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 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 ta...){kind=link}
Cancer, Faith & Butterflies
How do you believe when your world falls apart
Johnny M. Sanchez
2017 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
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Christian - General
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Paradise
A Paradise Novel Book One
Cindy Patterson
2017 Bronze Medal
293 Pages
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Christian - General
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!
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!
Recommend this book:
Angel on Assignment - An Elf Alternative
Move Over Elf. It's Time To Share The Shelf
Wanda Carter Roush
2017 Bronze Medal
24 Pages
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Christian - General
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
 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 fli...){kind=link}
Final Departure
Death is Never on Time
Jeff Walton
2017 Gold Medal
264 Pages
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Christian - General
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!
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!
Recommend this book:
Way of the Real Faith
A Choice, a Journey, a Destiny
D A Singh
2016 Finalist
210 Pages
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Christian - General
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Marriage From Roots To Fruits
Understanding God's Design For Growing in the Good Soil
Matt Pavlik
2016 Honorable Mention
246 Pages
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Christian - General
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Otzi's Curse
Mary June
2016 Bronze Medal
168 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Otzi’s Curse is a blend of science fiction and history for a really interesting and chilling story. Adam Barfield is a neuroscientist and his son, Gene, is the victim in a scary and almost believable scenario. When Adam takes a sabbatical from his teaching position at U.C. Berkeley and heads to the Italian Alps, no one ever suspects the life changing events that will take place. Adam is about to change his life and the well-being of the world in just one quick moment of taking something from the newly discovered ancient iceman, an act that should never have happened. His son Gene is soon born from a surrogate mother in India and becomes the result of Adam’s life-long experiment. Adam discovers a new immune serum that cures HIV and cancer and quickly becomes a hero, sought after by many. Adam manages to keep the details to himself, telling no one, not even his wife, son, and daughter of the particulars of his discovery. Adam knows and dreads that someday the truth will catch up to him and, when it does, his life will never be the same.
I found Otzi’s Curse to be chilling, exciting, and wondered could this really happen. Author Mary June is brilliant in her character development and story line and it is hard to believe that this is her first novel. I was fascinated and drawn into the story quickly and totally surprised by the ending. Otzi’s Curse is science fiction at its finest. I am usually not a great fan of science fiction stories, but this was an exception to the rule and is a book I really enjoyed and highly recommend.
Otzi’s Curse is a blend of science fiction and history for a really interesting and chilling story. Adam Barfield is a neuroscientist and his son, Gene, is the victim in a scary and almost believable scenario. When Adam takes a sabbatical from his teaching position at U.C. Berkeley and heads to the Italian Alps, no one ever suspects the life changing events that will take place. Adam is about to change his life and the well-being of the world in just one quick moment of taking something from the newly discovered ancient iceman, an act that should never have happened. His son Gene is soon born from a surrogate mother in India and becomes the result of Adam’s life-long experiment. Adam discovers a new immune serum that cures HIV and cancer and quickly becomes a hero, sought after by many. Adam manages to keep the details to himself, telling no one, not even his wife, son, and daughter of the particulars of his discovery. Adam knows and dreads that someday the truth will catch up to him and, when it does, his life will never be the same.
I found Otzi’s Curse to be chilling, exciting, and wondered could this really happen. Author Mary June is brilliant in her character development and story line and it is hard to believe that this is her first novel. I was fascinated and drawn into the story quickly and totally surprised by the ending. Otzi’s Curse is science fiction at its finest. I am usually not a great fan of science fiction stories, but this was an exception to the rule and is a book I really enjoyed and highly recommend.
Recommend this book:
Come to the Garden
A Novel
Jennifer Wilder Morgan
2016 Silver Medal
240 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
I picked up Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan out of curiosity, in the same way that I picked up For One More Day by Mitch Albom, but my curiosity in both instances has proven to be my best guide. Come to the Garden is a warm and beautiful story that will inspire readers to look farther than their immediate environment to connect with a power far beyond them. The author states that the book is based on facts and written as a personal story. Jenn is a woman with a powerful need to connect with God and with others --- regardless of their faith. She thinks that God has been talking to her in many different ways, but how can she be so sure and how can she understand the signs she receives. On her birthday, an angel, Margaret, appears to her, and walks with her each step of her life’s journey, helping her understand how God has been part of her history.
