CL winter 09-10 - Evangelical Church Library Association

Recommendations

Info

she finds out how little she knew. Craig seems to have changed and can’t remember his past life, but will Denise ever be able to forgive and forget? Although this is Berry’s debut novel, an intriguing plot, the use of changing viewpoints, and sharp dialogue keep readers transfixed. The characters are dynamic and relatable; they display realistic faith as they face issues like infidelity and forgiveness. This book would appeal to both men and women and is well worth the shelf space. AW HER MOTHER’S HOPE by Francine Rivers Tyndale, 978-1-4143-1863-9, HB, 387 pages, $24.99 This two-generation story spans 50 years of the 20th century. It takes readers with Marta Schneider as she grows up in Switzerland, moves through Europe, ends up in Canada and eventually California. From there, it changes voice and perspective to pick up the story of Marta’s daughter Hildemara Rose. The author says her inspiration for the characters came from women in her family tree. Themes of misunderstanding another person’s motives, of how relationships among parents and children can have implications for generations to come, and how a compassionate heart can impact many lives are among the story’s colorful threads. However, because it spans so much time and space, it sometimes reads as if it were in fast-forward mode. Rivers’s faithful readers who have been anxiously awaiting her next book will love the charming story and characters. J-AI THE KIDNAPPING OF KENZIE THORN by Liz Johnson Steeple Hill, 978-0-373-44348-2, PB, 224 pages, $5.50 Mackenzie Thorn, a young Christian teacher at the Oregon Department of Corrections, is determined to help her class of inmates earn their GEDs, bliss- 26 26 Church Libraries • Spring 2010 B B O O O O K K R R E E V V I I E E W W S S Acts of Faith by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke Bethany, 978-0-7642-0742-6, $14.99 #2 The Hidden Flame At Home in Beldon Grove by Ann Shorey Revell, 978-0-8007-3333-9, $14.99 #2 The Promise of Morning The Homeward Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren Cook, 978-1-4347-6707-3, $14.99 #2 Sing Kauffman Amish Bakery by Amy Clipston Zondervan, 978-0-310-28984-5, $12.99 #2 A Promise of Hope Jubilant Soul by Stacy Hawkins Adams Revell, 978-0-8007-3268-4, $12.99 #3 Dreams That Won’t Let Go Love Finds You Summerside, $12.99 Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida by Sandra D. Bricker 978-1-935416-25-8 Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss 978-1-935416-29-6 fully unaware of the fact that her life is in danger. When Miles Parsons, a new student in Kenzie’s class, kidnaps her, he claims to be an FBI agent stationed at the prison for her safety. Would he really kidnap her to save her life? And why would anyone at the prison want to hurt Kenzie? Filled with intense action and intriguing romance, this novel is sure to captivate readers, particularly women. Although some scenes border on SERIES UPDATES PJ Sugar by Susan May Warren Tyndale, 978-1-4143-1313-9, $13.99 #2 Double Trouble Pleasant Valley by Marta Perry Berkley, 978-0-425-23236-1, $14 #2 Rachel’s Garden Regency Inspirational Romance by Linore Rose Burkard Harvest House, 978-0-7369-2799-4, $13.99 #3 The Country House Courtship Sophie Trace Trilogy by Kathy Herman Cook, 978-1-4347-6784-4, $14.99 #3 The Right Call Weddings by Bella by Janice Thompson Revell, 978-0-8007-3343-8, $14.99 #2 Swinging on a Star The Wives of King David by Jill Eileen Smith Revell, 978-0-8007-3321-6, $14.99 #2 Abigail corniness, Johnson’s story contains an interesting plot, engaging characters, and Christian morals. This book would be a great addition to any church library. RN A LADY LIKE SARAH Rocky Creek Romance #1 by Margaret Brownley Nelson, 978-1-59554-809-2, PB, 313 pages, $14.99 Brownley has struck gold with this
western romance. Pastor Justin Wells has been forced out of his New England church into the wilds of Texas. On his way, he meets Sarah Prescott, an outlaw being led back to jail. As Justin attempts to change the hearts of the townspeople and prove Sarah’s innocence, he finds that his own faith and feelings toward God and Sarah change as well. On occasion, Brownley puts theology in the back seat to further the romance; but, overall, her book is well written, is believable, and maintains interest to the last page. Readers will relate to the major characters in a way that is not matched by most typical westerns, for the story examines themes of isolation, desperation, alienation, and inspiration. Outlaw Sarah Prescott will steal the hearts of readers everywhere. SS THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Colleen Coble Nelson, 978-1-59554-627-2, PB, 307 pages, $14.99 A beacon of truth in a world of deception, 23-year-old Adeline appears to be the average daughter of a deceased lightkeeper in California. However, when an unexpected visitor unveils her mysterious past, her life is changed forever, sending her to Eaton Hall mansion where secrecy and vanity thrive. Working as a governess for the son of a