Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

Forbidden

Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

Review by Lisa Norsworthy

This year, I made a decision to break out of my usual reading routine. I gravitate toward dramatic fiction with a strong emphasis on the characters and the relationships between them. Forbidden is the total opposite of that genre, and it was a very interesting and exciting read.

The story takes place in the post-apocolyptic world 480 years after war almost completely destroyed humanity. During that horrible time, referred to as Chaos, scientists developed a virus that would eradicate all emotion in humans except for fear under the guise of avoiding another war caused by emotions like anger and greed. It is apparent, however, that it was used as a way to control the world by using fear to subdue the masses.

Rom has a terrifying encounter with an old who gives him a vial and tells him he is a Keeper. When consumed, the contents of this vial reawakens Rom’s emotions and sets him on a risk-filled journey against the evil forces that are after this potion.

The descriptive narrative of this book is top-notch. Tosca Lee’s influence is noticeable in the rich language. The plot is fast-paced, and the climax of the book is extremely satisfying making way for their sequel, Mortal.

My only hesitation in recommending this book is its darkness. Ted Dekker’s fascination with blood is evident with several scenes of people having their throats slit described in detail. While I am not particularly sensitive, someone who is may have trouble with this book, but if you like dark fantasy, you will love the exciting, fast pace of this piece.


Ted Dekker Books at Amazon

Christmas Gifts by Gail Gaymer Martin

Christmas Gifts

by Gail Gaymer Martin

Review by Heather Harden

I have a rule…no Christmas songs, decorations or fa-la-la-la-la fun until December. Over the last few years I’ve become a little fanatical about it as stores begin decorating in October. But when it comes to books from my favorite authors I’m more impatient than a child on Christmas morning. So when I got Gail Gaymer Martin‘s new Love Inspired release “Christmas Gifts” in the mail I started reading it immediately (even though Halloween hadn’t arrived.)

You’ll want to read this book anytime of the year-curled up by the fire in December or on the beach in July.

From the back cover

When seven-year-old twins act up in temporary teacher Amy Carroll’s class, she meets their very apologetic widowed father, Mike Russet. The handsome man has his hands full—but can two mini matchmakers and holiday cheer open his heart to Christmas romance?

Frazzled father Mike Russet is the man and the mom of the house. The widower is raising precocious seven-year-old twins Holly and Ivy.

Teacher Amy Carroll’s life is in upheaval. Budget cuts force her to leave her job in Chicago for a job in a small town. Even as she makes her new life she must deal with her baggage from the past.

Amy knows first hand what it’s liked to be raised by a single father. She sees a chance to help Mike give some tough love to the twins.

Mike sees beyond Amy’s beauty and hard shell.

The twins see a chance to help their favorite teacher find a permanent place in their school and in their daddy’s heart.

While Mike’s genuine faith challenges Amy to put the past to rest, Amy awakens feelings that the father thought he had buried with his wife.

The novel wraps up realism, romance, faith, and the magic of the season in one small package (It’s 110 pages and I read it in one sitting.) And “Christmas Gifts” keeps on giving with a bonus novel “Her Christmas Cowboy” by Brenda Minton.

I’m putting “Christmas Gifts” on my keeper shelf and I have a feeling I’ll be pulling it out this summer for a little Christmas in July!

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Heather Harden is a children’s librarian at a small town library in eastern North Carolina (where the kids make her feel like a super hero--just call her Library Girl.) She always has something in her hand: a book, a pen to write with, a crochet hook, a smartphone, chocolate--and a dust rag and broom when she must. She has worked for her local newspaper and as a freelance journalist. She has a heart for volunteer work in her community. Her favorite organization is Susan's Kids (www.susanskids.com), a Christian charity which provides spiritual and physical support for children in need across the world. For more reviews check her blog at http://ouradvocate.wordpress.com/

Some of the many books by Gail Gaymer Martin at Amazon.com

Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

DEMON: A MEMOIR

by Tosca Lee

Tosca Lee is a brilliant writer and this-her debut novel-was filled to the brim with tasty descriptions. If this were a age of quill and parchment, the emotion would have dripped from the quill with each passionate stroke. It is clear, Tosca loves to construct great sentences. I found myself deeply immersed in the nuances of each scene, and keenly aware of my surroundings.

