Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Courageous Journey, and A Christian's Faith is a nonfiction memoir written by Connie Bombaci. Hogan’s earliest days were a miracle, even though he would be subjected to increasingly brutal treatment as he grew up. He was one of a litter of Dalmatians bred by a backyard breeder, and, as is relatively common in that breed, he was born deaf. Most deaf puppies were euthanized as being unsalable but the breeder’s little daughter had fallen badly for that tenth little puppy who had seemed reluctant to leave his mother’s womb and was different somehow. Anna somehow got her rather hard-hearted father to agree to let her keep the little one, but he was never to be allowed into the house. As time went on, the other dogs, including his mother, were all taken by the authorities who had recognized the substandard care being given the dogs, and the puppy was left in a cage alone at night. His barks for care were answered with brutality. Then, something special happened. A kind man, who had come to see him on occasion, came with a leash and brought him home with him. The puppy got to sleep in a bed, warm and cozy for the first time. He would be transferred to the nearby shelter, where he continued to get affection and food, where his wounds were treated and were slowly healing.

Connie Bombaci had been waiting for the right dog to be a companion for her teenaged Labrador retriever. She and her husband had finally agreed upon the size, gender and other aspects of their ideal pet, and Connie’s name and number were on file in the shelter’s office. Connie was beyond excited when they called with a prospective pup. She knew about his hearing issues and the harsh treatment he had suffered. Mrs. Carroll, the shelter representative, had cautioned her about the issues with this dog, who was considered a special adoption, but something in the puppy’s eyes spoke to Connie’s soul, and a lifelong bond between them was formed in those first moments. Connie would go on to learn ASL and teach her pup, whom she named Hogan, sign language. She and Hogan would go on to show the world that deaf dogs could be and do everything and more than hearing dogs can. There were no limits to what they could and did achieve.

Hogan's Hope is a profoundly moving tribute to a most remarkable canine companion. I loved reading about Connie and Hogan’s work together in learning sign language and how they have inspired other dog owners with deaf dogs to expand their dogs’ horizons. I’ve rescued dogs who’ve had the misfortune of interacting with evil people when they were young and could feel Hogan’s terror when he saw the flashlight. With one of my dogs, her first instinct on seeing a Chuck-it ball launcher was to cringe in fear. My other rescue was terrified of men wearing white cowboy hats and red shirts. They do remember, but still miraculously retain the capacity for love of and trust in their humans. Bombaci’s story about the camp for dogs and their human companions is marvelous, as are her descriptions of the presentations she and Hogan made in schools and other public places. Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Courageous Journey, and A Christian's Faith is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Darin Godby for Readers' Favorite

Jesus & CO.: Connecting the Lessons of The Gospel with Today’s Business World by Bruce L. Hartman is a hands-on book that enables the reader to better understand how to live like Jesus in the workplace. A very practical and important part of the book concerning the disciples whom Jesus called was when Hartman said: “They were everyday people from everyday life. They had to work to pay their bills.” One of the great issues raised was the purpose of getting money. Jesus knew a person had to have resources in order to live. His point was: did the resources control us or did we control the resources? Hartman writes: “Jesus was the world’s greatest salesman, and what he was selling was a relationship with God. He did it by partnering: listening first, prescribing afterward.” How true it is that listening is key to making any worthwhile changes or movements forward.

Bruce Hartman uses terrific stories and illustrations of Jesus, and lists the scriptures to back up the points he is making concerning how Jesus worked among the people. He shares relevant examples dealing with his work environment as well as others that have come into his life. This book would be a great asset to any corporate leader, emerging leader, and person who is looking for employment. Reaching out to others and being like Jesus while performing an excellent job during employment are vital features found in this book. The Epilogue was exceptionally beneficial and insightful. This author is someone any reader would want to sit down over coffee with and glean from.

Reviewed by Donna Gielow McFarland for Readers' Favorite

Mead Mountain by B.K. Dell tells the story of Riley Ellison, a most unusual church pastor. Ellison is not afraid to spend time with drunks and prostitutes, and he’s convinced that God has instructed him that in two weeks he should exercise mustard-seed size faith and God will move Mead Mountain. Actually, the two weeks was Ellison’s idea. He figured he could pray right then for God to move the mountain, but if he waited a couple weeks and got some media attention, then the whole world would see him do it. He could finally prove to the world that God exists, or, if the mountain didn’t move, he would have discredited all of Christianity, but he’s certain the mountain will move. For two weeks he goes about his usual routine of saving lives, getting tossed in jail (maybe that’s not normal) and generally helping hurting people, while being followed by a skeptical reporter and being ridiculed by a famous comedian. His congregation dwindles and even his church staff think he’s nuts. With all that’s at stake, the mountain better move…

