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BOOK REVIEWS ADULT FICTION African skies, by Karen Rispin. (Palisades pure romance.) LCCN 00009546. Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah, 2000. ISBN 1576736261, PAP, $6.99. F. Africa--Fiction; Christian fiction; Love stories. 363 p. Adult (High school). From Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Kenya, Africa, Laurel Binet travels to work with Joan Doyle in studying a troop of olive baboons. This opportunity fulfills a dream for Laurel of helping to understand and care for God’s creation. She feels this is her chance to make a real difference. The first person she meets is Darren Grant, the pilot of a Cessna 210, who is to deliver her to Ndovu. Darren believes that caring for animals instead of investing in human life is contrary to God’s will. In the drought of Africa their opposing views clash as it seems only one species can survive. Darren doesn’t like to see Laurel join Joan Doyle who fights for her troop of baboons against the Meru people. The Meru are struggling to find pasture for their animals in the same territory the baboons occupy. Laurel is to find out just how far Joan will go to drive the Meru away. Author Karen Rispin’s presentation of these two extreme viewpoints dominates the story, leaving romance in second place. African Skies does give a deeper understanding of African tribes and their struggles to simply survive. Century old tribal feuds make change difficult. Myrtlemay Pittman Crane, Freelance Writer, Editor, Alderwood Manor, Washington An ancient strife, by Michael Phillips. (Caledonia; 2.) LCCN 00008584. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. PAP, 076422218X, $13.99. F. Highlands (Scotland)--Fiction; Scotland--Fiction; Christian fiction. 542 p. Adult. A Note from the Editor: by Mary McKinney Equipping the Saints There are some exciting books available, which, even though they aren’t “hot off the press,” present messages that are as fresh and relevant today as when they were first written. These key books will encourage everyone’s Christian walk by imparting spiritual insight and revealing the heart of God. A unique book, The Final Quest by Rick Joyner, was published 1996, and is a fascinating read. Joyner describes what he has seen and learned on a “behind the scenes” journey to view life’s battles. From the very first page, the reader will be amazed and in awe of what is revealed in this page-turner. Understanding and ability to combat the enemy’s fiery darts will increase, and the reader will also gain discernment to deal with frustrating and sometimes devastating life circumstances. More importantly, the reader will learn the importance of being a good steward of the Lord’s provision, and how to walk humbly with our God. This is a must for the young teen through the adult reader and will definitely hold the interest of all. The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane presents an excellent and wellbalanced view of what spiritual warfare is all about. To sum it up in one key phrase, “It’s about focusing on Jesus, not the enemy!” Frangipane breaks the book into three components: the mind, the Church, and the enemy; and shows how each plays a key part in spiritual perception. With acute insight, he not only presents a powerful account of Christ, but encourages the reader to discover identity in Him, to bring honor and glory to His name. Frangipane’s succinct points reveal why frustrations occur in our walk, and how to focus on our source of love (Jesus) rather than our fears. The reader will learn how to deal with difficult circumstances in life with praise and thanksgiving, and discover victorious living that lets Light shine forth to the world. His well-made point, “It is not Satan that defeats us, but our openness to him,” helps the Christian keep his/her focus and trust on the Lord! Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets is another gem of a read. Of course, prayer is a key issue in our spiritual walk, and he gives great insight and encouragement to be the “prayer warriors” the Lord calls us to be. With simple presentation and, at times, light humor, he presents an honest, heart-baring account that will help equip even the newest saint to become a capable, God-approved pray-er. Acknowledging the command to “pray without ceasing,” Sheets presents practical and exciting pointers that will enhance our faith and our personal relationship with the Lord. These three books compliment each other and leave the reader well equipped not only for dealing with every day frustrations, but for facing with assurance and fine-tuned faith anything that presents itself. Our assurance is not in ourselves or what we have learned, but always in the Author and Perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ. S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 5 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L
