stories that will change your life.

Chris R. Armstrong offers us ten incredible stories from church history in his new book "Patron Saints for Postmoderns: Ten from the Past Who Speak to Our Future." If history is something that you are passionate about, you should definitely grab a copy of this.

You are not only learning about the Saints of the past, but the final chapter also tells us how these Saints can help us as Christians today. "Patron Saints..." is inspirational and gives us a fresh view of Christian life. I recommend it for high school aged youth groups and adult education classes for your ABF's as well.

suspense and romance.

"An Eye for an Eye" by Irene Hannon has a promise of action with just a peak into the first Chapter. It is fast paced and exciting as you turn each page. It has suspense and touches on romance just enough to keep you interested.

Many Christians have dealt with relationships with those who do not believe, or maybe they believe in something but are struggling with living a life for Christ. Whether it is romantic or otherwise, it is difficult for everyone. Hannon touches on this topic and more with main characters that you cannot help but love.

This second installment of Hannon's "Quantico Series" definitely leaves you wanting more!

** AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 2009 AT YOUR FAVORITE BOOKSELLER FROM REVELL, A DIVISION OF BAKER PUBLISHING GROUP!

imagine your life without fear.

We have all read "feel good" books. The kind that might even make our lives better after reading them. The kind that give us a sense of self, of believing we can do anything. "Fearless" by Max Lucado, is the definition of a "feel good" book.

Lucado probes into the areas of our lives where we have fear. We all have spiritual flaws, we are ALL human. There are moments when we are uncertain, and we are frightened by things, for example: challenges, living up to expectations, and disappointing our family or God.

Read this book to become empowered, and also encouraged to live a life without fear. Fear will only derail your progress. In life there is always uncertainty, and that is what God is for. He is there to help us overcome our fears and the "what ifs" so that we may live for Him.

**to win a copy of this book: please e-mail your name, address and book title to jenileerose@yahoo.com!

be WILD for Christ.

Women In Lifelong Development, or "WILD" women, is the author Debbie Alsdorf's theme for "Different Kind of Wild: Is Your Faith Too Tame?" Throughout the book Alsdorf walks the reader through many phases of spiritual development and demonstrates opportunities for being WILD in faith.

It is a fabulous read that inspires and encourages us to grow in our relationship with God, not only because it is something we are supposed to do as Christians, but how else will we discover what He has in store for our lives? God has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us, and Alsdorf does an excellent job discussing religion in a non-threatening way. Being a Christian is stereotyped as boring and filled with rules, when really it's adventurous and WILD! "Different Kind of Wild" is for those of you who are just starting out as Christians, yet also for those of you who have grown up in Christian households.

"Deeper" which is also by Alsdorf is equally inspirational, check that one out as well!

unrequited love.

Who doesn't love a book filled with weird characters? Ones that are outrageous, yet steady enough to relate to. I do, I do!

The beginning of "Menu for Romance" by Kaye Dacus, is set at the Vul de Ciel in Bonneterre, Louisiana, where our main chicky, Meredith Guidry is rather distraught by the fact that her thirty-fourth New Year's has arrived and she still has never been kissed. (You would be too). She's in love with a co-worker, (NEVER a good idea, but who can help it?) and he hasn't showed any return in affection in the past eight years, so she's feeling a bit hopeless. Our heroine vows that this year is going to be different! And it will, I promise you that.

It's a darling story of an unrequited love that may not be so unrequited after all!

Gunn, you got it going on.

As a girl, 14-15ish, I adored the Christy Miller Series by author Robin Jones Gunn. Then I went on to loving the Christy and Todd the college years. Yay for Gunn to come out with another amazing series, aka Katie Weldon Series. This chick has a knack for captivating readers and getting them excited for each fabulous upcoming book. "Coming Attractions" was no exception.

I honestly feel that I should not get into the specifics, I don't want to ruin it for anyone. Let just say this: took me one day to read, LOVED it. Surprised by the ending, LOVED it. I'd say it's the best of the series, hands down. Did I mention I LOVED it?

questions.

"The Sacredness of QUESTIONING Everything," just the title makes you want to rip it open, eh? We are all human, and humans tend to question everything from birth. Think childhood: "What's that?" "What does it do?" "Why is it doing that?"...etc, children are inquisitive to the point of annoyance. Let's go back to that shall we?

