The Telling by Mike Duran

As a child, Zephaniah had a gift. Some might call it a word of knowledge. He called it the Telling. When God chose, Zephaniah could see the future. His mother had taken him around to churches, drawing crowds and taking in the offerings. His mother had died while he was still young. He father had remarried … a crazy woman.

Now, years later, Zephaniah lives in seclusion in a small town at the northern fringe of Death Valley. He is alienated from his father and he bears the hideous facial scar he received from his stepmother.

Endurance is a town near abandoned mines, one of which legend has as the mythical ninth gate of hell. Strange things have gone on near that mine.

Zeph is called in by the police to identify a body. He is startled to find out the face of the dead being is his own but the rest of the body is strange. The legs are leathery, almost reptilian. Who is this creature?

As Zeph tries to understand what is happening, more of the ghastly creatures appear, taking over humans, feeding on the dark parts of their soul. It appears Zeph is the only person who can seal up that gate of hell and prevent the demons from taking over the town. But he has rejected his calling and turned away from it. Will God still use him?

This is a pretty good tale of good and evil. Zeph was scarred by his stepmother but was scarred even more deeply in his soul. Bitterness towards his father is the darkness the demons can feed on. If he doesn't deal with that, he will be consumed like the others.

My favorite character in the novel is the spunky Tamra. And there is Tamra's grandmother, Annie, a godly woman who is determined to not let the evil consume the town.

There are perhaps too many quirky characters in the novel. At times I felt they confused the plot. I felt that these other characters frequently took the responsibility off of Zeph. I think a fewer number of characters would have emphasized Zeph's spiritual struggle all the more.

Nonetheless, this is a good novel in the spiritual science fiction kind of genre. It reminds us of the spiritual warfare around us and it made me wonder again, just what is the government up to in those experiments in the desert?

Mike Duran is a blogger, speaker, and freelance writer. He is the author of The Resurrection. An ordained minister, Mike lives with his wife and four grown children in Southern California. You can learn more about him and his writing projects at www.mikeduran.com.

Watch a video here.

Realms (a division of the Charisma House Book Group), 303 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Passages by Brian Hardin

Son of a minister, Brian was determined not to go into the ministry. He got involved in the recording industry but the company he was with went bankrupt. He became aware of the emerging podcast technology and God called him to podcast the Bible, and the Daily Audio Bible was born.

Brian thought the podcast would be a temporary project but saw it grow into a community. He realized he was entering the ministry and that he was passionate about it.

Brian is very passionate about reading the Bible. He found it “reveals who you really are and illumines a path that you are created to walk.” (29) When he had completed his first full reading through the Bible, he realized he had been transformed.

He presents this challenge: “If you will commit yourself to spending every day in the Bible for one month, you will notice something shifting inside. If you'll do it for three months, you'll feel as if major places in your heart are coming back to life. It you'll stick to it for a year,you will have been transformed from the inside out.” (27)

Brian is convinced that if you read the Bible every day, everything will change (although it may not be the way you'd think).

Brian investigates why we don't read the Bible and counters with the benefits and blessings when we do. He shares how the Bible was meant to be read (story, context, etc.) and experienced (imagining ourselves in God's story). He gives many examples of how reading the Bible has changed others. He reviews many ways of interacting with the Word such as lectio divina and listening to the spoken word. He has included several Bible reading plans at the end of the book.

Brian makes some big claims for his project. “It's become one of the greatest ecumenical movements of our time.” (80) “At the Daily Audio Bible, no matter where you may physically be on this planet, you don't ever have to be alone again.” (90) As an older person, I would not agree that an individual connecting to others via digital media actually changes being alone.

Brian Hardin is a speaker, photographer, record producer and an ordained minister. In 2006, he created the Daily Audio Bible, an online podcast that now delivers 1.5 million downloads a month. He has produced over 150 albums and works with artists and the arts extensively. He is married to Christian musician Jill Parr.

Visit www.dailyaudiblebible.com.

