting on the rock pile that Ruby put on the map,” Mandie said. “It could be,” the doctor agreed. “If you think it is, then we should measure 572 feet and find a persimmon tree,” Mandie reasoned. “Only we looked for a persimmon tree and could not find a single one,” Sallie said. “Let’s measure it again and see if we can find one. At the end of 572 feet the young people looked around. “This isn’t the same place we came to when we measured the distance this afternoon!” Mandie exclaimed.

Book: Mandie and the Hidden Treasure (Mandie, Book 9) by Lois Gladys Leppard, Bethany House Publishers, 1987

Genre: History, adventure

Target Audience: 13 and under

Subjects: Death (a little bit)

Summary: Mandie is out on another adventure. This time it’s finding a hidden treasure with a map that’s about fifty years old! Mandie, Sallie, and Joe set out to find the treasure but meet a lot of problems. First, the places on the map just don’t exist anymore. A rock pile, a persimmon tree, a rhododendron bush are nowhere in sight. And then there’s the mad man close by with his rifle on the ready. Will the three close friends find the treasure in time?

Notes: This book as well as others in the Mandie Book series is more about adventure, than God. There might be only a few remarks, if at all, about Him. This book will merely entertain and won’t help in spiritual growth. This is the 9th book in the Mandie Book series.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” Luke 12:48

Scarlet Thunder

“Yeah, I thought. It is more than just another piece of work. If we get it done on time, Uncle Mike gets a million dollars. If we don’t, it could cost him a million – or more. As for me, if we finished on time, my work might get aired on prime-time television. My name might show up on film credits for the first time. I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more than that.”

Book: Scarlet Thunder (Orca Sports) by Sigmund Brouwer, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1998

Genre: Adventure/Sports Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 11-18

Subjects: Crime, Death, Careers

Summary: Someday the name Trenton Hiser will appear in the film credits of a Hollywood movie. Not Trent, but Trenton, someone important. And this summer is his chance to make that happen. For the first time in the five years he has spent working for his uncle, Trenton is being given the chance to film instead of gopher. In the meantime, his uncle is in the midst of big plans himself. Plans that will launch his career into huge success. Plans worth millions of dollars. However, it seems they’ve picked the wrong summer to achieve their goals. A distraction ruins their commercial. Their filming equipment gets sent to the wrong city. Their cameraman misses filming key scenes. Nearly dead batteries are placed in cameras. If all that weren’t enough, even their health is threatened when someone poisons them! It seems as though all their big dreams are going to fail and they’ll get disaster instead of success!

Notes: As with many of the other book in the Sigmund Brouwer’s Sports Mysteries, more recently titled Orca Sports series, there is not a large amount of spiritual emphasis in the book, mostly just adventure. An interesting element comes into play twice in this one though. At one point, a race car driver is asked whether or not they fear death and discusses how “knowing God is waiting” makes death much easier to face. The other occasion is when the bad guy, knowing he is found out, and having things under control, tells Trenton’s uncle that he and Trenton are no different than the bad guy himself. The only difference is whether or not they admit it. Both Trenton and his uncle place filming above every other priority in life. It is revealed that Trenton’s uncle tore apart his family by putting his career first and Trenton never talks about his family, just about his future goals. The bad guy claims that since his motive for his crimes is advancing his career, he is no different than they are. This statement greatly challenges Trenton to place more importance on his family.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossian 1:10 – And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

I know that many of you of you would like to be Mary in our pageant, but of course we can only have one Mary. So I’ll ask for volunteers, and then we’ll decide together which girl should get the part.” That was pretty safe to say, since the only person who ever raised her hand was Alice Wendleken. But Alice just sat there, chewing on a piece of her hair and looking down at the floor… and the only person who raised her hand this time was Imogene Herdman. “I want to be Mary.” She looked back over her shoulder. “And Ralph wants to be Joseph”.

Book: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, The Trumpet Club 1972

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: 15 and under

Subjects: The meaning of Christmas

Summary: The Herdmans are the worst kids in the world! And now they are taking over the annual Christmas pageant. The shepherds are afraid that the Angel of Lord will beat them up and Mary’s sure that the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies. Will the Christmas Pageant turn out OK?

Notes: This book has an amazing insight on the meaning of Christmas and is on track spiritually. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will entertain you and help you grow spiritually.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

Luke 2:10-11 – Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The Mirror of N'De

The Being (it seemed wrong to call him a creature) stepped closer, his eyes liquid and warm. “Choose me as I have chosen you, and I will give you all your heart desires.” What did he mean? She wanted desperately to please him, but how? And why would he choose her? No one like this, so beautiful and perfect, would ever wish to know a lowly girl like her. He seemed to see her doubt, for his eyes turned silvery with tears, and his image began to fade. “No, please! Don’t leave me!” His voice now came to her as a whisper. “There is a key that will bring you to me, but you must first take hold of it.”

