I Have Seen God by Klaus-DieterJohn

About the book:

Dr. John was trained at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world – Harvard and Yale. Yet he did not choose the route of a lucrative medical career in private practice. Instead, he chose to care for the poor.

It had been his dream since a child, growing up in Germany. He met his future wife in high school. Martina shared a similar dream of becoming a missionary doctor. They got the best medical training possible and then set out to be missionary doctors.

Dr. John took his family to places like Ghana, South Africa and Ecuador, before settling in the highlands of Peru. There he founded Diospi Suyana Hospital, an adventure he tells in this book. (The name of the hospital means “we trust in God” in the Quecha language.) The ministry also operates a dental clinic, a school and a children's ministry in Curahuasi, Peru.

Dr. John believes the stories told in this book have the power to change lives. When a medical student, he wondered if God was real. Through the founding of the hospital, God has become very real to him and to the people who have heard his story. He hopes that when people finish this book they will be more convinced than ever in the reality of a living God.

My review:

This is an amazing book. Time after time we read of God's miraculous provision in building this hospital. Medical supply companies who don't give away equipment would end up donating machines worth tens of thousands of dollars. Someone else would donate the shipping costs and use of containers.

But Dr. John is honest about the difficulties too, such as surviving a carjacking and having to “pay” the police when rescued. Not everything in the construction process went perfectly. He writes of dealing with a corrupt construction company, times of burn-out and depression. Setbacks often turned into blessings. An example is the time customs confiscated and kept the projector Dr. John used for his presentations. That resulted in a new satellite dish for the hospital.

Even when the future looked dim, God would provide a way. After removing three million cubic feet of earth, a freeze on construction and a $700,000 fine was issued by the Institute of Culture (possible Incan artifacts in the ground). A miraculous meeting with the president elect's wife Pilar Nores de Garcia sent the notice to the trash can.

Reading this book is a great encouragement that God is a God of miracles – today. It is not a literary masterpiece but is a good account of God at work today. I recommend it.

To find out the latest news about the hospital, watch videos, and sign up for newsletters, go to the Diospi Suyana website.

I am taking part of a blog tour of this book and you can read other reviews here.

Dr. Klaus-Dieter John grew up in Germany. He met and fell in love with his wife, Martina, during his term as high school class president. The two bonded over their strong call to obtain medical degrees in order to serve the medical needs of the poorest of the poor. Dr. John began medical school in Germany, eventually completing his surgical training at Harvard and Yale in the U.S., as well as Johannesburg, South Africa. Martina was trained in both Germany and the U.S. and is a certified pediatrician in both countries.

Monarch Books (distributed in the U.S. by Kregel), 288 pages. You can buy a copy here.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Ordinary by Michael Horton

It is not fashionable for a Christian to be “ordinary” right now. We've been encouraged to be radical and revolutionary. We are supposed to transform our culture, change the world.

With all that hype, Horton wonders whether we have forgotten how to be a godly neighbor, parent, or co-worker. He writes, “...I am convinced that we have drifted from the true focus of God's activity in this world. It is not to be found in the extraordinary, but in the ordinary, the everyday.” (18)

He explores the long term Christian walk as opposed to the short spurts. He answers objections, reminds us excellence takes a long time, that ordinary isn't being passive and it is not falling prey to the latest reinventing of the church or Christianity. He covers a number of topics like revivals, ambition, “extraordinary” ministers and ministries, contentment, Christian “heroes”, and children in church services.

This is a book for the rest of us. He writes about being faithful to Jesus in an ordinary life. His book is dedicated to the Christians who cherish ordinary moments, “and to all those believers who consider their ordinary vocations in the world as part of God's normal way of loving and serving neighbors right under their nose each day.” (27)

He includes exercises at the end of each chapter that would be good for a small group to discuss and act upon.

This is a good look at how God, in general, grows His kingdom in the world. It is in the day by day interaction with our family, neighbors, and co-workers, not in the one time glitzy activity. Horton gets a little too theological at times for the lay person, I think. I found myself asking several times why a passage or topic was included in the book. Nonetheless, for those of us who have faithfully plodded to work each day, been Jesus to our family and neighbors, this is a very encouraging book.

