Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Cure the Cancer of Unforgiveness by Mark Arens is a Christian theological study that looks into the concept of unforgiveness and its negative impact, likening it to a cancer that affects all areas of life. Arens states that unforgiveness often stems from experiences of betrayal or injury, leading to prolonged suffering and self-destructive behavior, which Satan exacerbates by promoting anger and resentment. He outlines three principles for forgiveness: recognizing Satan’s influence, understanding forgiveness as a release from debt rather than excusing or forgetting the offense, and learning to forgive despite emotional difficulty. He stresses the importance of prayer in seeking divine strength for forgiveness, illustrated by Jesus' example. Arens contrasts true freedom with the suffering caused by unforgiveness, telling readers that forgiveness is a deliberate choice that brings personal peace and liberation, aligning with Jesus' teachings and the process of spiritual growth.

Mark Arens' Cure the Cancer of Unforgiveness offers a worthy argument about the destructive nature of unforgiveness and the transformative power of true forgiveness. His writing is clear and engaging, and he does well in giving readers practical awareness of how unforgiveness can lead to prolonged suffering, self-destruction, and isolation. By outlining key principles, Arens provides a roadmap for readers seeking relief from their own grievances that are actionable, which helps readers in applying them. He also relies upon scripture and biblical examples to solidify what he says and back it up. This is the book's most important feature as a work grounded in the word of God. I liked Arens' emphasis on seeking divine strength and the contrast between forgiveness and reconciliation, which I found particularly noteworthy. Overall, Arens' approach combines theological depth with accessible guidance, making this a valuable read for all who want to overcome obstacles to forgiving and find their personal freedom.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Jonah Priour’s Praying the Word of Grace recounts his reliance on Scripture during the illness and death of his son, Judah, who lived for 20 months despite a grim prognosis. Priour, finding comfort in the song “Goodness of God” and Scripture, explores grace as a central biblical theme, comparing it to a symphony and a diamond. Priour emphasizes the gospel as Christ’s work and grace, linking faith from hearing Scripture to receiving grace and entering God’s rest. He encourages deep engagement with Scripture and prayer, sharing personal experiences to highlight grace’s transformative power amidst doubt and suffering. Priour reflects on Jesus Christ as the source of grace, providing spiritual completeness and eternal life. He emphasizes grace's transformative power through Christ's sacrifice, stresses salvation as a gift, and highlights grace’s role in uniting believers with Christ and enabling divine purposes.

“This book isn’t intended to cover all aspects of the life of Christ, or be a comprehensive study of God’s nature... It is an adventure we will take in communion with God through prayer.” Praying the Word of Grace by Jonah Priour reaches out to readers in several ways, namely through his theological depth, engaging metaphors, personal tone, inspirational message, and balanced approach to complex ideas. All of these elements work together to make the guide accessible, meaningful, and transformative for readers seeking to understand and experience the grace of God. The standout section to me is based on 1 Corinthians, in which the correlation between God's grace and who we are, and that without that grace we are nothing, felt like the heartbeat of the book. Of course, it will touch everyone differently and that is the beauty of it. There's something here that will click on an individual level, without undermining that Priour's work is for all of us. Well done, and highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Son of the Doomsday Prophet by Steven Byers follows Jayfeth, born in his father Noah's five-hundredth year, who records the events leading to the construction of the ark as God's judgment looms. His family faces ridicule and escalating tensions with the Canaanites. After a visit to Nephil, their campsite is destroyed by fire, devastating Noah. Jayfeth grapples with his purpose, visions, and the presence of the Others (Watchers). Concerned for his family's safety and Noah's apocalyptic message, Jayfeth faces unsettling events, including an encounter with Minnah, who deceives him. He escapes captivity but discovers a dammed river, causing destruction. Reuniting with an old acquaintance, Jayfeth salvages lumber, continues the ark construction, and navigates issues with his brother, Ham. Meanwhile, the malevolent "Sons of the Gods" group emerges. Jayfeth sets out to rescue Re-Aylah, facing betrayal, deception, and trials. After finally reaching the ark's camp, Jayfeth must journey once more to Enoch-Nod and into a city of debauchery, violence, madness, and the Tower of the Watch to rescue his father Noah, who is now a prisoner.

Son of the Doomsday Prophet by Steven Byers is an exceptionally well-plotted and fresh take on one of the oldest and most well-known stories known to man: Noah, the Ark, and the Flood in Genesis. Instead of following Noah, Byers instead provides the point of view of his son, Jayfeth, in a twist that allows readers to feel the intimacy of an individual who is directly linked and at the coalface. Let's not forget that only Noah and his immediate family are permitted on the ark, which means Jayfeth is in that tiny microcosm. Byers carves out the ark's construction in the race to build it before the flood and fleshes out a short but significant story into an epic fantasy, and it is really, really good. One of the things I most appreciated is that Byers does not simply use Jayfeth as a conduit to tell Noah's story. This is Jayfeth's story. This is Jayfeth's own ark of love, faith, trust, courage, and resilience. And Byers sure does give him a gauntlet to get through. The world-building is spectacular, from the Jade Forest, a colossal causeway, and navigating a swamp to gold mines, underwater worlds, and cities that both glitter and gut. I have read my fair share of Christian fiction, but this is one of the few times I finished hoping there would be more, and soon. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Erica and Magnus Winthrop were a wealthy Caribbean couple who also ran the only mega-church in Barracuda Cove. They were the epitome of influence, class, and godliness. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, behind the curated exterior lay dark secrets. Erica was a perpetual victim of abuse by Magnus, who immersed himself in greed, self-absorption, and all the crimes and social vices one could imagine. He also accused Erica of dating a boy half her age whom she doted on as a son. Erica wanted a divorce before she lost her life, but Magnus would not see her walk from the stellar reputation and wealth he supposedly built on the island. Who would believe she lived with a demon? Will Erica escape the marriage with her life? Married to the Devil by H. H. Fowler has the details.