Book: The Mirror of N'de: A Novel by L.K. Malone, Kregal Publications, 2011

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Girls 14+

Subjects: Salvation, truth, pride, judgment

Summary: As children sleep at night, they dream of a Being, someone wonderful and great. And they dream of N’De, the land spoken of in the legend taught to children of the Ramash. Hadlay is one such dreamer. Time and time again, the Being appears in her sleep and tells her to seek the key. But during the day things are much different. The Oresed rule over them in the Emperor’s absence, a cruel, torturous rule. Then the Emperor himself returns, along with his son. Great things are promised. Equality among the Ramash and Oresed. Ways for the poor to be free of the tax burden placed on them. Ramash children chosen to serve in the tower. Hadlay is one of the children chosen and in fact is chosen specifically by the Emperor’s son to be his friend. He personally assists her when the Oresed attempt to torment her and promises great help to her, her family and her friends. But her dreams tell her she is getting farther away from the key, rather than closer to it. What is this elusive key and how does she find it?

Notes: Written as an allegory, this book tells the story of a Being who created the world, loved those in it, sent them away from their perfect home when they sinned, and who even now seeks a way to bring them back to Him and willingly gives His life in payment for them. At the same time it feels like a mix between fantasy with all the magic occurring in it, and a medieval story with the characters working in all the rooms of the tower made to sound like a sort of castle. It does an excellent job showing how hard it is to find the Kingdom of Heaven. The characters start to believe that the evil one, is actually the great Being. They start to wonder if the tower could be N’De. The truth is polished over so it looks appealing and attractive to them, hiding the evil darkness behind it. It shows how hard it is for a person to follow truth and the sacrifices that come from it. I highly recommend this allegory for showing a picture of the Gospel message!

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale:5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 16:19 – I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Fire Prophet

“We sounded the alarm,” said Marcus. “We believe that these were coordinated efforts by Abaddon and his forces.” Jonah’s mind churned. “What are they trying to do?” Taryn glanced at Marcus. “We’re not entirely sure, Jonah. But we have sent angelic forces to each nephilim family around the world, just like here. Based on what we know, it makes sense to assume that they are trying to rid the world of the nephilim.” “And their children,” added Marcus without a hint of emotion in his voice.

Book: Fire Prophet (Son of Angels) by Jerel Law, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2012

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Spiritual warfare, Prayer, God’s will

Summary: The forces of evil aren’t as stupid as Jonah wishes. They’ve got it all figured out. A coordinated attack on all of the nephilim families around the world all at once sends their angel protectors into action. Soon Jonah and all the other quarterlings are separated from their parents and enrolled in angel school, a time of intense training in the Word of God, their spiritual gifts and spiritual warfare. Meanwhile, their parents, the nephilim, are safely hidden away in another location. But the enemy knows that all it has to do to get the parents out of hiding is attack the children. And fortunately for them, the one nephilim who pridefully refused the angelic protection knows exactly how to find out where the children are. Before they’ve had any time to master their lessons, Jonah, Eliza, Jeremiah and the other quarterlings are called upon by Elohim to join in the battle against the evil one.

Notes: The second in a new fantasy series, Fire Prophet explores the “what if there were humans that were part angel” question. Unlike many books exploring this concept however, this series is based very strongly on the truths of Scripture without as much speculation beyond the idea that nephilim could still be around in today’s world. This book focuses heavily on Ephesians 6 and the concept of spiritual warfare. The kids learn to use their gifts in light of the Scripture passage. They learn that strengthening their faith strengthens their abilities to fight against evil. This book is centered truly around the truths of Scripture and because of that, I highly recommend it.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 6:10-12 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Thank you to BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson) for providing me with a free review copy.

Guardian

Nikki felt ensnared in a bad reality show. So this was to be her life for the next, oh, she had no idea how long. Maybe they could sell the show idea to MTV. Reality with a supernatural twist. It’d be a hit. She could see it now: Will acting fatherly; Sky, Dash, and Ocean sending her to clean fish muck, Winter and Vegan and their girly “Let’s be best friends” squealing; Glimmer and her ice-dagger stares; Zero and his sneers; Vine and an unending supply of candy. Had she left anything out? Oh yeah, Mace and Raven. The real twist in the program. It was going to be a long trip.