Michael Horton is the author of over thirty books and is a professor at Westminster Seminary California. He also hosts the White Horse Inn broadcast/podcast, and is the editor of Modern Reformation magazine.

Zondervan, 224 pages.

Pound Foolish by Dave and Neta Jackson

About the book:

This is the fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series. This book intersects with book three in the series, Penny Wise. While each novel in the series can be read on its own, the characters' lives become intertwined and affect one another.

This novel explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows. He has traveled much and that has put stress on his marriage. Nicole has, in fact, noticed the handsome lawyer living at the end of their block. Then the recession takes its toll on the company Greg works for and he is out of a job. Listening to their prosperity teaching pastor, Greg has plans to start his own business, expecting God to bless him richly. But it doesn't work out quite as Greg had planned.

My review:

This is a well written book but was hard for me to read. Greg wants so badly to support his wife and children that he makes unwise choices. He falls prey to get rich schemes and alienates his wife and a few neighbors. My heart just went out to him. He was so convinced God would bless his efforts, all because a preacher had twisted some verses to make them say what he wanted.

My heart went out to Nicole too. She tries so hard to be patient with Greg, even when she knows he is making unwise choices.

There are so many financial issues covered in this book it is hard to know where to start. First is the whole idea of prosperity and that God wants people rich. That's the kind of church Greg and Nicole went too. Greg loved it but Nicole “searched the Scriptures” and was uneasy with the teaching. Another issue is God's leading and blessing when trying a new venture. Greg was sure each new venture was God's way of blessing him. He even prayed, trusting God to prosper him each time. But it was not to be.

There is also the issue of family leadership covered in the novel. Greg sees himself as head of the family, meaning he does not need to consult Nicole about anything, including finances. I'm glad a wise neighbor helped him out in that area.

The Jackson's have created a well written novel that deals with some serious financial issues. This is a great novel for men to read as much of it deals with Greg and his actions as husband and financial provider for his family. I am glad that in the end, Greg learns what it means to be penny wise and pound foolish.

Find out more about the book and purchase a copy here.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read more reviews here.

Dave and Neta Jackson, husband and wife writing team, are authors or coauthors of more than 120 books that have sold over 2.5 million copies. They live in the Chicago area, where this novel is set. Find out more at http://www.daveneta.com/.

Castle Rock Creative, 332 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

If You Follow Me by Pam Rhodes

About the book:

In the parish of Dunbridge, the news is out – Claire and Neil are engaged! And yet, almost before the celebrations have begun, Ben, the father of Claire's son,

appears back on the scene. He's keen to pick up where he and Claire left off.

As Neil reels in the face of Claire's confusion, Wendy seems to be there to provide support and comfort. Little does Neil know of Wendy's involvement in Ben's appearance.

Neil has little chance to ponder his love life as the whole weight of running the church and parish descends upon his inexperienced shoulders. His mother, Iris, who has never hesitated to share her opinions, has just moved to be near him. But Neil's time as a curate in Dunbridge is coming swiftly to an end. Where will he be going next and who will be going with him?

My review:

I have really liked this series. (This is the third one.) Neil has been a great curate. Even though he seems to be way over his head, God's grace and the perseverance of the Dunbridge people help Neil succeed. He has been hesitant at romance and this issue with Claire has thrown him for a loop. He's such a good guy, one just can't help but hope it all works out.

I love the people in Neil's parish. There's the elderly couple who tease each other but underneath that is an intense love. There are the bickering flower arranging women who, almost unbelievably, become friends.

There are ugly ones too, like James. He is a father who just does not understand his son and totally alienates him – to the point of the teen trying suicide. James is a domineering and disliked musician too. And then there's Wendy. What a conniving woman. She arranges to disrupt Neil's love life and then she is there to “comfort” him. Rhodes crafted her character so well I wanted to slap her.

What I like about the characters is that they are like people in any church. There are the ones who serve silently and there are others who demand recognition. There are some who go along with the others and some who demand their own way. There are people dying and there are babies being born. There's a little girl who saw an angel. The Dunbridge firemen even make one of those calendars to help out a single mom recovering from a destructive husband.

