A World Apart by Lynn Austin

While We're Far Apart
by Lynn Austin
Review by Lisa Norsworthy


A World Apart is the latest novel by Lynn Austin, whose most popular work was the Gods & Kings series. The Schaffer family includes Eddy, a recent widower and his two bereft children, Esther and Peter. Their mother, Rachel, was killed by an out-of-control vehicle at the local vegetable stand along with Miriam Mendel, the landlord’s wife who lives in the downstairs apartment of their Brooklyn duplex. Miriam’s husband, Jacob, not only has to cope with the enormous loss of his wife but also with the lack of communication from his son, Avraham, who has returned to their homeland of Hungary to study Torah. Since going to Hungary, Avi has married and has a daughter but, with Hitler conquering Europe, their fate is unknown.

Meanwhile, Ed Schaffer decides to enlist in the army hoping that fighting for the common good will help him to deal with his pain and grief assuming that his aging mother will care for the children. He is shocked when she refuses to care for them but Penny Goodrich, the proverbial “girl next door” that has had a crush on Eddy since childhood volunteers to care for them with two motives: to make Eddy fall in love with her and to escape her unloving and stifling parents.

The children, who are already heartbroken from losing their mother, resist this plan with hostility. Many events throughout the book serve as catalysts for growth in all of the characters’ lives. One heartwarming change is the growing relationship between the children, Mr. Mendel, and Penny. The love that develops between them softens their bitterness and makes them willing to be open and vulnerable again. There are also many difficult changes for Penny, but through these changes, she realizes that she is a capable and independent woman.

The main theme, however, focuses on Jacob’s and Esther’s anger at God and their inability to reconcile God’s love for them and the fact that He has allowed such devastating tragedy in their lives. This is an issue that causes struggles for many people, and I was especially pleased with the way the author reconciled this in these character’s lives.

Though this wasn’t my favorite of Lynn Austin’s works, it was a very satisfying read, and I would highly recommend it.

BOOKS BY LYNN AUSTIN AT AMAZON

The Montana Skies Series by Penny Zeller

If you enjoy Frontier Romance with a Christian world-view, we highly recommend the Montana Skies Series. It is so hard to find a great book, and with this series you'll have three. Kick back with some tea, and take a trip to the country. You'll be blessed you did.

Supernatural Christian Thriller

Review by Teisha Priest
Visit Teisha's blog at http://www.teishknits.com/

David chance sees messages. They tell him what will happen. One of the messages saved his life, but now they are directing him to take action that could end up costing him his life. Are these messages from the dead? Is it some genetic mutation? Or, could it possibly be God speaking to him? David is just an ordinary guy with a family, but these messages have landed him in the middle of a conspiracy. Will David follow them regardless of the cost? I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give the story away! If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, drama, intrigue and action then Messages is right up your alley.

In the very first chapter, David begins seeing messages in the words around him. The story takes off from there and continues its fast pace through to the end. There are enough clues to give us a hint of what’s really going on, but enough twists to still keep us guessing. I stayed up late two nights because I was so intrigued by the story that I couldn’t put it down! The main character is the type of “average-Joe” that most of us can identify with. David is not a believer, but the messages that have embroiled him in extraordinary circumstances also lead him to search for answers.

The book is as much about his spiritual journey as it is about his quest to unravel a terrorist plot. Messages fits into the “speculative fiction” genre, as does John’s first novel, VRIN: ten mortal gods. Even so, it will appeal to those who enjoy dramatic thrillers as well. Messages is a solid second novel for John, and we’ll definitely be watching for his third! If you missed John’s first book, VRIN: ten mortal gods, then you can read my review here. Both of his novels are available through Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. To keep up with what John is writing, visit his blog.


Interview with Teisha Priest for CFBR

Christian Fiction Book Reviews: You’ve written two novels that have been published so far. Was the writing process pretty much the same for both books, or did you find it different the second time?

John Michael Hileman: Most of VRIN took place in a Fantasy world of my own creation. It's pretty easy to write about a world that doesn't exist. No one can say, "Hey! There aren't any stairs in front of the Blah Blah Blah museum!" When you're writing about a man hunting for a dirty bomb in the streets of Boston, you need to have a working knowledge of Boston and the surrounding area. Since part of my childhood was in the suburbs of Boston, I have a good idea of how things work. The internet filled in the blanks.