David Dark (author) is a fabulous writer. He is careful, and firm and writes in a way that readers can relate too. His book shows us that we should not be afraid to question anything, even things we have believed all of our lives. Just because we question it, does not mean we will not believe the same as we always have. It helps us look outside of the box. 

Dark is challenging and entertaining. Open it up, it's not scary, I promise!

Devotional Thoughts for Athletes!

I am not going to say that Lisa Harris' new devotional series is strictly just for the guys, they are designed with every sports fan in mind! "Power Up!: Links, Diamond & Outdoor" (they are three separate books), are really great! These devotional books combine the popularity and high interest of sports with enduring value of biblical principles. Using the language of sports to address real needs, challenge, encourage, and guide the reader toward a closer walk with Jesus and a better understanding of how to live for Him!

knit lit!

In the most recent addition to author Beth Pattillo’s “knit lit” series, the ladies of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society are reading and discussing some of the great fictional romances. This of course, leads to a debate. What is love to each of them!

They begin to focus on their own personal lives, and the issues they face, ESPECIALLY their relationships with men. We readers get the inside scoop on this extraordinary group of women.

Extremely entertaining and has something for everyone!

let go and let GOD.

We have all heard the phrase “Let go, and let God.” With this phrase in mind there is a lesson to be learned while reading the hilarious comedy “Never a Bride” by author Rene Gutteridge. I will let you figure it out for yourself, but TRUST ME, when you read this book it will be the most entertaining lesson you have ever learned!

Jessie, the heroine and star of the book, is a wisecracking, sarcastic gal that you definitely want to get to know!

Hollywood Car Wash.

Author Lori Culwell's recent novel, "Hollywood Car Wash" is light, fun, and an enjoyable ride! A fabulous story of a heroine's journey into the tempting, yet hellish, world of Hollywood stardom would seem rather trite for anyone who can pick up a tabloid or online gossip rag. Culwell weaves this story in such a way as to glorify the darker aspects of Hollywood, and in doing so, captures beautifully our heroine's confusion, heartbreak, and loneliness.

If you are into celeb gossip and like a good read, this book is for you!

the ULTIMATE self help book!

"The Principle of the Path" is a self help book for life. Author Pastor Andy Stanley shares with us his single guiding principle for success and serenity in life. He begins with a relevant story from his own life, explains the principle and then leads us toward implementing that truth in our own lives. Stanley's applications can be useful in our relationships, our finances, parenting and our careers.

The beauty of this book is in its simplicity, its ability to challenge us to stop and think about our choices and actions and whether they really sync up with truths we would call obvious. "The Principle of the Path" is a fabulous book and definitely worth the read, but it is only as useful as your own willingness to be honest and apply these simple principles to your life. 

Great book for the "20 somethings+"

oh, charity.

"Chasing Charity" is the follow-up to "Diamond Duo" in Marcie Gruver's Texas Fortunes series.

This is a wonderful romantic historical with a sweet story. Charity is left standing at the altar by her supposed to be husband as he leaves the church. Of course to make matters even worse, her best friend Emmy leaves the church right behind Daniel. (Yes, yes she did) So Charity loses her fiancee and best friend in the same moment. Crazy.

Life becomes a jumble as Charity and her mother move to town, while the oilmen drill on their land. Charity faces the shame of the betrayal of her friend, overcomes her bitter feelings towards oilmen in general and falls deep into love with a tall handsome stranger. Then we have Daniel back in the picture trying to win her back! Pffffff.

Very fun to read! :)

for the daddy's.

All you silly, silly fathers out there who honestly think that your daughters are going to LISTEN to you in the picking of their mates, good luck. But Voddie Baucham Jr's "What He Must Be...If He Wants to Marry My Daughter," is still a must read for every father; not only fathers with daughters.

Read this book with a heart to see what God says about marriage and preparing our children for marriage. There may be, depending where you presently stand with regards to dating and courtship and the like, things that are uncomfortable but I would pray you would take from this book that the future of our sons and daughters are to be important to us and that often times this may mean difficult decisions need to be made for their good. If we rely on God and His principles instead of the world's manner of things our families will be healthy and more God glorifying and they will then produce healthy and God glorifying families.

Basically, this book is more than what it appears. It has A LOT of good advice. Pick one up.

voted MOST POPULAR.

Angela Elwell Hunt is CRAZY popular in the Christian fiction world. In book number three of the Fairlawn Series she sticks to her style and does not let her readers down.

