Member Profile
| Name : | Amanda G. |
| Gender : | Female |
| Occupation : | Christian, military wife, mom, farm-maker, and women's ministry leader. Book review blogger. |
My Reviews
Christian author Mesu Andrews displays her literary prowess in her fourth historical fiction work “In the Shadow of Jezebel.” This intriguing novel never slows but continues to draw the reader in through it’s entirety. Prepare to be transported back in time through vivid descriptions of Temple architecture, palace decor, city landscapes, and Old Testament feasts. The well researched details are truly insightful and enrich the storyline without becoming arduous. I was captivated by the characters - chilled by the calculating and evil persona of Jezebel and Athaliah, distressed by the brokenness of Jehosheba, and warmed by the passion and devotion of Jehoiada. These characters are relatable because they struggle with the common problems of fear, insecurity, anger, and budding faith. Readers are reminded of how God pursues our hearts, that He is always in control, and always faithful to fulfill His promises. Mesu has done a remarkable job of glorifying God through a fictional retelling of the story.
Note: Available on the authors website is a bible study to accompany the book. Though not necessary, I felt it enriched the reading experience. By starting with scripture you are able to discern the parts of the story that are factual from those that are created. Also available is a discussion guide. I personally will be recommending this book to our Women’s Ministry book club.
For 35+ years people have read and trusted the teachings of George Sweeting in How to Begin the Christian Life and for good reason. For such a small book (5X7”, 202 pages) it really packs a punch! Sweeting covers 12 crucial steps of faith and spiritual growth in a concise and well planned format. The verbiage is simple – not too scholarly or tiresome to read. Additionally, the ideas presented are supported with a plethora of scripture as well as quotes and insights from other trusted Christian teachers (Dwight Moody, John Wesley, Martin Luther, A. W. Tozer, and R. C. Sproul to name a few).
Although I read through large portions at a time, a new believer would do well to tackle each section independently. The reader will find that the topics are broken down into bite sized pieces. Sweeting thoughtfully provides review questions and points to remember which make this book a great option for small group study.
I highly recommend adding How to Begin the Christian Life to your personal library. It’s a great tool for evangelism and an excellent gift idea for new believers (and veterans looking to brush up on foundational truths). It will be a permanent addition to my bookshelf and earns 5 stars from me!
For me, the most delightful parts of the story where the trials of Christ and of the Apostle Paul. Randy Singer made it real in my mind’s eye. He emoted the passions involved in both cases. Placing the reader right in front of the defendants – hearing, feeling, seeing all that was transpiring.
The majority of the characters are ripped from the annals of time. We know them or are familiar with their qualities and accomplishments. This sense of familiarity propels the story and creates a incredibly enjoyable read. Singer brings the biblical cast to life in a positive almost familial way. Roman leaders like Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero are aptly portrayed as selfish, power seeking, ruthless and paranoid. Though little is known of Theophilis besides two mentions of him in the bible (Luke & Acts), Singer’s has cleverly created his fictional life story and deftly placed it into historical events.
If you have ever finished a book and been disheartened by the remaining loose ends, you will not have that problem here. There were times when I read something that seemed of little consequence only to have the reason for it’s original mention come to light later in the book. There is a long pause between the trial of Christ and the trial of Paul where the author steers away from the mention of Christ or The Way. During this hiatus he develops the romantic storyline for Theophilis. In addition, he paints a splendid picture of Roman architecture, culture, values, and their religious and legal systems.
This book was more than a legal thriller for the reader’s amusement, it challenges us to reexamine our faith. To ask yourself, “How far would I be willing to go and what would I risk for Christ?” Like Theophilis, I have made mistakes in my life and likewise made attempts to right those wrongs on my own. His story reminds us that it’s only through Christ that we are fully redeemed and granted life everlasting. I finished the book feeling humbled, yet hopeful. It will become a permanent addition to by bookshelf and one that I will recommend to many. I give this book 5 stars.
At first look, I thought the cover of Raptor 6 screamed this is a “mans book”. If you are having a similar reaction…don’t judge a book by it’s cover. As a female author Ronie Kendig tucks plenty of treasures between the pages of her book for the ladies.
Prepare for a little shock and awe – Raptor 6 was a thrill to read! From cover to cover Ronie Kendig’s “Rapid-Fire Fiction” will keep you turning pages. This was my first experience with the Christian Suspense genre and Ronie Kendig knocked my socks off. Kendig knows a thing or two about military operations and culture and she has clearly done her research for Raptor 6. She delivers a well constructed novel with nail-biting suspense, pulse-pounding action, and heart wrenching drama.
Raptor 6 is a highly trained Army Special Forces team. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each member of the team over the course of the book. Each man had an assigned specialty and a unique personality that contributed to the cohesiveness of the unit. The banter between them was “clean” and the occasional use of expletives were done using made up phrases. I laughed out loud at the humorous ribbing that they gave one another. Their playful joking worked nicely to break up the tension in the more suspenseful moments.
Captain Dean Watters is a born leader who inspires esprit de corps among his men. I grew to admire him as a man of strong character who is committed to his country and his team. He is a precision instrument of war – intelligent, focused and controlled. His desire to control circumstance and provide for the safety of others stems from a past that the author does an excellent job of revealing over time.
Raptor 6 is more than military might and maneuvering, there is a romance that evolves between Zahrah Zarrick and Capt. Watters. Missionary Zahrah Zarrick won me over with her BOLD faith. She is a woman who is on fire for Christ and has completely surrendered herself to His service. Her resolve to trust God for her protection despite the turmoil around her baffles Capt. Watters. He lets himself believe that he is merely covering his six, looking out for retired General Peter Zarrick’s daughter, but there is something about Zahrah that he can’t escape.
Keep in mind that this novel takes place in present day Afghanistan during a US military war on terrorism. These characters fight monumental spiritual battles as well as a physical dangers. The book has violence to include violence against women that may be difficult for some to read. Kendig does a tactful job of incorporating these egregious acts into a redeeming storyline.
Ronie Kendig honors those who serve(d) in our military and has won a new fan. I strongly recommend Raptor 6 to men and women for it’s intricate plot and powerful message. I anxiously await the next book in The Quiet Professionals Series and give this Christian military suspense novel 5 stars! Go buy it!
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