CFBR: What drew you to the speculative fiction genre as a writer?JMH: I like being able to create scenes no one has ever created before. Speculative fiction offers a canvas for that kind of out of the box thinking. Plus, alternate realities allow you to examine the principles and precepts of God from another perspective.

CFBR: What has the publishing process been like for you?JMH: Lots and lots of waiting. Writing a book is merely the beginning of a vast journey. If you set foot on the road, prepare your heart to enjoy the walk, because there aren't' many rest stops on the way.

CFBR: What’s been the most difficult part of the writing/publishing process for you?JMH: Overcoming doubt. When I started as a writer, I wanted success, and I feared failure. God has shown me that success is not in the quantity of people who love you, but in the quality of people who love you. It is fair to say, my readers have given me more than I could ever give them. I no longer wonder if I was meant to write, because I have a stack of e-mails from dear friends, who remind me how important what I do is.

Just last night I got a letter from a concerned mother who asked whether or not my latest novel would transform the heart of her Atheist son. I shared this insight. A stonecutter was once asked, "which strike of the hammer broke the stone?" The stonecutter replied, "The first. The last. And every one in between." I don't know if my book will be the strike that breaks her sons hard heart, but knowing that I am partnering with someone of such great character, gives value to the work I put in to writing it.　

CFBR: There has been the suggestion that Christian authors should not write any sort of fantasy/science fiction type novels. What are your thoughts on the topic?JMH: I don't think most Christian outright object to fantasy and science fiction. It is more of a cautious apprehension--at least towards science fiction. As Christians we must guard our minds against the enemy of our souls. He is continually pleading his case through all forms of media. He wants to sow seeds of doubt in our minds, and turn us away from the truth. Since truth is so important, most Christians stick to stories that are grounded in reality. Most science fiction starts with a premise that is a lie, like: in thousands of years mankind will take to the stars and meet other life forms. This premise is silly and fanciful as Gene Roddenberry wrote it. But Christian authors tend to put Biblical truths into everything they write. As soon as you turn Star Trek into an Allegory, you've lost your Christian readers. They cannot take the story as pure fiction, because you've injected the real God into it.

As for Fantasy, that is more of a witchcraft/magic issue. God tells us to avoid such things. And yet, most fantasy stories have some form of it mentioned.

I believe science fiction and fantasy are like firearms. They are only as dangerous as the person wielding them. I don't know about you, but I'm thankful police carry firearms.

CFBR: What are your favorite books? The ones you read over and over.JMH: I did most of my heavy reading before I was right with the Lord. The only books I read over and over--lately-- are mine.

CFBR: When you write, do you prefer background music or quiet?JMH: I like it quiet. I'm easily distracted.

CFBR: Any words of wisdom for aspiring speculative fiction authors?JMH: Tread carefully. You will be accountable for your actions.

CFBR: Do you have any other novels on the horizon that we should be watching for?JMH: Yes I do. But I can't tell you about it. It's super duper top level secret stuff. All I can say is, I've been working on it for the past eight years, and it has one overriding theme: the holiness of God.

CFBR: We will be looking forward to it! Thanks for the interview John!Both Messages and VRIN: ten mortal gods are available through amazon in Kindle and paperback format.

Review: The Help

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Reviewed by Lisa Norsworthy

The Help is set in Jackson, Mississippi, the very epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement, in 1960. Apparently, any self-respecting middle to upper class family had a black maid in those days. The middle class could afford it, because even though there were minimum wage laws, no one abided by them and the black community has absolutely no ability to assert themselves without severe financial or physical retribution. Most black people could not even register to vote, because of severe intimidation.

We hear the story of Abileen and Minny- black maids- and Skeeter who, although white and privileged, is restless for a challenge and change. Skeeter begins to have an awakening to the degradation and humiliation these women endure, and with great risk to everyone, decides to document their stories.

As Christian readers, I am aware there is a difference in tolerance regarding questionable content. This book is not a Christian book. There is minor swearing and one of the main characters says she prayed to a God that she neither liked nor believed in. However, Abileen is someone who faithfully goes to church and prays every evening for hours, writing in her prayer journal.

I absolutely love this book. The writing and character development are superb. It is hard to believe this was a common practice only 50 years ago, and while I am sure there is still a lot of room for improvement, the progress that has developed through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is amazing. The irony that these white families would not let their “help” use their bathrooms, because they were “diseased”, and yet basically had them raise their children, is astounding.

Also, if you do read this book, make sure to read the notes by the author in the back. Her perspective of this somewhat autobiographical story is extremely interesting.