Zondervan, 217 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Hidden in Dreams by Davis Bunn

In this sequel to Book of Dreams, several people from all over the world are having the same terrifying dreams. The dreams predict severe economic times ahead.

The dreams have come to the attention of an executive with a cutting edge drug company. The company is about to release a new drug for treating ADHD. The drug is revolutionary and effective. There is only one problem. One of the test subjects taking the drug has been having the troubling dreams. The company must have the dream issue cleared up before they announce their revolutionary drug.

Dr. Elena Burroughs is asked to help figure out how the dreams are happening and what can be done about them. Then she starts having the dreams as well.

Elena goes public about the dreams, at the drug company's request. Then the economic situation and Elena's world falls apart. Her life, and the lives of those she loves, are in danger.

Unfortunately, I don't think this novel is as good as the first in the series. This plot is very complex and I felt at the end that some of the loose ends were not sufficiently tied up.

Christianity is well presented as Elena and her “boss” are strong Christians. There is a character initially opposing Elena who is not a Christians, so the contrast is well developed.

Bunn is a good writer so the book reads well. However, at the height of the action, when all seems lost for Elena, the calvary came to rescue her, so to speak. That was unrealistic, I thought.

This is a good read, but is not the best I've read from Bunn. There is a Reading Group Guide at the end of the novel.

Davis Bunn is the author of numerous national bestsellers in genres spanning historical sagas, contemporary thrillers, and inspirational gift books. He and his wife are affiliated with Oxford University, where David serves as writer in residence at Regent's Park College. You can find out more at www.davisbunn.com.

Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster), 238 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

One Big Thing by Phil Cooke

Do you know what you were put on this earth to accomplish? One Big Thing is the quest to find your purpose and then get your voice heard.

Cooke advocates living life strategically, living life with purpose, intention, and ambition.

A few people have known their purpose all their lives, others discover it in a sudden insight. The largest group discovers it through a progressive experience. Cooke walks us through the process of narrowing down and finding that one thing to do well. There is no easy way to find your One Big Thing. But there are questions Cooke asks to help you on your quest. What comes easy to you? What do you love? What drives you crazy? What do you want to leave behind? (It is not as simple as just answering those questions. Cooke adds lots of issues to consider.)

Discovering your one thing will make you passionate and people will respond to that passion. “In today's hyper-competitive, distracted, cluttered, ADD culture, the best way to get noticed is to be incredible at one thing. (37)

Your one big thing must express who you really are, reflecting your values. He gives some suggestions for understanding your personality. Cooke also adds a section on overcoming adversity.

Cooke's parting words: “Millions of people spend their lives in the pursuit of nothing, but you have chosen the great adventure. Go. Seek it with everything you have, and don't look back.” (171)

I have read a ton of these kinds of books yet I was impressed with this one. Having recently retired, I was ripe for working through Cooke's quest and find my One Big Thing. And I think I did! Like any other book of this style, reading it through and truly paying attention to what Cooke has said can really make a difference in your life.

Phil Cooke is an internationally known filmmaker, media producer, speaker, and author. Through his media production and branding company, he's helped nonprofit organizations and leaders in the world engage and influence today's culture. Check out his daily comments on faith and culture at www.philcooke.com. Cooke and his wife live in Burbank, California.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 183 pages.  Go to the publisher's product page to see a video about the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of this review.

The Mormonizing of America by Stephen Mansfield

Mormons make up only 2% of the U. S. population yet their influence is much greater than that number would indicate. Mansfield explores why their impact on America is so great. He says they have achieved their influence on two fronts: the secular success of the “Mormon machine” (the earthly benefits of religious requirements) and the appeal to hurting people.

Mansfield describes the engine of the machine.

Number one is Progress. This life is like an obstacle course a Mormon must master to qualify for what comes in eternity. Achievements become a religious value.

Number two is Family. It is an eternal institution. Families who qualify will rule in eternity, even as the Heavenly Father rules this world with his family.