Come to the Garden is an inspirational story that will edify many people who are seeking answers, and who want to understand how God speaks to the human heart. With a voice that is reassuring and gentle, the author shares conversations with her guardian angel and offers spiritual insights and wisdom that allow readers to open their hearts to the mysterious and healing power of God. One feels that the author is versed in scripture. Whether this is fiction or not, it is true that Wilder Morgan has the gift of capturing the hearts of readers and this book will create the spiritual awareness that seekers and dreamers need to connect deeply with their creator. I loved the author’s use of the garden as a powerful symbol of the soul in which God’s word is planted. In the heart of this inspiring tale is the powerful message that God never tires of reaching out to connect with humanity. This book will change the way you think about the world, your history, and your relationship with God.
I picked up Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan out of curiosity, in the same way that I picked up For One More Day by Mitch Albom, but my curiosity in both instances has proven to be my best guide. Come to the Garden is a warm and beautiful story that will inspire readers to look farther than their immediate environment to connect with a power far beyond them. The author states that the book is based on facts and written as a personal story. Jenn is a woman with a powerful need to connect with God and with others --- regardless of their faith. She thinks that God has been talking to her in many different ways, but how can she be so sure and how can she understand the signs she receives. On her birthday, an angel, Margaret, appears to her, and walks with her each step of her life’s journey, helping her understand how God has been part of her history.
Come to the Garden is an inspirational story that will edify many people who are seeking answers, and who want to understand how God speaks to the human heart. With a voice that is reassuring and gentle, the author shares conversations with her guardian angel and offers spiritual insights and wisdom that allow readers to open their hearts to the mysterious and healing power of God. One feels that the author is versed in scripture. Whether this is fiction or not, it is true that Wilder Morgan has the gift of capturing the hearts of readers and this book will create the spiritual awareness that seekers and dreamers need to connect deeply with their creator. I loved the author’s use of the garden as a powerful symbol of the soul in which God’s word is planted. In the heart of this inspiring tale is the powerful message that God never tires of reaching out to connect with humanity. This book will change the way you think about the world, your history, and your relationship with God.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/filthy-fishermen&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61af1tbj9eL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Filthy Fishermen: How God Uses Weakness for His Glory is by Luke Holter. Everyone has met a "prodigal" in their family. This 224-page Christian based book is well written, describing the repeated screw ups of some of the most famous biblical forefathers such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, King David, etc, who were no strangers to failure. Yet, God saw t...){kind=link}
Filthy Fishermen
How God Uses Weakness for His Glory
Luke Holter
2016 Gold Medal
224 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Gracie Bradford for Readers' Favorite
Filthy Fishermen: How God Uses Weakness for His Glory is by Luke Holter. Everyone has met a "prodigal" in their family. This 224-page Christian based book is well written, describing the repeated screw ups of some of the most famous biblical forefathers such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, King David, etc, who were no strangers to failure. Yet, God saw through grace to make the forefathers mighty fishermen of men. Comparing the restoration of biblical forefathers, the author (a prodigal son of preachers) weaves a beautiful thread of redemption, grace, and love through the sharing of his own near death experience at the age of 25, as well as the story of four friends. An adult reader can identify with their journey of redemption and restoration. A quote worth remembering that I think will resonate with parents is: "Loving a prodigal is a marathon, not a sprint."
Filthy Fishermen: How God Uses Weakness for His Glory by Luke Holter has impressive endorsements, foreword and cover which will attract readers. The author starts his book by talking about the love and devotion of his wife, Grace, and ends by talking about the strength that Grace gave to him. This is a lesson for married couples and may appeal to couples struggling with relationships. It is refreshing how the author refers to humans as God's masterpiece. One quote worthy of mentioning is: "If you always do what you have always done, you'll always be where you've always been." A quote that may get the attention of business leaders is: "Our success and worth are based on HIS love for us and our love for HIM," as opposed to worldly accomplishments. The author brilliantly explains the whole package of loving with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.