Mead Mountain is much grittier than a lot of Christian fiction and it should appeal to a wider audience than the usual Christian market. There’s no sugar-coating the deep pain in people’s lives. Riley Ellison will do just about anything to win someone over, even participate in a drinking contest. Ellison is unusual, but he is actually very believable, along with all the other characters in the book (with the possible exception of his wife, who must be some kind of saint). As bizarre as it is, I still found the whole story plausible and current. B.K. Dell’s writing is terrific and he doesn’t pull any hocus-pocus – everything in Mead Mountain works. So does the mountain move? You’ll just have to read the whole story to find out what happens. Mead Mountain contains some mature subject matter including suicide.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

“How often in our lives are we willing to believe in the lies despite the evidence telling us otherwise?” says Crista Crawford in The Full Armor of God: Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today? IRS sent you an audit letter, you just got into an auto accident and your basement just got flooded and it's only Tuesday. While these things can be considered a natural part of life, they are also attacks. These attacks are called spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare attacks us at the core. Satan has designed these attacks to throw us off course and to usher us away from God. It has been said that we all experience life, but God looks at the 90% of how we handle things. Crista Crawford shares with us how to fight in her latest book, The Full Armor of God: Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today? It was her own life experiences and challenges that helped to shape her into the woman of God that she is today. Crista Crawford tells us in The Full Armor of God that when you fight, fight to win by putting on the full armor of God.

We are living in a fallen world and The Full Armor of God is one of those books to add to your repertoire to equip you for battle. Everywhere you look, from our personal lives and the weather to our government, you will see it was just as the Bible predicted. But according to Ephesians 6:11-18, we must put on the “full armor” of God while we pray continually in the Spirit because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers of the darkness and unknown things. How are you fighting? Are you going out naked? Are you going out unprepared? Put on some clothes, but don't go out with just anything on; make sure that your body, feet, mind and heart are protected. Gird yourself with prayer to prepare for each day. If you ever feel alone in your battle, take The Full Armor of God: Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today? by Crista Crawford along with you as a companion.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

Cancer, Faith & Butterflies (How do you believe when your world falls apart) by Johnny M. Sanchez describes how when we are dealing with pain and loss, that is when we need God the most. Unfortunately, that is also the time when most of us question our faith. This is the story of Joe's life. Joe Connelly had spent the last six months in hospital taking care of his wife. The agonizing pain he witnessed Brooke and others like her enduring cemented his doubts in the existence of God. His dying wife, however, held onto her unwavering faith until her very last breath. Left with an infant daughter, Joe tried to be the best father for the little child he now had to raise on his own. However, God was not done testing him. Just when Joe thought he had finally got the hang of things, tragedy struck again, followed by the revelation of a heart-shattering secret that made him question the one thing he held most sacred. Joe will be pushed to his lowest point in life before he can truly see God's light.

Cancer, Faith & Butterflies (How do you believe when your world falls apart) by Johnny M. Sanchez is a captivating story about love and faith that will tug at your heartstrings. It is the tale of a man's pain that seemed to have no end and how it made him question his faith. Joe's pain and suffering has many vital lessons for the reader about finding the best in life, losing it all, hitting rock bottom in your faith, and finding yourself again. It is testimony that at every moment in life, even at the most trying of times, God is always with us. Johnny M. Sanchez captures precious moments and raw emotions with his words, giving us an amazing story that will touch many hearts. This is a story about love, pain, loss, miracles, and divine enlightenment. Thank you, Johnny M. Sanchez, for one of the most amazing, most profound and most memorable stories I have ever read. You might want to keep some tissues handy; I had tears in my eyes the entire time I was reading this story, but I also had many smiles for the beautiful miracles that glowed through the shadows.

Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite

Chasing Paradise by Cindy Patterson is book one in her Paradise Novel series, and it is one that should not be missed. As I sat down to read this book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I knew it would be Amish. I knew it would be Christian fiction. I knew it would be romance. What I didn't count on was a lesser known author capturing me so completely with her words, her complex characters, and a plot line that will blow you away from the start.

Chasing Paradise by Cindy Patterson is beautifully written. Her words are captivating, pulling the reader into the heart of the story instantly. Her characters are filled with flaws, yet they are chiseled perfectly. They are true-to-life in their setting and really made the story line pop in my opinion. The emotions that Ms. Patterson weaves into the story wrap the reader up, making them feel as if the story is about them. The pain and heartache can be felt as if its your own. The love and hope fly off the pages of this tender story of finding paradise in a world where paradise seems unattainable.

Paul and Rachel's characters will forever be a part of my heart. I will turn back to this book many times over, when I need a reminder that hope is not always lost, that when you need someone's approval, the only approval you need is from God. Ms. Patterson added the perfect amount of tender romance to this story and created a five-star read. Wonderfully done, and I can't wait until I read the next book in this amazing series!