ADULT FICTION In this sequel to The Legend of the Celtic Stone, Andrew Trentham, British Liberal Democratic Party leader, continues to search for his Scottish roots. With the aid of American BBC reporter Patricia “Paddy” Rawlings, who helped him to recover the fabled Stone of Scone, the puzzle pieces regarding the murder of Eagon Hamilton begin to come together and men at the highest levels of government are implicated. Andrew and Paddy discover that Scottish oil reserves, money, and power lie at the heart of the murder and the Stone’s theft. Andrew travels incognito through Scotland doing historical research and he meets the clan of Finnlagen Gordon. Andrew is especially taken with the petite daughter of the family, Ginevra. The Gordons believe that their new friend is Andy Trent and when they find out his true identity, they assume that he is attempting to find reasons to block Scottish devolution. As Andrew examines his own genetic and spiritual roots he finds his thoughts on Scottish independence changing and it soon becomes apparent that his vote on the issue will be vital. Can he be the man of integrity he needs to be and still win Ginevra? In Michael Phillip’s enthralling An Ancient Strife the reader is caught up in the modern day story of Andrew Trentham and the very real issues of Scottish independence, and is equally entangled in the history of Scotland. As in the first book, modern day chapters are juxtaposed with chapters on the history of Scotland from 843 to the mid 1700s. Some readers may find the style of jumping back and forth a bit disconcerting, but not only is the main story very well told, but the shorter historical fiction stories are extremely involving and the way that they illustrate the current situation in Scotland adds a nice touch. Teresa O’Donley, Library Media Specialist, Bayhmonte Christian School, Scotts Valley, California Beneath the mockingbird’s wings, by Gilbert Morris and Aaron McCarver. (The spirit of Appalachia; 4.) LCCN 99050633. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 1556618883, PAP, $10.99. F. Frontier and pioneer life--Appalachian Region-- Fiction; Indians of North America--Appalachian Region--Fiction; Appalachian Region--History-- Fiction; Cherokee Indians--Fiction. 270 p. Adult. With Hawk and Elizabeth Spencer living in the wilderness of Appalachia in the Misty Mountains of the hoped for state of Franklin, Gilbert Morris turns the focus of this fourth book of the Spirit of Appalachia series on Nathaniel “Fox” Carter the son of Titus Carter and his Cherokee wife, Awinita. The Carters are living at Havenwood, the Carolina plantation which Titus will inherit at the death of his father. However, before that event happens, Titus is killed in the Revolutionary War, leaving “Fox” the heir apparent, an eventuality which grates on his greedy uncle, Namaan Carter, who can’t stand to see a half-breed taking over the family fortune. As the story develops, Fox and his mother flee Havenwood to save their lives and join the Spencers over the Misty Mountains. Author Morris, with his editor Aaron McCarver, spins a tale of intrigue, suspense, murder, and love as Fox determines to choose between the white world of his father and the intriguing world of his Cherokee mother. His choice not only affects his future and that of the Spencer family, but lays the ground work for a fifth book in the series. Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington ★ Blessing in disguise, by Lauraine Snelling. (Red River of the North; 6.) LCCN 99006578. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 076422090X, PAP, $9.99. F. Norwegian Americans--Dakota Territory--Fiction; Dakota Territory--Fiction. 298 p. Adult. Augusta Bjorklund is leaving Norway and joining her family in America. Single and thirty years of age, Augusta has no reason to stay in Norway. Traveling alone, with no comprehension of the English language, Augusta finds herself in trouble. She mistakenly boards the wrong train and ends up far from the town of Blessing. Kane Moyer is awaiting his “mail-order” bride from Norway, and is at the station when Augusta disembarks. Following a quick ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Moyer head back to the ranch, with Augusta thinking she has just signed papers for her citizenship. When Augusta’s trunks arrive in Blessing, with no Augusta, her family is in a panic. How will they ever locate Augusta when they have no idea where she ended up? Lauraine Snelling has written an interesting story that holds the reader’s interest. One can not help but to sympathize with both Augusta and Kane, but at the same time, want to “shake some sense” into Augusta. The story line of Blessing in Disguise that evolves around these two characters is excellent, but the intertwining stories of the persons in Blessing causes confusion to the whole. I have personally read one other in this series, and was lost with the abundance of characters then, as I was again. Reading the series in order would certainly help, but if the author had fewer personalities in the series, the reader would derive more enjoyment from each story. Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard, Washington Blind justice : a novel, by James Scott Bell. LCCN 99040602. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2000. ISBN 0805421610, PAP, $12.99. F. Attorneys--Fiction; Alcoholics--Fiction; Christian fiction. 