Number three is Education. Knowledge and intelligence in this life is an advantage in the world to come.

Number four is Patriotism. The U. S. has an ordained destiny. The Garden of Eden is in the U. S. and is the spot Jesus will return to earth.

The vulnerable aspect of the Mormon Church is its history. The church makes assertions about history and earthly events. They are subject to historical research, scientific and medical testing. It is not a challenge the leadership or the average Mormon is prepared for, Mansfield says.

For example, the Book of Mormon says horses were brought to the New World (America) thousands of years before Columbus arrived here in 1492, finding none. The same is said about pigs, sheep, cattle and donkeys, that they were brought here in 25000 B.C. It also says American Indians are descendants of the “lost tribes” of Israel (although DNA evidence indicates otherwise).

Mansfield writes, “The truth is that when all of the research is considered, there is precious little scientific or historical evidence that Book of Mormon claims are historically true.” (177)

So why don't Mormons leave the faith? He says most Mormons are not primarily interested in scholarship. They are taught to seek a feeling of confirmation, an “inner knowing” that trumps objective evidence.

He goes on to write about the importance of the restored priesthood, the squishy nature of Mormon belief, and the odd nature of Smith's revelations. He also reviews the history of the religion and has a section of their beliefs. Their beliefs do change as new revelation is given, such as the recent “revelation” that allowed black males to the priesthood when before they were a cursed people.

This is by no means a definitive study of the Mormon faith. Mansfield's aim is to explain how a religion with such a troubled origin and such questionable beliefs can be so influential in America. He has accomplished that very well.

This would be a great book for anyone wanting an introduction to the Church of Latter-Day Saints and wanting to understand how the church has become such an accepted part of American culture.

Go here for Mansfield's blog, biography, a video and other information.

Go to the publisher's product page to read the first chapter and listen to an interview.

Worthy Publishing, 288 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Quiet by Susan Cain

Are you an introvert? Studies show that at least one third and possibly one half of people in America are introverts. In our extrovert happy culture many pretend to be extroverts when they are not. There is a stigma attached to being an introvert so they pretend to be the ideal gregarious and outgoing person. Most of the institutions of contemporary life are designed for extroverts. So it may be difficult to accept that introversion is an essential part of who you are.

Susan looks at our extroverted society and how we got here. She visits three examples of our Extrovert Ideal: a Tony Robbins seminar, a class at Harvard Business School, an influential mega-church. She examines introverts and creative thinking, lone workers and expertise, and “groupthink.” She also looks at brainstorming (it's ineffective), jury trials, and elections. She explains the biological difference between introverts and extroverts. She looks at other cultures to see if all prefer extroversion.

She ends her book with some practical skill for extroverts and introverts alike. She encourages her readers to stay true to their personality, no matter what type they are.

What a great book. I realized I am a “pseudo-extrovert.” I am an introvert who learned to act as an extrovert because of my career and because of what I considered important. I found that pretend extroversion can be learned – even in grade school – growing into the role so that it becomes natural.

I liked her comments on the state of evangelical Christianity. “If you don't love Jesus out loud, then it must not be real love.” (70) She appreciates worship services that leave time for silence and contemplation.

I was encouraged by her discussion of solitude leading to exceptional performance. She quotes studies showing that group brainstorming doesn't work. (87) No wonder I like to work alone! Multitasking is a myth. “Scientists now know that the brain is incapable of paying attention to two things at the same time.” (85) No wonder I like it quiet when I study!

Susan's message is, “So stay true to your own nature.” (173) Honor your own style and don't get swept up in the prevailing culture.

Susan Cain is a writer and has taught negotiation skills at corporations and universities. She practiced corporate law for seven years. She lives in the Hudson River Valley with her husband and two sons. Visit her website at www.thepowerofintroverts.com.

Susan Cain bio and video on TED.

Read an excerpt here.