The humor in the series is as sharp as ever, most notably in the storyline about a woman who feels like her family consistently takes her for granted, so she plans her own `living funeral.' What a crazy broad, but hey, can't really blame her for wanting to hear the nice things people will say about her while she CAN still hear. It's proof positive of the author's talent that the humor in the character's vignette is wrapped around a very real pain - that overwhelming sense that we don't matter to the people who should honor us the most.

So, so, so good!

skeptical youth when it comes to our main man...GOD.

Ahhh, the great question. Did Jesus really die? If so, did he REALLY come back from the dead? Just because you've never seen it doesn't mean it isn't true. I know you've heard that on "The Santa Clause" movies at Christmas time. But we have some proof over here.

"Jesus: Dead or Alive?" by authors Josh and Sean McDowell is a great book for teens discussing the resurrection of Christ, and evidence! Gotta love evidence.

After almost four decades of ministry, Josh McDowell is still reaching millions of skeptical youth and adults. Through live events, such as "Why Wait?" "Right from Wrong" and "Project 911," he has touched the lives of more than seven million young people in 84 countries. To date, Josh has written or co-written 77 books on topics ranging from Christian apologetics to common problems facing youth, including the bestselling Evidence that Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter.

how the brokenhearted find peace.

"Singing the Songs of the Brokenhearted," takes a look into Psalms 6, 12, 13, 22, 32, 39, 42, 56, 69, and 73, author Bill Crowder explains how they reveal the truth about our own grief, despair, defeat, guilt, fear, desperation, hate, stress, unfairness, and sin. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,” assures the psalmist. In a pain-filled world, only God can heal our broken hearts.

This book is very helpful for those of you who are depressed in some aspect of life. You have recently lost someone close to you, your sins are taking over your life, and you cannot seem to find your way out. These Psalms will comfort and mend your soul.

If "Columbine" by journalist and author Dave Cullen were just a shot-by-shot account of the mass murder at a Colorado high school, this book wouldn't be worth a minute of your time. We all were alive in America on April 20, 1999 and are well aware of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold and how they shot and killed 12 students and a teacher, wounded 23 others, and then put their rifles to their heads and killed themselves. We've all heard the story of the girl who, seconds before she was shot, looked the killers in the eye and told them she believed in God. We've heard about the "Trench Coat Mafia" and the violent video games. We all know that Harris and Klebold were social outcasts who, angered by incessant bullying, decided to get even by staging the biggest massacre ever at an American high school.

What if all of that was not true? What if most of it wasn't? Personally, I hate the story of Columbine. It's sad, and makes me feel bad, and lets be real, who wants to feel bad? I wouldn't have even gave this one if I didn't hear that Cullen investigated the teens for TEN years, and found out things that were much more frightening then what we have been told.

There is much more to this story. I promise you.

*****IF YOU WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS GREAT BOOK, PLEASE SEND YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO jenileerose@yahoo.com

Bible Study Text.

In "Spiritual Mothering," author Susan Hunt provides a good example of how one can be a mentor no matter what stage of life you are at or what your gifted in. Encourages you to get involved in anther's life and be a godly influence. Presents a fully biblical and extremely practical vision for inter-generational ministry so that women of all ages can know the blessing of spiritual mother-daughter relationships.

Great for women's bible study groups/discussion.

Mysterious.

You gotta love sarcasm in a series, throw some mystery in there and you've got yourself "Deadly Charm" by Claudia Mair Burney. This book number three in the Amanda Bell Brown Mysteries series.

Forensic psychologist, Amanda Bell Brown, affectionately known as Bell, soon realizes after her marriage to Detective Jazz, she was emotionally and spiritually unprepared for marriage and this caused a strain in their relationship. Jazz left her when he found out she ran to the place she always felt safe; her ex-lover, Rocky. However, they remain madly in love with each other. Rocky invites Bell to attend a revival conference featuring the flamboyant and charming former television evangelist, Ezekial Thunder. Because of Thunder's checkered past, Bell reluctantly agrees to attend. When a horrible accident happens in the Thunder household, Bell suspects Ezekial's young wife, Nikki. Bell investigates to prove her suspicion is true. However, her suspicions don't stop there, she also suspects Nikki of being attracted to her husband. Drammmmmmaaaa!

Author Claudia Mair Burney is technically a Christian Fiction Author, but she doesn't preach, she keeps her morals, yet still has a good time. Love, murder, and God? I kid you not, take a look see into this series!