Love Casts Out Fear by Brother Nathan with Davie Culross - REVIEWED

About the Book:
A true story of forgiveness and God's incredible provision
As a boy in Egypt, Brother Nathan witnessed an unthinkable attack on his father, a Christian pastor in a majority-Muslim country. After the attack Nathan sought revenge and vowed to avenge his father. As a man, by God's incredible provision, Nathan ministers in the village where his father was targeted, as well as in countless other cities and villages across Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

Love Casts Out Fear tells a gripping true story of danger, overwhelming anger, and forgiveness that's beyond comprehension. Through Nathan's experiences in Egypt, his beloved homeland, you'll see firsthand the joys and difficulties Christians face in the persecuted church in the Middle East. And you'll marvel at God's ability to care for those who follow his call and to change hearts in one of the most dangerous places in the world to claim Christ as Lord.

My Thoughts:

“And there is one final truth that I believe today more than ever; God’s only Son Jesus is he answer for everything we face – both for today and for all of our tomorrows.  He will always be the answer….”   (p. 189)

I don’t know how many Christ followers reach the freedom from fear that love overcomes in this lifetime.  Brother Nathan has lived and still lives in one of the most dangerous places on the planet to practice the life of a Christian.  He doesn’t just work and take care of his family and call himself a Christian, he preaches and teaches others without fear even though doing so may cost him his life at any moment.  In fact, he has witnessed the death of a loved one – slaughtered in the street – for doing exactly what he is doing today.

That is the power of love and forgiveness.  Sometimes I wonder why we (I include myself in this) as believers in the greatest country on earth, stumble in our faith so much of our lives.  Why do we allow fear to control our faith – our daily walk with Christ?  This book is a resounding reminder that we are called to do so much more in our lifetimes!!  We settle for far less because of fear and forgiveness!

Don’t settle!  Allow the message in Brother Nathan’s story settle in your heart and challenge you to do and be more than you ever imagined you could be in your walk with Christ!!

About the Author:

Brother Nathan is a Christian leader currently working in Egypt, where Christians are a small minority and face difficult and challenging situations on a daily basis. He graduated from university as a veterinary surgeon, but followed the call of God he felt on his life by leaving his job in 1986 to study at New Life Bible School in New Zealand. Upon completion of his studies, he returned to Egypt to begin his ministry. He and his wife have three children.

David Culross has been involved in various ministries for over forty years, including church music ministry and sacred and symphonic music publication. His global mission work has taken him to more than sixty countries around the world. His up close and personal encounters with Christians all over the world give him unique insight into the persecuted church. He currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife, Sharon.

An Interview with DiAnn Mills - Deadlock!!

1. How did you become interested in writing?
 I can’t remember when I wasn’t in fiction mode. Before I could hold a pencil, I created stories. After I could hold a pencil, I wrote stories. The power of the written word intrigued me then as now—the sound of words, the look of them on the written page, the ways words are used to entertain, inspire, and encourage others.

 2. What can you tell us about the setting of this novel?
Deadlock, a romantic suspense, is set in Houston, Texas. My city. My home. Familiar landscapes add more authenticity.

 3. Who are the main characters?
 Special Agent Bethany Sanchez steps into the violent crime division of Houston’s FBI. She’s a bit of a perfectionist, and her own worst critic. However, she has reservations about her new partner, the same man who put her brother in jail. To make matters worse, he has a reputation of getting the job done, no nonsense, and a womanizer. Are the rumors true?

 4. Special Agent Thatcher Graves is ready to work with his new partner, but she’s hard to get to know. He’s uncertain if he can trust her, and he has to know she has his back. Recently he made a decision to become a Christian, but his past party-image stops him from revealing the changes in his life.

 5. Which of the characters surprised you the most in this story, and how so?
Bethany refused to give up on her relationship with her family, even though they chose her felon brother over her.

 6. How did the writing of this story impact you as a person or as an author?
Definitely the family dynamics. We all have family members who don’t share our beliefs or values. This deepened my awareness of unconditional love woven with obedience to God’s principles.

 7. Why is this story important to you?
Three reasons: 1. The complexities of dealing with a depraved mind. 2. Showing the cultural differences between Bethany and Thatcher and their friendship resulting in love. 3. Creating an action-packed story about Houston’s FBI, their dedication and commitment to keeping people safe.

 8. What would you like your readers to take away from this story?
God’s sovereignty in all situations of life—family, career, friendships, love, and obeying laws that correspond with God’s principles.