Crown Publishers (a division of Random House), 333 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of this review.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

This is the third novel in a series by Tate. If you have not read at least one of the books in this series, you may be confused by the characters and the story line. I've read one but it was so long ago, I'd forgotten most of it. Unfortunately, Tate does not provide any catch up review to get readers up to speed if they've not read the others. This novel centers on broken dreams and God working humility into people's lives. Several of the characters who come back to Hope Springs for a funeral (and other family events) have a history of relationships with one another. As the novel progresses, more inter-relationships are revealed and the story line gets very complex. One major issue dealt with in the novel is the notoriety that comes with being a successful conference speaker. I was very disappointed in how speakers at a successful women's conference were almost worshiped. I hope that's not how it really is. The lesson in humility comes when an aspiring speaker is told she is no longer needed after only one conference. She eventually learns how God is molding her through the experience and that was very realistic. There are two churches in Hope Springs, one white and one black. Much of the novel revolves around families in the churches who know each other and have been friends for decades. Issues touched upon in this aspect of the novel include the possibility of the two churches worshiping together. Another is how families reacted when a white fellow got a black girl pregnant a generation ago. I have a few issues with this book. I had difficulty remembering who was white and who was black. There are lots of people, lots of names, and I had to keep reminding myself who was who. Tate has not added much descriptive material (such as blue eyes, or so, something that would again remind the reader she was talking about a white person). Some of the relationships bothered me. The white fellow who had gotten the black girl pregnant goes on to be come a preacher, hiding his past. I didn't like that at all. There was another relationship where a fellow is renewing his relationship with a girl he was attracted to as a teen. But his divorce is not even final yet, and that bothered me. I certainly have mixed feelings about this novel. Tate is African American and her writing is aimed at a southern African American audience, I think. This Pacific Northwest white woman may be reading from such a different perspective that I had difficulty enjoying the novel. Kim Cash Tate has written three previous novels and a memoir. Formerly a practicing attorney, she is the founder of Colored in Christ Ministries. She and her husband have two children. I am taking part in a blog tour.  See what other reviewers are saying:  LitFuse tour. Nelson, 336 pages.  Please visit your local Christian bookstore to purchase this book. I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Legacy Road by Graham Garrison

Wes is a graduate student being pushed my his history professor to reconnect with his father. The father who abandoned the family when Wes was young. His father has letters from the Civil War and Wes needs them to complete his history paper. Wes tries, but it is hard for him to forgive all the pain his father has caused.

Emmy Stewart is the nurse Wes is dating and is ready to marry. But Emmy has her own past to content with. When a teen she unknowingly caused the death of her old boyfriend. His parents have never forgiven her, even though she has been asking for it for ten years.

Wes and Emmy work on their issues, their individual ones and their relationship together. At times it looks like there is no hope for a future together. Wes must learn to forgive and Emmy must learn to move on even when not forgiven.

This novel is set against a history class on the Civil War. I was lost most of the time about the references to battles and characters. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I'm about as far from those historic battle fields as you can get. The scenes lacked description so it was nearly impossible for me to picture the landscape anyway.

I rarely think a book is too short but this one was. I kept feeling that there was a story in the background that I just wasn't quite getting to. There were references to the history professor's son as an important element yet we do not learn what he means to the story until near the end. He hovers over the story as someone important but you don't have a clue why for most of the book.  (Elsewhere, this book is identified as a sequel.  Nowhere on the cover, or in the book, is that stated!)

There is a lack of descriptive passages. The writing is very tight. One goes through a scene and I would feel like I missed something, just because the scene was not fleshed out.

The story is developed from the various character's viewpoints. The history behind the current story is not revealed in chronological order. Because of those two issues, I think, I never really connected with the story. I never connected with any of the characters.

Then end of the story comes fast, much faster than the rest of the story. It just didn't seem to fit the style of the rest of the book.

The strength of this novel lies in its investigation of forgiveness. Almost every character had an issue with it. Some needed forgiveness while others needed to forgive.

Graham Garrison has published articles in several newspapers and magazines. This is his second novel. He and his family live in Georgia.

Kregel Publications, 215 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.