Filthy Fishermen: How God Uses Weakness for His Glory is by Luke Holter. Everyone has met a "prodigal" in their family. This 224-page Christian based book is well written, describing the repeated screw ups of some of the most famous biblical forefathers such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, King David, etc, who were no strangers to failure. Yet, God saw through grace to make the forefathers mighty fishermen of men. Comparing the restoration of biblical forefathers, the author (a prodigal son of preachers) weaves a beautiful thread of redemption, grace, and love through the sharing of his own near death experience at the age of 25, as well as the story of four friends. An adult reader can identify with their journey of redemption and restoration. A quote worth remembering that I think will resonate with parents is: "Loving a prodigal is a marathon, not a sprint."
Filthy Fishermen: How God Uses Weakness for His Glory by Luke Holter has impressive endorsements, foreword and cover which will attract readers. The author starts his book by talking about the love and devotion of his wife, Grace, and ends by talking about the strength that Grace gave to him. This is a lesson for married couples and may appeal to couples struggling with relationships. It is refreshing how the author refers to humans as God's masterpiece. One quote worthy of mentioning is: "If you always do what you have always done, you'll always be where you've always been." A quote that may get the attention of business leaders is: "Our success and worth are based on HIS love for us and our love for HIM," as opposed to worldly accomplishments. The author brilliantly explains the whole package of loving with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.
Recommend this book:
Winter Trees
Seasons of Marigold Manor
Kim Stokely
2015 Finalist
308 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Winter Trees: Seasons of Marigold Manor by Kim Stokely is a delicate and beautiful love story that reiterates the power of love in relationships and the presence of God in everyone's lives. Ginny wants to make the holidays exciting for all the residents and staff of Marigold Manor Assisted Living. Though she is still getting over the death of her fiance, Ginny puts her grief on hold to give the residents an enjoyable time. Edith and Frank try to bring Ginny and Chester, the chef, together. Will Ginny and Chester finally let go of their past and fall in love?
I found the story heartwarming and it touches readers in many ways. It is a story of loss, hope and love and it captures the struggles of life well. All the characters in the book, be they Ginny, Chester, Rachel, Frank, Edith or Margaret, are portrayed well and readers can relate easily to them. The spiritual undertones that run through the story work wonders and give it a good aura. God's compassion and grace in our daily lives is conveyed very subtly by the author as the story progresses. The spiritual undertones add to the plot. Readers will feel all the emotions of the characters as the author pulls them into the story. The beautiful message is that there is always hope in one's life if they believe in God and let Him into their lives. It's a simple and clean love story that will stay in the minds of readers for a long time.
Winter Trees: Seasons of Marigold Manor by Kim Stokely is a delicate and beautiful love story that reiterates the power of love in relationships and the presence of God in everyone's lives. Ginny wants to make the holidays exciting for all the residents and staff of Marigold Manor Assisted Living. Though she is still getting over the death of her fiance, Ginny puts her grief on hold to give the residents an enjoyable time. Edith and Frank try to bring Ginny and Chester, the chef, together. Will Ginny and Chester finally let go of their past and fall in love?
I found the story heartwarming and it touches readers in many ways. It is a story of loss, hope and love and it captures the struggles of life well. All the characters in the book, be they Ginny, Chester, Rachel, Frank, Edith or Margaret, are portrayed well and readers can relate easily to them. The spiritual undertones that run through the story work wonders and give it a good aura. God's compassion and grace in our daily lives is conveyed very subtly by the author as the story progresses. The spiritual undertones add to the plot. Readers will feel all the emotions of the characters as the author pulls them into the story. The beautiful message is that there is always hope in one's life if they believe in God and let Him into their lives. It's a simple and clean love story that will stay in the minds of readers for a long time.
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