Wow! Married to the Devil by H. H. Fowler is a lot to unpack! I would recommend this novel to everyone, especially Christians who idolize their spiritual leaders. No one is infallible, and a lot happens behind closed doors. The author wrote this unique story with such depth that I self-reflected through every chapter. The characters were authentic, and the dialog was so profound. Erica languished in a nest of vipers, and Magnus could tutor the Devil on wickedness. However, did Erica groom Dean? Perhaps. The author portrays Dean as an easy-going 'people person' in this story, but I felt differently. He came across as a passive-aggressive, self-serving, manipulative opportunist, hiding behind a laid-back and sweet persona. Lily is in my prayers. Tavian was my favorite character, and I want him to feature more in the second book. As for Netty, people with friends like her don’t need enemies. May the snares of enemies never catch us. Great work with the cliffhanger. Give us book two soon.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Twitter Gospels by David H Parish is a realistic Christian novel that takes readers on an invigorating journey of questions and discovery. The story follows Paolo Venticinque, an expert in the psychology of religious fanaticism and a Jesuit high school teacher. His regular life was disrupted when the Vatican dispatched him to Jerusalem to interview men who believed they were Jesus Christ. The men were kept in a mental facility, but that was not the only task Paolo had. He also had to vet a Twitter account claiming to be the returned Messiah. Paolo had to discover the identity of the person behind the Twitter account who was challenging the Vatican’s authority. All his leads came from the men in the mental institute; Paolo was left questioning everything. Was Jesus Christ really back and operating a Twitter account? Or was it some religious fanatic playing with the minds of religious Christians?

Beautifully written with crisp imagery and vivid descriptions, The Twitter Gospels by author David H. Parish was everything I wished for and more. The story is a religious thriller with a fascinating plot and an even more interesting protagonist. I loved Paolo and his open mind. While he was religious, he didn’t let his beliefs get in the way of his investigation. He kept an open mind to the best of his abilities. I loved his interactions with his mother, Leonella. Viterbo was a great sounding board for Paolo, and the two worked well together. The story was a whole religious/cultural experience that I was not expecting. Parish blends religious intrigue with the fast-paced world of social media. We see the power of faith and the challenges it faces in the modern age. The tweets themselves, advocating for a more inclusive church, become a central mystery, sparking both fear and fascination within the Vatican. A fantastic story, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

From the White House to the Amish: A Story Inspired by the Life of Thomas E. Kirkman by Katrina Hoover Lee is a beautifully written Christian historical fiction novel. This story follows the life of the famous White House artist Thomas E. Kirkman and the many exciting adventures he had in life. Born into a Baptist family, Tom had no interest in religion as he grew up. However, he abandoned all faith in religion when he lost someone very close to him. He worked in the CIA and the White House, but nothing fulfilled him. Grieving and believing that God didn’t care, Tom decided to dedicate his life to his work and nothing else. But the real big change came when an unassuming Amish man came into his life and turned his world upside down. Can a man like Tom finally believe in God and His Grace? Or was he too cynical for it?

Divided into four very detailed parts, From the White House to the Amish was an inspiring and motivational story of a man who had given up on everything. Author Katrina Hoover Lee did a fantastic job of making the reader feel like a part of the story. I felt as if I had known Tom all my life as I read about his life and his struggles. I felt a connection with him the moment he was introduced and experienced every emotion he went through. The descriptions were great, and the imagery was touching. There was never a moment when I felt like Tom was out of reach for me. It was a believable, beautiful journey that gave me the courage and motivation to look for answers. This is the perfect story for anyone who loves to read biographies.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Climbing to the Sun by Shelley Burchfield started with Kizzy Beecham giving birth to a little girl on January 23, 1901. Seeta Young, the midwife, assured the scared young mother that her daughter looked like a white baby, although her biological father was black. Twenty-seven years later, Callie Beecham ran a small business in Pickens, South Carolina. She offered those less fortunate her medical treatments based on plants, looked after her elderly neighbor, Silas Roberts, and dreamed of becoming a nurse one day. Zeke Young, from the settlement of Liberia established by former slaves, asked Callie to help his wife with complications after birth. However, the Ku Klux Klan considered Liberia a forbidden area for anyone who wanted to help its inhabitants. The pillar of local society, Dr. Earl Davis, declared war on Callie for her attempts to provide medical care to the people of Liberia and her friendship with his assistant, Dr. Sam Epstein. Shaken and desperate, Callie learned that she was not alone.

