Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Night That Changed Our Lives: The Devil Pushed Me In A Pit But God Pulled Me Out by Kelly Garner is the story of what happened to the author one winter’s night and his awakening to life, to gratitude, and to God in an astonishing and wonderful way. His story about discovering a deeper faith in God, the test, the distress and helplessness his family went through is the story of survival. A man who went out one night to help and thought he would never come back after being severely injured and in the freezing cold for 14 hours. Kelly’s story of faith and will power is testimony to his deep faith and determination. Kelly is a living example of how people react when life brings challenges and how they respond to them. Kelly tells readers how the Devil pushed him into a ditch and God pulled him out.

Kelly’s story is an inspiration to all readers and his story of struggles turning into a positive outcome once his rehabilitation period ended is encouraging and uplifting. The narration about the author’s harrowing experiences is palpable to readers but then it is an example of how miracles can happen, and there is no doubting God’s hand, grace, and protection. Kelly’s journey of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual survival, perseverance, and strength to healing and thriving will keep readers astonished. The author is honest and straightforward when it comes to sharing his life and ordeals with readers, and the black and white photographs connect readers with the author and his situation. It is a story that reiterates the power of God and how He will answer prayers if done with faith.

Reviewed by Darin Godby for Readers' Favorite

Author Mandy Lawrence tells of her early life with various dogs that made huge impacts upon her. Later in life, after being married, she got the cutest little dachshund and named him Wilbur Wiggles. Soon the parallel of how Lawrence cares for Wilbur and how God loves and cares for His children is evident in the reading. A nice thought is how a dog is content to lie in their owner's lap, not worrying about what is happening around them; so we as Christians should be able to rest in the lap of God and not worry about the things around us. There is a strong emphasis on how the temptations of the devil blind a believer and make them give in to his wishes. An excellent illustration of the armor of God is used to help the reader better understand the importance of standing for what is right with the correct protection.

Wisdom From Wilbur: How My Dog Has Brought Me Closer To God is a well-written book that helps the reader to see that when we truly want to see God we can. He is always looking at us with tenderness, desiring for us to follow Him before correction should have to come our way. Animal lovers will especially appreciate this book, as one can draw from the warmth and joy of Wilbur. There are great stories and examples of God’s love for His children and how we could learn from such a sweet dog like Wilbur. Many scriptures back up this title's concept, and this would be an excellent gift for dog lovers and Christian readers.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Finding Heaven in the Dark by William L. Ingram is the author's compelling and insightful story of personal struggle filled with nostalgia and faith in God, which makes him believe that God has a plan for everyone. Though each one of us has a different journey to undertake, it is important to submit ourselves to God to experience His unconditional love. The book chronicles Ingram's journey from being born to a black, unwed mother in 1949, the 1960s theme of race relations, political instability, assassinations, and the Vietnam War, and how they all influenced him to change his life from that of self-destruction to that of having a better meaning and purpose.

The political backdrop, coupled with spiritual transformation, makes this memoir different and unique. It is a story of loss, redemption, and faith and how the author’s faith in Christian meditation guides him is interesting. The book is honest and I admire the author’s courage to share the dark phases of his life, his rebellious attitude, and confused state of mind with readers. His discovery of life saving and life affirming principles, and his journey of self-discovery and awakening are enlightening. The book will ignite the curiosity of all those who are striving to find a purpose in their lives, an inner meaning, and also to learn more about themselves and their identity. The book is detailed and descriptive and the author takes readers right into his life and the spiritual transformation undergone by him. I like his perspective on meditation; it is quite interesting yet deep at the same time.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Jesus and Muhammad: Their Messages, Side-by-Side by Louis St Michael is a thorough and painstakingly researched compilation of the lives and statements, as proclaimed in the Christian Bible and the Islamic Q'uran, of two of the world's most historically compelling men: Jesus Christ and the Prophet Muhammad. Presented in a comprehensive, almost textbook format, St Michael gives - literally - a side by side comparison of where the recorded words of these men coincide and deviate from each other. This is done with a scholarly and impartial aspect, without context or opinion, through the use of graphs, charts, outlines, and with unembellished backstory.

Jesus and Muhammad: Their Messages, Side-by-Side by Louis St Michael is almost a marvel, and it's absolutely mind-boggling to imagine how St Michael was able to produce such a work in a clean and concise manner. It's been pigeonholed into the genre of religious and philosophical non-fiction, but truly, Jesus and Muhammad: Their Messages, Side-by-Side reads like an accessible piece of academia. The side-by-side format allows for instant comparison with little more than the flick of a page. I can see this book being very useful to anyone needing a quick, fact-based resource, as well as those with an interest in learning more about the two fastest growing, influential, and relevant religions of the world. That St Michael achieves this without the usual bias found in such works lends further credence to its usefulness in any conversation on the topic. Highly recommended and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it.

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

"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 Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life: A Power that Transforms Lives is a non-fiction Christian Worship and Prayer book written by Horace Williams, Jr. Williams had not had much of a relationship with God until he suffered a massive stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side and bedridden. While he lay there in agony and fear, he began to call out to God. Others, family and friends, also prayed to God for his recovery, and slowly he began to regain the ability to walk, to speak without slurring, and to write a book. Williams answers many questions in his book, including what prayer is, when and how often should one pray and how forgiveness impacts one's relationship with God. Each chapter in his book addresses a power imparted through and by prayer, starting with the Power of Forgiveness and the Power of Faith and concluding with the Power of Purposeful Prayer. Each chapter contains his thoughts on the subject along with quotes from Scripture, a Power Point that briefly summarizes the topic covered, and a Power-specific prayer.

Horace Williams, Jr.'s non-fiction Christian Worship and Prayer book, Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life: A Power that Transforms Lives, briefly and eloquently explores the benefits of prayer and the richness of having a personal relationship with God. I was moved by his story and appreciated how he shared his own personal experiences throughout the book to help the reader absorb the import of his message. Williams answers a lot of the questions that many have about what prayer actually is, if it works, and why it may seem like God is not listening -- when in fact He really is. The Scriptures Williams quotes work quite well with his topics, and the Power Point summaries are a great way to make sure you've gotten the full message of the chapter. As Williams states, prayer is much more than just repeating Hail Marys or The Lord's Prayer repeatedly. A careful and reflective reading of this work will give the motivated reader a good starting point for establishing their own relationship with God. Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life: A Power that Transforms Lives is most highly recommended.

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 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 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.