Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God by Athena Dean Holtz is an incredible story of loss and redemption. But just saying loss would be simplistic, very simplistic. This is one woman’s journey through an epic fall to finding trust and healing in Jesus. Fired with the desire to know God, Athena was open to exploring different spiritual paths. She describes herself as a woman who wanted attention from childhood and one who wanted a very deep spiritual connection. But her search for God led her to the wrong places.

She writes: “The enemy used my hunger for God with my typical reckless abandon (normal for a type-A) to draw me into what I finally realized was a bona fide Christian cult. That hunger for God was misused by a man I allowed to become a spiritual authority in my life. He misused that authority and through him, the enemy robbed me of my marriage, my family relationships, my house, car, credit rating, my 3.5-million-dollar Christian publishing company, and almost my faith.” In clear and powerful words, she described how an encounter with the wife of Tim Williams, the founding Pastor of Sound Doctrine precipitated her fall.

This is Athena Dean Holtz’s unfiltered story of her epic fall — through all forms of abuses — to finding redemption in Christ, but it is also the story of the psychological game played by pseudo-pastors who prey on weak and searching souls for their own personal gain. This book contains wisdom and principles that everyone seriously searching for God should know. The story is told in clear and beautiful prose and one has no doubt that it is written by someone who knows the publishing business from close quarters. Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God is both delightful and informative, a story that will make readers alert and warn them of the dangers on the spiritual path. I enjoyed every bit of it. It is, indeed, a powerful testimony of God’s redeeming love.

Reviewed by Lesa McKee for Readers' Favorite

Finding Sarah, Finding Me: A Birth Mother’s Story is the inspiring true account of Christine Lindsay. There are short snippets of some other adoption tales as well. Christine looks back on her life as a young and scared pregnant woman who's forced to make a heart wrenching decision that will plot the course for not only her future, but that of her unborn baby and both of their families to come. After giving up her daughter, Christine goes on to marry and have three children. Though she’s happy to be a loving wife and mother, she continues to grieve the loss of her first born. Years later, Christine is delighted to connect with her grown daughter, Sarah, but the connection is not what she’d hoped for and dreamed of all these years. Will God heal the hearts of these two women, and bring together their intertwined families?

Christine Lindsay shares her story with warmth, vivid candor, and a touch of humor, not holding back when it comes to the torrent of emotions that nearly consumed her. Readers will feel like they are on this emotional roller coaster of faith, failure and forgiveness with her. The author battles a daily siege of doubt and regret, questioning herself and God, yet she takes solace in God’s word, digging deep, and managing the strength to go on. Finding Sarah, Finding Me: A Birth Mother’s Story is a journey of the author’s self-discovery, and after much anguish, and time, a victorious life through her faith in God. Her story goes to show that happy endings aren’t always perfect, but perfectly orchestrated by God.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

"Follow the Light, the Shroud's Revelations" is the story of T.C. Newman and her daughter, Jessica, as they worked together to determine how the image on the Shroud of Turin was actually formed. The project began as the result of their watching a special on television of the first photographs taken of the Shroud in 1898, and the startling image revealed in the negatives of those photographs. Jessica, then aged eight, wondered if the Shroud itself were a photograph. She and her mother discussed how a photograph was made, and they set out to see if that were the case. They started their studies using Jessica's Ken doll to see if they could duplicate the shadows cast on the face on the Shroud. This project, which continued on and off for over 30 years, resulted in sculptures made by reflecting light on the clay figure and carving out or adding in clay to reflect the negative image of the Shroud.

Newman's account of her and Jessica's attempt to solve the mystery of the Shroud is a fascinating tale. The development of the theory from the first impressions through to the actual painted image at the end of the text is clearly described with graphic images added to help the reader follow each process. I enjoyed the interplay of mother and daughter as they discovered the way the light source could be duplicated and the description of the sculpting process. This book is well-written and documents an illuminating project from its inception through to some startling conclusions. "Follow the Light, the Shroud's Revelations" is well worth reading and quite thought-provoking.

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

Faith Steps for Military Families: Spiritual Readiness Through the Psalms of Ascent by author Lisa Nixon Phillips is a fantastic guide for families, military or otherwise. A well organized read in which each chapter focuses on one particular biblical reference in Psalms and applies it to modern day life, this read provides guidance for many who are going through struggles. Author Lisa Nixon Phillips is an experienced military wife, and her guidance coupled with the guidance from the Holy Bible make Faith Steps for Military Families an absolutely wonderful resource.

I very much enjoyed Faith Steps for Military Families: Spiritual Readiness Through the Psalms of Ascent. Author Lisa Nixon Phillips writes with a compassion for her readers that can only come with personal experience in what they are going through. Her writing style is clear, honest and heart felt, and her readers will be able to tell that her passion is helping military families through her Christian faith. Many will find insight and inspiration in her words. If that isn't a hallmark of a wonderful Christian writer, I guess I am not sure what is. Military families dealing with frequent moves, separation due to deployment, and other stresses that are simply part of the life of those living in the military will find special meaning in Lisa Nixon Phillips' words.