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Angels are everywhere. They are special messengers from God, sharing His love for us. Angels are there when we need them, even if we can’t see them. Angels have been around since the beginning of time. In fact, it was angels who spread the important message to Mary that she would carry “a sweet baby boy.” They talked to Joseph in a dream and told him that the boy would be called Jesus and that “One day, He would set people free.”

Children need to hear the amazing story of the first Christmas. They need to hear the story of the angels and how important angels are in helping spread God’s love for all of us. Wanda Carter Roush’s picture book story, Angel on Assignment, is a beautiful story about angels, past and present. Using colorful illustrations and telling the story in rhyming verse, this book will be a treasure for young children, a treasure to be shared with their parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles. The message is very clear: “When angels come from Heaven above,/ Their assignment is wrapped in God’s love.”

The author leads the young reader through the story of the first Christmas: Mary’s visit from an angel, Joseph’s visit from an angel, the shepherds learning of the birth of Jesus from angels. These are important stories for young children to learn. But they also need to understand that angels are around them all the time, even if they can’t see them. Children need to understand and appreciate the depth of God’s love. This is an excellent addition to any young child’s library. Beautifully told.

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

Final Departure (Death is Never on Time) by Jeff Walton is a Christian fiction novel that would appeal most to a predominantly Christian audience made up of young adults and adults. Dan Lucas is a retired NCIS Special Agent who is heading home to his family after a month-long stay in Germany, only for the Charlotte Douglas Airport to cancel all flights due to the hazardous weather conditions. Dan Lucas was only planning to rest and wait out his time at the airport until the new flight, but instead of resting, he finds himself pulled into a religious debate with an atheist known as Professor Ben Chernick. Will Dan be able to convince Ben that God exists or will Ben destroy Dan’s faith?

Final Departure (Death is Never on Time) by Jeff Walton was an interesting book because it focused on the old argument of whether or not God exists, but it did so within a fictional story. I really liked the fact that Dan used to be a NCIS Agent because his old profession provided him with the skills to form well-reasoned arguments that presented in a persuasive and understandable manner. I normally avoid books that argue over God’s existence because they tend to rehash the same arguments in a dry manner; this book was the very opposite of that as it made me feel involved in the arguments and the story kept me interested in the outcome. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and my only complaint is that it was not longer!

Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite

Way of the Real Faith: A Choice, a Journey, a Destiny by D.A. Singh is a Christian devotional study full of scripture and explanations of how those scriptures apply to the real world. Singh believes that religion, trust in Jesus, and faith in a higher power should be accessible to all people, regardless of age, culture or background. Way of the Real Faith is written to help everyday people understand religion in a simple, straightforward manner and is meant as a text to study, pore over, and share in group studies or a person's personal ministry. It relies heavily on the use of scripture from the Bible and interprets those scriptures using everyday language that people can understand. The book attempts to answer religious questions to give people a better understanding of Jesus' role as a higher power. Singh's goal is to make religion more accessible to people.

Way of the Real Faith: A Choice, a Journey, a Destiny has a very specific target audience. The devotional uses scripture from the Bible and is a Christian text. While a knowledge of Christianity isn't necessary to understand this text, readers will get more enjoyment from studying this book if they already believe the ideology that Singh shares in his text. Singh's arguments are well-founded and backed up by scriptures. The examples and descriptions used are timely and accurately reflect the culture that Singh obviously believes in very passionately and is very knowledgeable about.

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

Marriage From Roots to Fruits by Matt Pavlik is a Bible based guide on how to create and maintain a God guided marriage. There are a lot of books out there about having a successful and rewarding marriage. They are based on a variety of religions and schools of thought. It’s hard to know what works and what doesn’t. After all, the divorce rate seems to be slowly but surely creeping up a little every year. I am a Christian and I think it’s important to have a God centered philosophy for your life and for your marriage. I haven’t always done this or even understood this, but when I am not God centered I have noticed that things seem to fall apart. If you are looking for marital guidance that is God inspired and God driven, then Marriage From Roots to Fruits is the perfect book for you.

Matt Pavlik organizes Marriage From Roots to Fruits under three big sections that take us deeper and deeper into the subject of a successful marriage. Part I is called Spiritual Foundations. Part II is Individual Growth. Part III is Marital Growth. It is suggested that you read the information in the order it is given. This book is based on a theory and a process. It looks like reading it and applying it step by step is the best way to get the best results. Every step is explained in a crystal clear manner with diagrams and great biblical references. There is even a list of movies which are suggested to help you learn about and discuss many spiritual subjects. The movie list is very God based and makes sense from a Christian perspective. Marriage From Roots to Fruits would make a great gift for Christians at any stage of life.