374 p. Adult. Howie Patino has been arrested for murder. A harmless man, his greatest love is his wife, Rae. When she is found dead in her home, with an incoherent Howie and the murder weapon close by, it seems to be an open and shut case. But his family can’t believe he is guilty. Howie himself claims, “the devil did it.” Howie’s sister Lindsey, a devout Christian, believes his story. Desperate to clear him, Lindsey and Howie’s parents turn to a childhood friend of Howie’s, who is also a defense lawyer. Jack Denney is a divorced alcoholic who hasn’t had a case in months. He goes to Howie’s small hometown of Hinton to work on the case with a private investigator named Trip who has helped him in the past. He and Trip, along with Lindsey, soon discover that the town of Hinton has some sinister secrets—secrets that could clear Howie’s name. The involvement of Satan worshipers confirms to Lindsey that Howie is telling about “the devil.” Trip, who is also a Christian, believes her, but Jack, a confirmed atheist, finds the whole idea ludicrous. But somehow he must legally use what he has learned to convince jurors of Howie’s innocence. Blind Justice is a compelling mystery novel that will keep the reader interested from beginning to end. Although this is definitely a Christian novel, the author, James Scott Bell, uniquely tells the story from Jack Denney’s point of view. Denney drinks heavily throughout the story to cover the pain of his divorce. He often voices contempt for God and for Christians. This is balanced, however, by the presence of Trip, Lindsey, and other Christians. They disapprove of his drinking and try to lead him to peace in Christ. The story of his spiritual journey is a touching sub-plot. The resolution of the murder is predictable in one sense, but with a surprising twist. This book is well worth the time invested in reading it. Robyn Wyatt, Freelance Writer, Port Orchard, Washington ★ By the light of a thousand stars, by Jamie Langston Turner. LCCN 99006527. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 0764221531, PAP, $10.99. F. Family life--Fiction. 414 p. Adult. Catherine Biddle, from the outside, looks like a woman who “has it all.” Her husband Blake is successful and her children are healthy. She wears the right clothes, drives the right car, and has the latest hairstyle. Inside, Catherine feels isolated and angry. She lets no one in, including her family. The unexpected interrupts Catherine’s life, and changes it forever. Blake’s older sister shows up on the doorstep with a suitcase, saying she has no where to go. It does not take Catherine long to reinforce her idea that Dottie is “one brick shy of a load.” Catherine resents Dottie’s intrusion into their lives. Her presence uncovers the ugliness and deception in their household. Her cheerfulness and eagerness to help makes Catherine feel inadequate and unlovely. Then new neighbors move in next door, and through their testimony, Catherine’s son Hardy turns his life around, causing Catherine to face the emptiness in her C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1
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Volume VI No.2 Christian SPRING 200
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The Christian Library Journal invit
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talking or writing books. He worked
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Children's Crown Award Reading Prog
Page 9 and 10: Celebrate the Triumph of Easter ...
Page 11 and 12: Lucado (Multnomah, 1994, ISBN 0-880
Page 13 and 14: PICTURE BOOKS tells him to catch up
Page 15 and 16: PICTURE BOOKS Ill.: Crossway Books,
Page 17 and 18: PICTURE BOOKS welcomed at a courtya
Page 19 and 20: CHILDREN’S FICTION avoid eating t
Page 21 and 22: CHILDREN’S FICTION doing things h
Page 23 and 24: CHILDREN’S FICTION Michael J. Ros
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Page 29 and 30: CHILDREN’S NONFICTION Emergency!
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Page 33 and 34: BOOK REVIEWS MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION
Page 35 and 36: MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION Off-line life
Page 37 and 38: MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION Journey to th
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Page 41 and 42: MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION Staple Garris
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Page 45 and 46: MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION Connie Wea
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Page 49 and 50: BOOK REVIEWS HIGH SCHOOL FICTION
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Page 55 and 56: HIGH SCHOOL FICTION The year of the
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Page 67 and 68: ADULT FICTION Ten years later their
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Page 73 and 74: ADULT NONFICTION and C.S. Lewis. In
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Page 79 and 80: ADULT NONFICTION ★ Come what may,
Page 81 and 82: ADULT NONFICTION the order of topic
Page 83 and 84: REFERENCE 371.35025. Distance educa
Page 85 and 86: REFERENCE (610-756). From essays su
Page 87 and 88: INDEX David Livingstone 41 Davidson
Page 89 and 90: INDEX Mohr, Joseph 28 Mollel, Tolol
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