Any reader who enjoys books that help them to explore their Christianity, inspirational guides, or works that help them to grow their faith, and especially military families, will love this book. I highly recommend this book, and will certainly look for more from the very promising author, Lisa Nixon Phillips, in the future.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Testimony of The Protected: How One Lost Warrior Was Found is a non-fiction military memoir written by Doug Milliken. Milliken’s college deferment did not protect him from the Maine draft board’s notice. After the disastrous Tet Offensive, the draft boards were scrambling to provide the military with replacement soldiers to make up for the staggering losses maintained in that campaign. The author decided to enlist instead, thinking that perhaps he might be able to choose his Military Occupation Specialty and get a posting to Germany as a clerk by doing so. While the army made no promises, indications seemed hopeful at first that he would at least be assigned a desk job, but that was not to be the case. He became one of the infantry recruits who were sent on after Basic Training to NCO training to help the army cope with the need for Infantry Squad Leaders, a title few wanted or, for that matter, survived. Milliken arrived in Vietnam during the Christmas season and served his nearly year-long tour while planning to take advantage of the Army’s college early release program. He enrolled in college and had his father take care of the paperwork as he’d be returning to the states just in time for the fall semester.

Doug Milliken’s non-fiction military memoir, Testimony of The Protected: How One Lost Warrior Was Found, is a gripping and well-written account of the author’s time spent in Vietnam and his subsequent conversion to Christianity. His story is honest and told in a wry, conversational style, and it’s accompanied by a most impressive collection of photographs taken in the country. Milliken goes beyond his own particular experiences and gives the reader an historian’s take on the politics and military strategy behind the incursion into Cambodia, which was to be a large part of his experience during the Vietnam War. He takes the reader into the jungle with him and his fellow soldiers as they recon the areas and set up ambushes, and eloquently describes the feelings of exposure and vulnerability the Recon Troop he was assigned to had to live with as their everyday experience. Milliken’s story segues into his life after service, beginning with his immediate enrollment in the university’s engineering program that he had always dreamed of, and the resumption of the kart racing he had loved since he was a teen. His conversion to Christianity is movingly and eloquently shared as is his dedication to the red-lined passages in the Bible that are the actual utterances of Jesus Christ. Looking through Milliken’s glossary of military terms is a must for civilian readers, and his bibliography is rich in resources for those looking to continue their readings on the Cambodian incursion. Testimony of The Protected is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Life and the act of living one's life is hard work. It has its ups and downs, its joys and its sorrows. And then there are the tragedies, the evil that attacks us all in one way or another. But, no matter how hard life gets, or how tragic, there is always someone worse off. No one knows this better than the author, Samantha Ryan Chandler. Her story is a sad story, but it is also one filled with such hope, such love and such compassion. Abused as a child, Samantha entered a marriage full of evil. For legal reasons, she named her abusive husband, appropriately I might add, Darth Vader or DV for short. While her marriage developed into a living hell, her divorce - she called it an annihilation because it not only severed her marriage - tore from her all that she held dear: her three daughters and her sense of self esteem.

Samantha's story is not unique. Even she admits that simple fact. There are many women around the world who have suffered similar evils. What is unique is Samantha's ability to keep her faith, keep praying, continually seeking and extending forgiveness, and never losing hope. The ties with two of her three daughters were severed with the divorce and have only just recently been restored. But throughout it all, she kept her faith. God was with her always and He sent His angels to prove His continuing love and concern. The beauty of Samantha's story, A Love Story...How God Pursued Me and Found Me, is her ability to reach out to others less fortunate than herself. As co-founder of Children's Cross Connection, now called Childspring International, she worked hard to reach out to sick or badly disfigured children from developing countries, to bring them to the United States for donated surgeries.

Samantha chose to share her story, to share her battle with evil. She wrote her heart-wrenching account of her life and unburdened her heart and soul. She is a true inspiration and her story will help others in difficult situations and confronted with evil. As she writes in her conclusion, "And as is written upon each life raft: you are not a survivor until you have been rescued." Samantha is a survivor. She has been rescued. A Love Story...How God Pursued Me and Found Me: An Impossibly True Story is a very touching memoir told from the heart and with God's everlasting love and support. I thank the author for sharing her story.

Reviewed by Marnie Wilson for Readers' Favorite

Author Marriott Cole has experienced many miracles, big and small, in her lifetime. In Grace, Miracles and Chocolate she shares a collection of personal stories in 46 easy-to-read, digest and contemplate format. Throughout the book, Marriott beautifully conveys her steadfast love for Jesus and explains how her Christian faith has carried her through even the most difficult times in her life. This book is easily accessible to those who already believe in miracles, as well as those who might still wonder if miracles really can occur today. The smaller marvels she relays are whimsical and charming. The biggest miracles result from the most heart-wrenching tragedies a person could possibly endure. In relaying these events, Marriott nicely balances the dreadful details with the conquering power of faith.