Shelley Burchfield's Climbing to the Sun is a match for the most prominent works of world literature. Wonderfully written, Callie's story is haunting. Shelley paints a shocking picture of the segregated South with firm, honest strokes. Seeta is a true woman of God compared to the hypocrites calling themselves Christians while burning crosses to scare those who look different or ruining the lives of people who prefer synagogues over churches. Shelley is brutally honest, even regarding Callie, whose moral dilemma runs deep. Shelley's finely crafted characters will stay with me forever. This is also a captivating family drama with carefully guarded secrets and incredible revelations. This page-turner offers us a glimpse into the ancient art of naturopathy. The author presents it as a connecting thread between generations of amazing healer women who knew how to treat maladies with something they grew in their backyards. I highly recommend Climbing to the Sun to fans of drama, historical fiction, and women-centered novels, and to all those who refuse to give up in the face of injustice.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

While trying to decide which suitor to choose, Tomas or Günther, Nina encountered demons in the woods near her village. Tomas ran to help, but Günther shot an arrow and wounded one of the intruders, scaring them away. But it was not over yet. The villagers, led by Boris, tried to ask the nobles from the castle for help. In response, Lord Vandermeer gave orders to take away half of their crops and arrest Günther, accused of Lord Archibald Braemer's murder. Nina saw a mysterious figure with a painted face in the fog and feared the worst. Finding themselves between a rock and a hard place, the villagers must make a difficult decision. Only Nina's mother, Emma, has the strength to pray. Nina Winter and the Age of Exile by T.S. Maynard, the second book in a series, is for fans of historical and Christian fiction, adventure, and coming-of-age novels.

Nina Winter and the Age of Exile is an action-packed, captivating, and quick read. Although being a part of a series, it is a stand-alone book. T.S. Maynard depicts a medieval village with hardworking people living there. I could feel their despair, and the unfairness of their situation made my blood boil. That's how realistic Maynard's prose is. We meet Nina when she is just eighteen years old and pulls off the petals of a flower to choose a loved one between Tomas and Günther. She goes through a painful stage of inner growth as the events unfold. The other characters are very profound as well. Emma's strong faith in God, Tomas's courage, and his father Klaus's responsibility drive the narrative. I appreciated the fast pace, the many stunning twists in the storyline, and the motivational aspect of the book. I recommend Nina Winter and the Age of Exile to those exploring how our faith impacts the choices we make in life.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Biggest Idea Ever is a work of non-fiction penned by author Denis Beauséjour in the spirituality, memoir, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The author presents a unique and transformative journey that transcends the typical business memoir. Beauséjour shares his remarkable life story, from a modest background in Canada to becoming the youngest VP at Procter & Gamble. However, the real adventure begins after a near-death experience during Japan's Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, propelling him into a world of profound spiritual discovery.

Author Denis Beauséjour has crafted a work so personal and compelling that it feels like a conversation with a wise mentor. Beauséjour's storytelling is captivating, weaving personal and professional anecdotes into a narrative that's part adventure, part self-help but always has something new and interesting to impart with all the skills of a novelist letting you into his world. His decision to leave the corporate pinnacle, chronicled by prestigious publications, reflects a courageous pursuit of a deeper, more meaningful life, but it’s also kept very grounded in reality by his honest tone and approach. Beauséjour imparts valuable lessons on navigating life's challenges and finding purpose beyond conventional success. The work is well organized to build on these different ideas as the author continues to offer more and more actionable advice for our own lives. His obvious warmth and authenticity shine through, making for a compelling fusion of personal and spiritual growth. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Biggest Idea Ever as an empowering and enjoyable read that offers its audience a roadmap to a more fulfilling life.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

After almost thirty years of marriage, Alisa and Tony DiLorenzo wrote The 6 Pillars of Intimacy to help couples maintain successful marriages. Using their religion as a foundation, Alisa DiLorenzo presents six intimacies translated into six pillars of marriage. She defines intimacy, outlines challenges in marriage, mentions marriage mentors, and assists readers in recognizing the "cracks" in particular pillars so you may address them. Alisa explains emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, recreational, and sexual intimacies and how each of them plays a role in a thriving marriage. At the end of each section discussing the pillars of marriage, Tony DiLorenzo discusses his feelings during difficult times in the marriage and what he felt improved their relationship.

No matter your season of marriage, Alisa and Tony DiLorenzo have great suggestions for approaching your partner when you need to strengthen a particular intimacy. The authors erase stereotypes between genders about their needs or preferences while providing confessions about their marriage. They include results from people who have applied their methods and discovered a fruitful relationship. I recommend taking the intimacy quiz the authors have created and reference in the book, as it helps you determine strong and weak areas in your relationship. Things you may not have thought about in elevating your connection with your partner before you read the book will become clearer as you move through the pages. The 6 Pillars of Intimacy is a great selection for readers who are ready to fortify their bond with their partner in a direct and loving approach.