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.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Oh God. It Hurts! is a realistic and honest look into traumatic life situations. John Allen Thornton tackles the hard questions of life regarding pain. Pain and suffering come in all shapes and sizes; pain is individualized and can result from good intentions. Pain is administered in different ways, through different human vessels. He uses his own life stories to give understanding of physical and emotional pain. He discusses the lingering effects of judgments made by church leadership and abuse from family members. Yet, he also reveals the healing outcome of those unique individuals who come to help when people are hurting.

John Allen Thornton’s personal approach makes the reader feel at home. His writing technique brings you into the book; you sense a level of comfort, like you are sitting face to face having a chat. He pens an outstanding introduction, grabbing the reader’s attention from the beginning. His writing style is so down to earth you can run your hands, thoughts, and emotions through the soil of his words. Yes, you might get a little dirty, but pain and suffering is a dirty ordeal. Raw and unashamed, he asks probing, mindful questions. He has firsthand knowledge of physical and emotional pain, making his opinions credible. Being a registered nurse, he has witnessed the agony in others. He has been on both side of the needle, and both sides of the paddles. While humorous at times, he never waters down the reality of pain. Although I did not agree with all that was said, this was a refreshing, straight forward approach to life’s tough issues.

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 Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes, a superbly written and impeccably researched book is like a relationship: the more you invest, the more you get out of the experience. Instigators of the Apocalypse by Kevin Timothy O’Kane is a challenging, educational, and infinitely fascinating treatise that reads like the offspring of a historical fiction thriller and a doctoral dissertation in religious studies. O’Kane’s narrative focuses on the Book of Revelation and how it has been misinterpreted throughout history to foment war and strife. Beginning with the martyrdom of Ignatius in the second century AD and continuing through to present-day Islamic terrorism, O’Kane recasts known historical events in scholarly fashion and overlays the template of the Book of Revelation to make a comprehensive and persuasive argument that popular interpretations are flawed and that these misinterpretations of the Book of Revelation have been instrumental in undermining the ideals of Western civilization.

Kevin Timothy O’Kane possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of history and the sweeping mastery of church doctrine normally reserved for world religious leaders - a rare combination which can only be achieved through a lifetime of dedicated, purposeful study. What is even more remarkable is his gift for expressing complex, multi-layered relationships between fact and theory with a straightforward simplicity that renders them accessible to everyday readers. In plain, clearly sequenced steps, O’Kane codifies and clarifies major events in religious history and their relevance to current events as their dynamics play out through the ages and through the lens of revelations, misinterpreted: “The despots of the past and present are merely forerunners of the Antichrist who is yet to come. These tyrants witness to the reality of the future Antichrist but never accomplish his role completely.”

For those willing to pay close attention, Instigators of the Apocalypse by Kevin Timothy O’Kane has a great deal to teach. O’Kane’s wake-up call for a complacent world is great literature, prophecy and popular fiction all blended together to create a unique and compelling "end of days” narrative, both fascinating and foreboding.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Do It Better: Twelve Sexual Routines and Principles You Wish You Knew by Sarah Harris and Jeff Harris is a book for those readers who want to enjoy sex and make the most of their sexuality, thereby making it one of the joyous aspects of their life. The most fulfilled and experienced individual can also learn from this book and make their sex life better. The male and female views about the principles that govern great sex are covered in the book, inspiring couples and taking their sex life to a different level altogether. The sexual lessons and routines that can boost any couple's love life are indeed inspirational and can easily be put into practice.

This book will make readers look into their sex lives and work toward making it healthy and fulfilling. Marriages fail for different reasons. Sex is one of the things that can bring frustration or joy, depending on how two people are comfortable with each other during sex. The book speaks about routines and principles to improve one's sex life. The simple writing style makes it easy to comprehend and the tips and advice in the book are practical and can be practiced easily. This book is a must-read for all married couples, and the tips in the book are also helpful for counselors and therapists to incorporate into their sessions. It's a book worth owning in one's personal collection for a better sex life, thereby leading to more intimacy between the couple.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Is your mind as full of clutter as things in your home? Would you love for your home to run smoothly and peacefully? Then Shannon Upton has the answers for you in her new book, Organizing You. Following the help Shannon has for each of us in this book, your mind and spirit can be free of the clutter that is always lurking there. She weaves unique organizational skills and techniques along with personal stories and the scriptures to strengthen your faith as you live your everyday life. I really enjoyed Shannon Upton’s delightful approach in writing this valuable book. She begins with organizing your home and spirit, goes to your goals, chores, organizing fun family times, your ideas, and your relationships. She pretty much tackles every aspect of your life, and she does it in a fun and enjoyable way.

This book is very well organized and formatted. Throughout the entire book, you will find scripture verses to help reinforce what you are reading. At the end of the chapters, there is a section called Giving Thoughts to Your Ways, which really made me think about what I read in each chapter, and about how I can be better organized in my life. My organizational skills are horrible, so I found several things in this book that would help me. The first thing I plan to try is a daily planner. Ms. Upton gives a lot of helpful tips and encouragement for having a daily planner, so I am excited to try this idea. I really want to encourage you to pick up a copy of this wonderful book. It has really helped me in better organizing my time and my spiritual life. You will be delightfully pleased with what you find here.