It’s hard to imagine how, without a steadfast faith, Marriott would have survived raising seven children, moving more than 20 times as an adult, losing her husband in a violent murder, and suffering the ultimate loss a parent can endure by losing her son to suicide. Marriott is forthcoming in admitting how at times her faith was indeed shaken. But, in the end, her solid foundation of faith is victorious every time. As someone who also trusts in Jesus and believes modern-day miracles still do occur, Marriott Cole’s accounts re-affirm and buoy my own personal trust in the Christian faith. Read these accounts and be sure to read the Conclusion in Chapter 47 where Marriott nicely ties up with a bow how she was able to not only overcome all that occurred, but to rise above it all and embrace and enjoy life again, and how we too can do the same.

Reviewed by Teodora Totorean for Readers' Favorite

Starting from the premise that there are two types of Christians – the ones that interpret the Bible literally and believe that everything within is true and the ones that read the Bible allegorically, being aware that the cultural context of the time can change the way we interpret it, Myths of Christianity by Jedediah McClure concentrates on the latter, offering a cultural background of the times when the Bible was written. The scope is not to demystify Christianity, but to open people’s minds. What is common knowledge for Biblical scholars is not for some Christians still preoccupied with their version of Christian truth, rejecting other sects and faiths. The author hopes to offer Christians a starting point in accepting differences, tolerating one another and finding the essence of this great religion which is love, generosity and charity. The book has three main parts, covering the existence of various Christian groups during the first and second century AD, and the development of the Bible as we know it today; the belief in God, angels and the Devil, and the cultural context of biblical texts. The author analyses many myths and mythologies that are similar to the stories in the Bible and offers an array of beliefs and folklore specific to those times.

Myths of Christianity by Jedediah McClure is a challenging read on many levels. It can be read as an intellectual pursuit if you are passionate about mythology; as an eye opener for Christians without trying to dent their faith; as another point of view if you reject the scholastic approach to interpreting the Bible and so on. The chapters are well organized, well written and researched; the vocabulary is specific to this genre and specialized words are explained. At the end of each chapter, there are the notes that indicate thorough research. The scholastic explanations are intertwined with examples from the author’s personal life and beliefs, from current politics, economy and popular culture making the concepts easy to understand. I particularly enjoyed the reference to Plato’s allegory of the cave which was the starting point for the final conclusion of the book, as well as where Halloween, Christmas and Easter celebrations come from.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

In an extremely inspirational and wonderful read by Dr. Scot Hodkiewicz, Getting to Heaven By Going Through Hell is a book that readers will not easily forget. Follow the true life story of Scot as he recovers from the effects of a horrific car accident caused by a drunk driver. Recounting his experiences with anger, despair, and addiction to pain medications after the accident had left his body mangled and his spirit shattered, this story is highly personal and emotional. When God finally breaks through to him, even in his very darkest times, the story takes a dramatic and wonderful turn, one that will keep readers rapidly turning the pages until they get to the very satisfying ending.

I loved Getting to Heaven By Going Through Hell. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Author Dr. Scot Hodkiewicz has done a wonderful job in writing an extremely private story in such a way that offers hope and healing for many. This book brought tears to my eyes, not once or twice, but many times. It is written in a highly engaging manner and readers will find themselves loath to take a break from it. I am so pleased to highly recommend this book to any reader looking for an inspirational true story with a strong Christian focus. I wish the very best to author Dr. Scot Hodkiewicz and hope that he will consider writing another book in the very near future. If it's anything like this one, it will certainly be a must-read!

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

A Second Look at Jesus: The Experience of a Christian Mystic by John Evans is the book everyone never knew they needed! Evans takes the reader on a journey through his experiences searching for a true spirituality unburdened by creed or ceremony. From an experience that brought about personal enlightenment at the age of 19, Evans sought inner understanding through Transcendental Meditation, Sufi teachings, the study of Hebrew and ancient Christian practices, and has created a text that reaches to the heart of anyone who is searching for a connection to the universal consciousness. Evans offers a richness of insight by sharing what he has experienced and includes elements of many of the major philosophies and religious practices from around the world, acknowledging God, a Creator, as the source of all spirituality. Through meditation and the use of Sacred Words, Evans explains how all individuals can reach a higher level of spirituality and come closer to a universal peace.

Unlike many books about spiritual growth, A Second Look at Jesus: The Experience of a Christian Mystic by John Evans does not promote any specific doctrine or practice. Instead, it is a conversational text that invites you to share the author’s journey and reach for a deeper level of spirituality on your own. Evans calls upon a breadth of knowledge that combines the best of many different belief systems and distills each philosophy down to its basic elements. An extensive bibliography for further study is included in the text, but an easy-to-read style and a clear summation provide the beginnings for anyone to begin their own spiritual quest.