The story begins with a conversation between clay, a frazzled middle management literary editor, and Lucian, an exotic Mediterranean man who claims to be a demon—a demon with a best selling story. If Clay promises to do as he is told, Lucian promises to reveal the history of man through the eyes of a fallen angel. It goes without saying, this was quite a hook for me, and I hungered to hear each section of Lucian's story as it was revealed. However, it is not the only plot line in the book. In between conversations with Lucian, we get pieces of Clay's life, and although it was very well written, my desire to hear more of the demons tale ruined the in between moments. I am sure this will not be the case for other, more patient, readers. Those who read and savor every chapter will be rewarded in the end. Clay's story, and the story of Lucian merge unexpectedly, with a climax that will send chills down your spine.

The theology is vague enough to not cause dissension, and the perspective was excitingly thought provoking. If you have ever wondered about fallen angels, and enjoy a story with rich depth and powerful prose, this book is for you. Well done, Tosca.

Books by Tosca Lee at Amazon

Many people, even Christians, do not believe that hell is real. Kevin Benton gives sound Biblical doctrine about the reality of hell, leading a journey that will expose its horrors. This tour will challenge beliefs about the afterlife and motivate readers to develop a passion about fulfilling the Great Commission. A Field Trip to Hell provides an opportunity to experience hell firsthand and ultimately find true faith. This field trip is sure to be a life-altering experience. "In an age of home made spirituality where even traditional authorities hasten to change the truth of God into a lie, Kevin takes us on a journey to the other side, assaulting our senses and pricking our emotions that we may vicariously experience what really lies, for some, beyond the grave. Against the modern landscape of skepticism and rationalism, he presents a profound and penetrating expose of the dark and inescapable reality of a forever without God. His revelation of the horrors of hell makes the comforting invitation of Christ ever more appealing. A Field Trip to Hell is a call to reconsider what we believe before it is too late." -Ron Bailey Host and Presenter of the Trinity Broadcasting Network Premiere, "The Lazarus Phenomenon" Gettysburg, PA.

 "This book is very, very good and it's actually two books in one with all the testimonies. I could not stop reading it; I could not put it down."
-Michal Curry,
Praise Coordinator for WGTW-TV27 Trinity Broadcasting Network
Folcroft, Pennsylvania

"This is a book that you cannot, key word "CANNOT" put down. Kevin shares his personal life and how he dealt with pressure, ridicule, love, joy, ups, & downs. This book goes beyond the topic of "Hell." Once again I highly recommend this book."
-Derek "Dreamer" Engler
Blog Talk Radio Host
Lansing, Michigan

"Kevin takes readers through a divine illustration of his life which exemplifies persecution and perseverance; love, honor, and integrity. The trip to Hell tugged at my emotions, transcending my knowledge of Hell. It's truly a masterpiece."
-Gerald Jordan MS,
Former Los Angeles Lakers & Harlem Globetrotter
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"A Field Trip to Hell is well worth the literary ride! I enjoyed it mainly because of the personal appeal that seemed to go with it. It was written from the perspective of someone who has done his research on this subject. Kudos to the author for an incredible read."
-Cyrus A. Webb "Conversations Book Club"
Jackson, Mississippi

"After reading the chapter that takes readers on the actual Field Trip to Hell, I must admit that I have never read anything quite like it. This book stretches across Christian and non-Christian audiences. It was one of a kind and I hope it ends up on the best-sellers list."
-Greg D. Foster,
Literary Agent and Consultant
Van Wert, Ohio 


Grab a free sample for your Kindle, at AMAZON

The 2011 Christy Awards

For those of you who don't know, the Christy Awards are the highest achievement a Christian Fiction novel can get. The 2011 Christy Award winners have been chosen, and--not surprisingly--some of those award winning authors were interviewed and reviewed right here on Christian Fiction Book Reviews. We would like to congratulate them for this incredible achievement!

To Darkness Fled

by Jill Williamson

Read our interview with Author Jill Williamson HERE

Almost Heaven

by Chris Fabry

Read our review of Almost Heaven right HERE

Sworn to Protect

by Diann Mills

Read reviews we have done of other Diann Mills novels HERE

Here are the rest of the Christy Award winners. These are Christian Fiction worth reading.