 9. Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
God is bigger than our problems - whether that be career, spiritual, or personal. In Deadlock, not only did professional problems attack my hero and heroine, but family dynamics.

 10. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
 I enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, and grandkids! I’m very much into good health and exercise to keep my body and mind in the best shape possible.

 11. What can you tell us about Deadlock?
 Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder? That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book. When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it. 

Where can readers find you on the Internet?
 http://www.diannmills.com/ www.facebook.com/diannmills twitter.com/diannmills Sign up for my blog on my website! I love to hear from readers!

Deadlock by Diann Mills - REVEIWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

About the Book:  Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder?
That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book.
When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it. 
My Thoughts:

“Time and evidence would reveal the truth.”  (p. 55)

There were time during my reading of Deadlock that I seriously wondered whether or not Agent Bethany Sanchez or Agent Thatcher Graves really wanted to know the truth. Yes, they are always eager to get to the bottom of the case to reveal the serial killer that is wrecking havoc on their city, but in their own personal lives, they seem almost too content to keep their secrets to themselves.  Like their most recent case pursuing the Scorpion, time and evidence reveals the truth behind their personal lives that gives them motivation for great success in their professional lives.

I am always amazed at the dynamite that explodes from DiAnn Mills’ pen!  She never ceases to amaze and confound me when I read her work!  She is gifted to be able to weave a realistic personal side into the complexities of the plot that drives the lives of her characters.  All of her characters begin to walk a fine line when their personal lives inadvertently affect their professional careers as FBI agents. 

Bethany and Thatcher are no exception.  They seem to be a little more broken and imperfect than some of Mills’ characters, but, in the end, it is that brokenness that lends reality to their life choices, their faith, and their relationship.  I believe we will see them again in the future as undercover agents with a superlative track record!  They certainly survived enough in Deadlock to earn that privilege!  

  

BRAVO, DiAnn!  BRAVO!!

About the Author:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader's Choice, and Carol Award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope & Love chapter; and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

99 Prayer for Children by Juliet David; illustrated by Elina Ellis - REVIEWED

About the Book:
A companion prayer book to 99 Stories from the Bible with delightful illustrations in a strong vibrant style and prayers for all occasions. The prayers are a combination of traditional and modern and provide an introduction to family prayer time with young children, bringing talking to God to life in the heart of every child.  

My Thoughts:

From Robert Lewis Stevenson to Francis of Assisi from bedtime prayers to holiday prayers of gratitude, 99 Prayers for Children is a beautifully illustrated introduction to prayer as a way of life.  To teach children to go first to God with everything from their fears to their peaceful sleep is to teach them a lifetime of conversing with their Creator God in an intimate, natural way that will open their hearts and minds to receive all that God has for them in this lifetime.

Truly, this is a rather complete offering that is well organized into easy to find topics ranging from thankfulness and praise to mealtimes and protection.  It seems you could offer this book to a wide range of youngsters reaching from early toddlers through early elementary.  The illustrations only add to the prayers with their whimsical facial features and pastel palette.

I would offer this book as a shower gift, birthday gift or a holiday surprise.  It is appropriate for a variety of occasions!  I am happy to recommend this beautiful book to everyone!

About the Author:

Juliet David has written many children's stories and Bible activity books. Her other interests include painting, music, and travel to Israel and other Bible lands. This experienced author lives in London with her family.

Elina Ellis is originally from Zaporozhye, Ukraine, but now lives in Cornwall. She has been drawing pictures all her life. After Elina finished at university she drew for newspapers and magazines, then moved on to design greeting cards, and now illustrates children's books. 

Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Younts - REVEIWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Promise to Keep Howard Books (October 13, 2015) by Elizabeth Younts

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I’m Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I’m a middle-born daughter, military officer’s wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.

I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.

My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.

Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.

When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.

As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.

My Thoughts:

“Don’t look for your answers; just wait for them.  Now rest.”  (p. 334)

Esther Detweiler had reached the end of herself by the time her friend uttered these words. So much loss, and pain, so much relational hardship and confusion – Esther has been through much.  Fostering a friend’s deaf child, having her father practically come back from the dead, falling in love with someone suffering from PTSD, there are few tragedy’s that have passed by Esther’s life.

