Christian Fiction Book Reviews

Thursday, June 14, 2012

| Posted by John Hileman | at 7:58 AM | 0 comments

In High Places by Tom Morrisey
Digital List Price: $6.99
Currently: FREE

Great stories that just happen to be true

My Emily by Matt Patterson
50 reviews 4.9 stars

Miracles: 32 True Stories by Joanie Hileman
36 Reviews 4.2 Stars

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

| Posted by John Hileman | at 7:01 AM | 1 comments

Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson
Review by Lisa Norsworthy

I get absolutely giddy when I find a series I want to read! It means, for at least a few weeks, I don’t have to search for a book or, worse yet, start a book that I end up leaving because I can’t get interested. So, because I know many readers feel the same, I asked John if I could review a few of my favorite series.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Series by Neta Jackson has seven books so it will keep you busy for awhile. Jodi Baxter, a 40-something school teacher, has just moved to urban Chicago from the suburbs. Her husband, Denny, has gone into the city for years helping with an urban ministry, but has decided that the Lord wants the family to live in the community where he ministers which proves to be quite an adjustment. Jodi goes to a women’s retreat where prayer groups are formed randomly. In her prayer group, she meets women of every age and ethnicity. They decide to keep the prayer group going by meeting bi-weekly at each other’s homes and so the Yada Yada Prayer Group is formed.

While this book is a first-person account of Jodi’s life, the reader gets to know the tribulations and joys of all the women in the group. Jackson does such a great job with character development, I caught myself wondering what happened to Jodi a couple of times as though she were a real person! All of these women are born-again Christians but they come from different denominations and have different styles of worship, and I enjoyed reading about these differences.

If you like books that are full of action and intrigue, the pace may be too slow for you. This is definitely a series for readers who like books about people and relationships. If that is you, you have a good series to read at the beach this summer!

Joann Durgin: Romance

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

| Posted by John Hileman | at 6:30 AM | 0 comments

Awakening by Joann Durgin
Review by Judy Burgi

JoAnn Durgin's first published novel was a delight to read. This is a wonderful love story between TeamWork Missions director Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke a TeamWork Missions volunteer. Lexa has signed up for 8 weeks of mission work in San Antonio, Texas. Little does she know what she is in for. Her desire is to put some meaning into her life by helping out others. She feels something is missing in her life but doesn't quite know what she is searching for. There are times when she wonders what she is doing in a place like this and feels out of place. Everyone on the team seems to be strong Christians. She hasn't been close to God in ages.

This book is full of twists and surprises. I loved the fact that the author's focus is centered on God and trust. Lexa manages to get herself in hot water many times throughout this book. As she learns to turn her life over to God she finds that she is truly a witness for Him and no longer feels she has nothing to contribute to TeamWork. God uses her in a mighty way.

Of course you can't help but want to see Sam and Lexa together. They butt heads a lot. Just maybe a relationship between the two of them isn't God's will in their life. Will they go their separate ways for good or will they end up together? My lips are sealed!

I must not forget the emotional ride of this book. There is of course the romance that is a great adventure in itself. I laughed, I worried, I cried, and I was cheering for Sam and Lexa right up to the end. It is one of those reads you can't put down.

This was a thought provoking book for me. Oh I loved the romance part but I loved how God shows His hand in the lives of the characters. I reflected on my own life. I asked myself several questions. Am I seeking God's will for my life or am I trying to be in control? Am I the person God intended for me to be? Would I be willing to go to a mission field if God was calling me to go?

I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read book two of The Lewis Legacy Series, "Second Time Around." Thanks to the author for a wonderful read.

Nikki Arana: Thriller

Monday, June 11, 2012

| Posted by John Hileman | at 11:24 AM | 0 comments

The Next Target by Nikki Arana
Review by Mary A. Hake

The title of this riveting novel may sound like a mystery thriller. In a way it is, but not as you might expect. The Next Target delivers a behind-the-scenes view of a radical Muslim plot to turn America into an Islamic nation. Muslims who dare to explore or accept Christian truths face threats and even death. Set in California, this story feels too true and will open your eyes to what could actually be occurring right now.

A young female student in Austia’s English language class is the victim of an honor killing because she turned to Christ. Zaki, a new Muslim employee at the Career Center, prompts suspicion. Is he trying to learn more about Austia’s true purpose behind teaching Muslim women to speak English? Austia’s husband had been killed trying to share Christ in his Kuwait homeland. Will his widow also become a casualty in this spiritual battle?

Nikki Arana’s powerful tale works its way into your heart. I believe this is a life-changing book that will make readers think about the potential of current issues and how they could make a difference. It has made me more aware of how Muslims think and motivates me to pray for their eyes to be opened to God’s truth.

BOOKS BY NIKKI ARANA