handsome widower, she searches for family among the ashes of her twisted past in an adventure of mystery, romance, drama, and faith. With unexpected changes in every chapter, this book has a well-constructed plotline sure to surprise even the most perceptive readers. Coble expertly creates characters as believable as the motives behind their actions. Although the story takes place under rare circumstances, the obstacles faced and lessons learned make it a timeless testament to the necessity of trusting God and an exhilarating story for women of all ages. KMH B B O O O O K K R R E E V V I I E E W W S S LOST MISSION by Athol Dickson Howard, 978-1-4165-8347-9, PB, 350 pages, $14.99 More than 200 years ago, one priest supernaturally escaped the fiery collapse of his Spanish mission. His legacy advances through the centuries until it sends a shopkeeper, Lupe, on a quest to save the lost Americans in present day. And why did God really send the priest to America those many years ago? Why is He sending a humble missionary now? Dickson’s story juggles many characters, which he uses to string the reader along until finally connecting the dots. As if telling an epic tale, he weaves plot, character, religion, and history into a conversational, easy-toread tome. The book’s overall perspective is rather cynical and controversial though. He deals heavily with such issues as illegal immigrants and hypocrisy within the mainstream church and basically says Catholics and Protestants are the same as long as they truly believe in Christ. Not for the faint of heart, this novel is an entertaining but thought-provoking tale. SHW LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD A Walk in the Park #1 by Annalisa Daughety Barbour, 978-1-60360-477-3, PB, 319 pages, $10.97 Nothing but pain can come from love, or at least that’s what Kristy believes after she is left at the altar. Kristy returns from her lone honeymoon, expecting her job as a park ranger to be waiting for her, but instead meets Ace, who now has her job. Ace keeps his motives for working at the park a secret, but he can’t hide his feelings for Kristy. Demoted and alone, she declares she doesn’t believe in true love. Can Ace change her mind? Daughety does an excellent job of developing realistic characters. Readers will fall in love with and identify with each one. There is never a dull point in the book; the plot moves along without slowing down or becoming boring. Daughety keeps readers interested and guessing to the end while maintaining a strong, biblical foundation. This book would make a great addition to any library. SS RAISING RAIN by Debbie Fuller Thomas Moody, 978-0-8024-8734-6, PB, 320 pages, $13.99 When Jude decides to have a celebration of life before passing on due to cancer, she brings together four college roommates and her daughter for one last reunion. Raising Rain details the lives of four different women but focuses mainly on Bebe, the main caregiver of Jude’s daughter, Rain. In the short months preceding Jude’s death, all of the characters come to new realizations about themselves in regard to life goals, spiritual needs, personal health, and forgotten friendships. This story is enjoyable to read and is well paced. Not once does it feel like the author is forcing anything beyond the characters’ natural inclinations. It develops into a believable story line with lovable characters and well-written, realistic dialogue. BS THE SWISS COURIER by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey Revell, 978-0-8007-3336-0, PB, 324 pages, $13.99 In a time of uncertainty and instability, whom can you trust? This is the predicament the characters of this novel face. Following the attempt on Hitler’s life, the Gestapo is desperate to expose traitors and grasp any remaining hope of victory. What is this hope? It’s the Wunderwaffe, a wonder weapon supposedly capable of turning the direction of the war. However, the Gestapo has discovered a deadly secret: A Jew is working on this weapon. He has now become the most wanted man in Germany, and it is up to the Resistance to save him and the cause. Church Libraries • Spring 2010 27 27
Page 1 and 2: Church Church Libraries Libraries P
Page 3 and 4: Church Libraries Volume 39, Number
Page 5 and 6: Promotional Hooks APRIL School Libr
Page 7 and 8: P P R R O O M M O O T T I I O O N N
Page 9 and 10: WHAT MAKES THIS ATLAS “NEW”?
Page 11 and 12: completing their course of study su
Page 13 and 14: There are also some good Internet s
Page 15 and 16: about returning within the first se
Page 17 and 18: Bible & Theology THE DICTIONARY OF
Page 19 and 20: sparing no detail. Going through th
Page 21 and 22: cally, it is lacking. Angels are sh
Page 23 and 24: size awareness of our own spiritual
Page 25 and 26: world. Clawson gives practical advi
Page 27: Becoming Lucy stays true to the his
Page 31 and 32: Be forewarned, however. History buf
Page 33 and 34: Contemporary ALIVE AGAIN by Matt Ma
Page 35 and 36: ECLA Conference CDs/Tapes Check the

CL winter 09-10 - Evangelical Church Library Association

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?