Book: Guardian (A Halflings Novel) by Heather Burch, Zondervan Publishers, 2012

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 16-18

Subjects: Angels, Dating relationships, Salvation, Trust in God, Temptation

Summary: After the loss of her parents and the discovery that she is a seer Nikki has been taken in by Will and the others. The next thing she knows, she’s on an ocean voyage with not just Will, but all the Halflings, including some who can’t stand one another right now. Emotions run high and the temptation to be in a relationship with Mace or Raven continues to pressure her, even as others pressure her to avoid it. She is supposed to be training and strengthening her abilities but disasters keep getting in the way. When she overhears private conversations, she has to make a difficult choice about whether to follow her heart, her head or the evil one.

Notes: This is the second in a series about Halflings – creatures who are the product of Nephilim – demons having intercourse with humans. The idea is that they are victims of the choices made by the Nephilim and have to work to gain salvation. They are destined for hell but if they manage to live a high enough standard, they can make it to Heaven. They have strict rules to follow one of which is not having relationships with humans. Nikki is something unique. She has some kind of special gift or ability that makes her more important than most humans.

As I read through the first book I had objections to its theology. It portrayed God as not all-powerful, as if the choices made were out of His control and then as if He wasn’t loving enough to care about these Halflings. The character who is the most angry and bitter against God seems to be justified in it. He seems to have the only perspective one could have from the situation.

However, I contacted the author and she said that though the first book gives this impression, the other books in the series provide a bigger picture and explain more and answer some of my concerns. She said that the character who is bitter against God is providing the wrong perspective. So I would conclude that by itself this book is not Scripturally sound and portrays things that contradict Scripture but that the author says later books will change that impression. This second book focuses primarily on the adventure and the romance and mostly leaves out the theology so I am assuming that the third one will reveal more of the explanations that make it more Biblically accurate.

Recommendation Scale: 1/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Behind The Locked Door

As they started down the stairs, Mark noticed a door that hadn’t been accounted for. Whit must have forgotten about it, he thought as he reached for the door handle. “What’s in this room?” he asked, turning thee knob. “Don’t!” Whit snapped. Mark jumped, backing away from the door. Whit seemed to realize how harsh he sounded and spoke more gently. “That’s just the attic. I don’t want you to go up there.” “Oh,” said Mark, his heart racing. Whit looked at Mark and then at the door. “Just the attic,” he repeated. He started down the stairs. Just the attic? Mark wondered. Then why did Whit snap at me? He sneaked a glance back toward the door. Strange thing, Mark thought. Especially since the door is locked.

Book: Behind the Locked Door (Adventures in Odyssey Fiction Series #4) by Paul McCusker, Tyndale House Publishers; 1993 (republished in 2006 as a set of 4 titled Strange Journey Back)

 

Genre: Adventure, Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 10-13

Subjects: Family relationships, horror books and what they do to your mind, wild imagination

Summary: Since Mark Prescott’s mom and dad split up, life has been pretty hard. Now they are trying to get back together but some problems always arise. As his mom flies for another counseling trip, Mark gets to stay with John Whittaker, aka Whit, the amazing inventor in Odyssey. Mark soon learns that there is a mystery behind the looked attic doors of Whit’s home. His imagination gone wild from the books he had been reading Mark makes up all kinds of possibilities. But will that imagination ruin his friendship with Mr. Whittaker?

Notes: This is the third book in Adventure in Odyssey series. This book does more in teaching morals than talking about God. It will mostly entertain and teach life lessons, such as setting your minds on good things and not letting your imagination run away.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

Philippians 4:7-9 – Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.

The Secret Cave Of Robinwood

Suddenly the green curtain was pulled aside. “What’s going on in here? What are you doing in my cave?” Mark gasped and held his breath. Patti looked around, bewildered, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Everyone remained still. Obviously no one knew how to react to her sudden appearance. Patti scanned the gawking faces. Then she saw Mark, and her eyes widened. “You told!” she cried out. “You promised you wouldn’t tell.”

Book: Secret Cave of Robinwood (Adventures in Odyssey Fiction Series #3) by Paul McCusker, Tyndale House Publishers; 1992 (republished in 2006 as a set of 4 called Strange Journey Back)

Genre: Adventure, Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 10-13

Subjects: Friendship, promises

Summary: Mark Prescott is having a fun summer with his friend Patti Eldridge. But when he’s offered to join the “Israelite” gang that’s known for its good deeds he dives for it. Patti is sure the whole idea will completely wreck their friendship. As Mark yearns for the membership more and more he considers letting the boys in on a secret Patti has told him. But is it worth it?