However, in all of these trials, she has hung onto God’s promise that everything in her life serves a greater purpose. A higher purpose.  She places her faith in that promise, and when she is told to rest and wait for her answers, she realizes that she has been striving a long time to find the answers she seeks.  What her answers will be is uncertain, but she is finally able to rest while she waits.

Elizabeth Byler Younts brings a unique perspective to Amish fiction as the Amish faith is part of her life history.  Promise to Keep brings The Promise of Sunrise series to a close, and does so with a solid message of hope in the face of very realistic life challenges that all readers will be able to identify with on some level.  Readers will fall in love with Younts’ characters and will be sad to see the series come to a close.  

I am happy to recommend this book and entire series to readers who enjoy realistic and faith challenging fiction!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Promise to Keep, go HERE.

Mary-Kathryn - Wonders in the Deep - REVIEWED

My Thoughts:

And I see You where I am

And I know You are with me

I don’t have to fear

No, I don’t have to fear

You’re with me  - - - You’re With Me – chorus

Mary-Kathryn’s Wonders in the Deep, is an exotic blend of acoustic melodies, electronic undertones and haunting melodies.  Her voice is strong and compelling and can weave a melody around your heart like few others I’ve ever listened to.  She uses phrases of Scripture in many songs on this album, and that, to me, makes it even more powerful and compelling.  You actually worship to Scripture – are bathed in its truth while you listen.

This is a worship album like none I’ve ever experienced.  It is unique and beautiful.  It’s different…not a cookie-cutter praise and worship album that mirrors popular song on the local Christian radio stations.  If you want something powerful and unique, pick up or download your copy of Mary-Kathryn’s Wonders in the Deep!  You are in for quite a treat!

From the Publicist:

On her fifth album, Wonders in the Deep, Mary-Kathryn blends elements of soft pop, New Age and folk with world music influences as diverse as the continents to create a spiritual amalgam that transcends musical boundaries. Delving deep into the world music realm, Mary-Kathryn paints word pictures on an aural canvas with exotic instrumentation, adroit production, and lyrics that stir the spirit and excite the imagination. But as one Billboard Magazine reviewer so aptly put it, “the most affecting instrument…is Mary-Kathryn’s lovely voice.”

The Spendor of Ordinary Days by Jeff High - REVIEWED

About The Book: (from the publisher)

Readers of Jan Karon’s Mitford series and Patrick Taylor’s Irish Country series will fall in love with Jeff High’s funny, heartfelt Watervalley series.

The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, Tennesse, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he’s caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict…

After a rocky start as Watervalley’s only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans’ emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.

At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting “Keep Out” notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.  
 
As Luke struggles to understand Luther’s past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life’s toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice.

CONVERSATION GUIDE INCLUDED

My Thoughts:

“…and as the years pass, we lose sight of the splendor of ordinary day.”  (p.121)

When Leyland speaks these words to Luke Bradford, I like to think it was a bit prophetic, because Luke’s thoughts were jumbled about a lot of things at that point in the story.  He gained some much needed perspective from this older but wiser man of Watervalley.  Luke returned to his town and their people with a renewed sense of transparency and purpose.  What he learns in the aftermath of this realization changes his life in profound ways.

Well, I’ve been introduced to another set of eclectic characters that I’ve fallen in love with!  Watervalley is filled with interesting people like the reclusive but peaceful Leyland and curmudgeons like the editor of the town’s paper, Luther. There is conflict and mystery between Watervalley and the neighboring Mennonite community.  There is a tender romance blossoming between Luke and Christine.  This is a town that you can feel at home in, and a place that welcomes you like a comfortable blanket.

This novel is my introduction to Jeff High’s writing, and I am a fan!!  Granted, Leyland’s language leaves a lot to be desired, but the source of his vitriolic personality is something that has changed the landscape of several lives.  He is a very realistic picture of what bitterness does to change someone’s life.  In short, all of Jeff High’s characters are very easy to know and recognize – and love.  He paints beautiful word pictures and his story touches your heart over and over again.

I’ll be revisiting this series – and catching up with the other books of Watervalley very soon!

About the Author:

After growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee, Jeff High attained degrees in literature and nursing. He is the three-time winner, in fiction and poetry, of an annual writing contest held by Vanderbilt Medical Center. He lived in Nashville for many years, and throughout the country as a travel nurse, before returning to his original hometown, near where he now works as an operating room RN in open-heart surgery. He is the author of the Watervalley novels, including More Things in Heaven and Earth and Each Shining Hour.