Healing Stones by Rue & Arterburn

This is the first in the Sullivan Crisp series. Crisp is a Christian counselor taking time for healing on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
The book opens with a woman being caught in adultery. The novel deals with the devastation this brings to her career (and the Christian college at which she teaches), her husband and her children. Crisp helps her work through her feelings while he himself faces his hurts.
This novel is very well written. With male and female authors, the characters are well developed and are "real." The problems encountered are very believable.
This book is great for reading group discussions. A group I am in had a lively discussion.

The Principle of Path by Andy Stanley

We all have dreams. We all want to get to that place where we will feel fulfilled. But how do we know we are on the right path? We’ve been hiking and taken a wrong turn, ending up somewhere we didn’t want to be. How do we find the right path to our destination?
Stanley says the same principles for hiking apply to life. There are paths with known destinations. We might think we are going in the right direction but the path will take us somewhere else. Some of us are stuck. We know where we want to be but we have no idea how to find and then stay on the right path. We might have the best of intensions but Stanley reminds us it is direction, not intentions, that determines destination.
Stanley says it is no surprise people end up where they do. It was evident from the path they were on. “Today’s decisions create tomorrow’s experiences.” Others can see where the path is leading. But we deceive ourselves as to why we choose what we do and why we’re on the path.
So, how do we choose the right path? Stanley says first we must know where we are. That means we have to be honest with ourselves. Next comes submission to God. Stanley offers three questions to apply to every option that comes our way.
1) Does this option violate God’s law? 2) Does this option violate a principle? 3) In light of the story I want to tell, what is the wisest thing to do?
Stanley advices we seek the counsel of others. If the results of our decisions are going to be seen by many people, why not ask many people to help us make them? We never outgrow the need for wise counsel.
What do we do when our dream is unreachable (either by our bad decisions or the decisions of others)? Some get mad at God. Some despair. Some panic and make more bad decisions. Stanley advises we trust God.

The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

“Our thinking creates a pathway to success or failure,” says Andrews. (p. 26) Our past choices lead to the present situation. You can’t say, “It’s not my fault.” Each one of use must take responsibility for where we are before we can go on. Our future is in our hands.
Andrews illustrates these truths through the story of David. He has lost his job. The credit cards are maxed out and he’s taken a second mortgage on the house. In the midst of all his discouragement, David has an automobile accident. While in a coma he takes an incredible journey.
He travels into the past and meets people like Solomon, Lincoln, and Truman. Through these people, David learns the secrets of a fulfilling life. Truman reminds David that “the buck stops here.” Solomon advises to “seek wisdom.” You’ll have to read the book to find the other principles that make up the “seven decisions that determine personal success.”
If you are tired of the traditional self help books, try this one. It is different. Written like a novel, it includes principles that will set you on a road to a fulfilling life.

Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers

Rivers is a prolific writer with many awards to her credit. This novel is a fine example of her writing. The plot involves a misunderstood grandmother reunited with her granddaughter. A side story is the university student who needs an elderly person for a project and is matched with the grandmother. The story deals with abortion, family misunderstandings, marriage outside of the faith and euthanasia. All of those topics take over 400 pages to unfold but reading the entire book is worth it. You will be encouraged by the possibility of forgiveness and restoration after decades of estrangement.

Higher Hope by Robert Whitlow

What might happen if a conservative Christian girl takes a summer clerking position at a high power Savannah legal firm? What would the conservative Christian do if she was required to work on a libel case against an outspoken preacher?
Such is the dilemma of Tami Taylor. She has had strict religious upbringing (has long hair and only wears long skirts or dresses). But that background is exactly what makes her the firm’s choice to work on the case against a woman preacher who speaks out the truth God has given her. The preacher has accused a builder of being a sinner and he initiates a libel case in return.
Along with Tami’s possibility of being asked to compromise her beliefs, she is being courted by two young men, one with the firm and the other a summer clerk like herself. While both a Christians, neither have her conservative views.
Author Robert Whitlow covers many issues faced by Christians who go into the legal profession. It made me wonder if a lawyer could maintain a firm Christian belief and be successful in his career. Thrown in is just a hint of romance. The romance is definitely only a hint because Tami is so conservative in her views of such relationships.
Whitlow is no Grisham. There is not the high drama nor the intense plotline one might find in other novels of the legal profession. It is the second in the series so you might want to pick up Deeper Water (book one) before you read this one.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

Do you want to be a person other people want to be around? The Noticer by Andy Andrews will help you become such a person.
This self help book reads like a novel. Jones is a person who “notices.” He notices things about people and situations that bring a new perspective to the situation, a perspective that brings the clear thinking needed to move forward. Jones gives people a view of their live that “allows them to regroup, take a breath, and begin their lives again.”
Jones helps those in a troubled marriage by explaining love languages (although Jones does not call it that). He helps a teen understand wisdom, the ability to see into the future, the consequences of decisions made now. His question to a young man: “I believe you should ask yourself every day, ‘What is it about me that other people would change if they could?’ This is incredibly important introspection.” Jones reminds him that if he wants other people to believe in him, it would be helpful if they liked him.
At the end of the book, people share stories of their encounters with Jones. It is apparent Jones showed up whenever someone special was needed.
Each of us has time on this earth to be used wisely. “Don’t squander your words or your thoughts.” Even the smallest actions have influence beyond measure.
This book is a quick read but the challenge it presents will last a lifetime. If you want to be influential, be a “noticer” and start by reading this book.

Against All Odds by Irene Hannon

While Hannon has written many romance novels (25), this is her first in the Christian market (I think). Monica's father is a diplomat in the Middle East. He is negotiating the release of hostages when the terrorists threaten to kidnap Monica (in the U.S.). The FBI is called in and despite their protection, she is abducted. The Christianity is clear and there is a vague salvation message. There was a bit too much romance for me but all in all, a good read and a good introduction for Hannon into the Christian fiction market. I look forward to reading more of the series.

Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

There is a Wal-Mart nearly every 26 miles. Even small communities have a Starbucks and a McDonalds. Chain stores have spread their sameness across the nation. How is a small business going to compete?
Scott McKain gives the little guy encouragement when he cites a Wall Street Journal article that says the Wal-Mart era is over. People are tired of all the stores looking alike. People want distinction. People perceive a business that stands out from others as one that offers a higher value.
McKain spends the majority of his book helping the reader set a plan for that distinction. You must have the passion to create a distinction for your business or you are doomed.
Scott goes against the established wisdom at times (he points out the errors in Good to Great). Paying attention to your competition is not the way to create distinction. You’ll will only create a business slightly different than your competition.
A business will create distinction when it has the characteristics that set one apart: unique product, best value for the price (not necessarily the lowest price), and dealing with customers in a manner unique to the industry.
Identifying these characteristics for a business require several steps. 1) Clarity. Who are you? How would you define yourself and your company? 2) Creativity. After you have clarified who you are, pick out an aspect of dealing with your customers and develop a difference. Don’t just do better what others are doing. Create something entirely new and unique. 3) Communication. Connect with your customers, exchanging information in a manner compelling and engaging. 4) Customer experience. The customer’s experience is to be the center of your work.
There is hope for the small business (or even large business) in a business flooded market. Scott McKain’s book will help a business to create that distinction that will make it stand out in a crowd and succeed.