Notes: This is the third book in Adventure in Odyssey series. This book does more in teaching morals than talking about God. It will mostly entertain and teach life lessons, such as keeping promises and forgiving.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

Matthew 5:36-38 – Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

High Flyer With A Flat Tire

Joe smiled sarcastically. “What does your dad know about anything? He’s not even around. Right? That’s why you and your mom came to Odyssey. I’ve heard all about it. Your dad doesn’t like you, so he left you.” Mark threw a wild punch that grazed the side of Joe’s face. “You’re going to be sorry for that,” Joe shouted, tackling Mark. They fell into the dirt, tossing up a cloud of dust as they rolled over each other, struggling to pin the other one underneath.

Book: High Flyer With a Flat Tire (Aventures in Odyssey) by Paul McCusker, Tyndale House Publishers; 1992 (republished in 2006 as a set of 4 called Strange Journey Back)

Genre: Adventure, Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 10-13

Subjects: Family, relationships, friendships, change, bullying

Summary: After a fight with the local bully, Mark Prescott is accused of slashing the tire of the boy’s new bike. Mark is determined to find out who the culprit really is. He goes out with his friend, Patti Eldridge, in a search for clues. But will they go on even if it means that another friend might be the one?

Notes: This is the second book in Adventure in Odyssey series. This book does more in teaching morals than talking about God. It will mostly entertain and teach life lessons, such as bullying, friendship and others.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

Proverbs 11:21 – The wicked will not go unpunished

Strange Journey Back

Mark Prescott walked down the sidewalk with grim determination. In his hand, he clutched an envelope. In his heart, he carried a single desire: More than anything else, he wanted things to be the way they used to be.

Book: Strange Journey Back by Paul McCusker; Tyndale House Publishers,1992 (republished in 2006)

 

Genre: Realistic, adventure, bullying

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 10-13

Family, relationships, friendships, change

Mark Prescott wishes he didn’t have to move from Washington, D.C. to a small little town called Odyssey. But even more he wishes that his dad was still in the family. So when he hears about a time-machine, Mark decides that is the answer. If he could just go back and change it all…

Notes: This is the first book in Adventure in Odyssey series. This book does more in teaching morals than talking about God. It will mostly entertain and teach life lessons, such as change, friendship and others.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: Sofia Marie

1 Corinthians 10:13 – God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Eternity's Edge

If it’s spunk you want, it’s spunk you’ll get, especially since we might have to move Heaven and two or three earths to find him!

Book: Eternity's Edge (Echoes from the Edge) by Bryan Davis, Zondervan Publishers 2008 (republished 2011)

 

Genre: Science Fiction

Subjects: Loss, Good vs. Evil, Purity, Friendship, Love

Summary: Armed with the knowledge that his parents are actually still alive, Nathan along with Kelly and friends from all three earths set out to try and find and rescue them. The journey is filled with both danger and tragedy as Mictar pursues them. If that wasn’t hard enough, the one person his dad said he could trust keeps appearing and challenging not only Nathan’s actions, but his very motives! He asks Nathan to do the unthinkable, putting the fate of the world ahead of the fate of Nathan’s loved ones. Nathan has to dig deep into his heart to find courage and the true meaning of love.

Notes: This is the second in the Echoes From The Edge trilogy. It’s a science fiction book about different dimensions/time travel/alternate realities. The idea is that the characters have found a way to visit different dimensions and interact with themselves in those different dimensions. As in the first book, the spiritual value comes in the realistic fiction part, the interactions between the teenagers. Nathan struggles to come to grips with his parents’ death and fights to cling to the values they’ve taught him. When Kelly, an attractive girl who is used to using her body to get the attention of boys, enters his world he must learn what love really looks like and how to show love to someone from a worldview so vastly different than his own. In this second book, Nathan’s faith and definition of love gets challenged even further. It’s no longer enough to rely on what his dad has taught him. He is forced to decide for himself what is right and wrong.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Thank you to Zondervan for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Kaitty Lorenz New Life

“Lord, please help them through this hard time. Do whatever it takes to help him, even if You use me. I know You have great power and I just ask that you would help Jason to see the truth. I will do all that I can to show him the way to You.”

 Book: Kaitty Lorenz New Life by Mysti Rolenc, Xulon Press, 2011

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 19+

Subjects: Salvation, Marriage, Trust in God, Loss

Summary: Two young couples start their married life with excitement and hope. But when tragedies strike, they need something greater than themselves to provide answer’s to life’s hard questions. Formerly roommates in college, one of the wives knows where answers are to be found. She and her husband turn to God. The other wife has all but abandoned her faith and is not in a relationship with a believer. He blames God for the tragedies. It’s up to the others to show him where true hope and peace can be found.

Notes: This is the first in a series by a new author, a teenage girl. The book clearly presents the Gospel message and shows that only by getting a new life in Christ, can we find answers to the hard questions life throws at us. It’s also about holding on to your faith when it gets challenged. It’s a simple story, but communicates it’s message clearl.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Corinthians 5:7 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!