Right in the middle of them all is Neil, making his way as a man of God. Over the series of novels, he has matured and grown into his calling. He has found love. This latest book in the series is a delight, a joy to read.

Pam Rhodes has presented the BBC's Songs of Praise for many years. This is the third book in her Dunbridge Chronicle series. Find out more at http://www.pamrhodes.co.uk/.

Lion Fiction (distributed in the U.S. by Kregel), 255 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Final Trimester by Dianna T. Benson

Synopsis:

Paramedic Jodi Duncan recognizes the work of a serial killer before the Myrtle Beach PD even suspects a connection between the deaths of two pregnant women. Despite the vast differences in the two cases, Jodi urges Detective Nate Quigley to think outside the box. After digging deep into the separate investigations, Nate finds no evidence to support a serial killer theory, and he warns Jodi to back off police business, which only fuels her passion for the cases.

When a third pregnant woman is murdered, Nate is named lead detective on the case and works to link the deaths in order to unmask and stop the serial murderer, a disturbed man who believes God and the devil battle inside his head to bend him according to their wills. As he fights both voices, his interest fixates on Jodi when he discovers her obsession with ending his rampage.

Review:

I really liked this novel. It has all of the elements I like in a suspense novel. The plot is done well. It is very believable and could be something out of today's headlines. There is intense action from cover to cover. The suspense at the end is great. Just when I thought it would ease up, a twist and yet another level of suspense.

The characters are well developed too. Paramedic Duncan is a feisty woman. She is way ahead of the police in figuring out there is a serial killer at work. She also has some emotional baggage that gets her into a little trouble on her job. She is passionate about saving lives and is impatient when the police don't see it her way. Detective Quigley has some emotional baggage too. His unfaithful wife and son had died a couple of years ago. He is still coming to terms with it.

There is a little romance in the novel too, between Duncan and Quigley. They both have much to overcome. A future for them looks nearly impossible.

There is a good spiritual aspect to the novel too. Duncan and Quigley have issues with God. Before the novel is over, though, both have found renewed faith and trust in God.

Those who like suspense will like this novel. It is very well written and kept me turning pages as fast as I could until the very end. Benson is a new author for me and I will certainly be watching for the next book in the triplet series.

Watch the book trailer here.

Dianna T. Benson is an Award Winning and International Best-Selling Author. She’s the 2014 Selah Award Winner for Best Debut Novel, a 2011 Genesis Winner, a 2011 Genesis double Semi-Finalist, a 2010 Daphne de Maurier Finalist, and a 2007 Golden Palm Finalist. In 2012, she signed a nine-book contract with Ellechor Publishing House. She’s the author of The Hidden Son, her debut novel. Final Trimester is her second release. After majoring in communications and a ten-year career as a travel agent, Dianna left the travel industry to earn her EMS degree. An EMT and a Haz-Mat and FEMA Operative since 2005, she loves the adrenaline rush of responding to medical emergencies and helping people in need. Dianna lives in North Carolina with her husband and their three children. Find out more at www.diannatbenson.com.

Ellechor Publishing House, 424 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Look and Live by Matt Papa

This is a book about worship. We all worship something or someone. Papa wants to help us understand what we are to do with our soul's quest for worship and to know where we are to aim it. He awakens our hunger, then give us a vision of God – to see His glory.

He shares his own story. “I got a glimpse of Glory, and I was changed.”

I am impressed with this book. His discussion on idols is very enlightening and convicting. His teaching on sin clarifies that we don't “try harder” or “do better.” We change by seeing God's Glory. Papa shows how Glory is revealed in the Cross. I was surprised by his teaching on our having to adjust to the brightness of Glory, coming from the dimness of our own life and this culture. We have ADD of the soul, he says.

He has a good section on how we behold God's Glory. We must train our self to hunger after God. It takes time and it requires effort. It is using the spiritual disciplines and the means of grace. He also has an excellent section on what it means to “do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31) That section alone makes the book worth reading. His section on suffering makes so much sense I wonder why I've not seen it explained that way before. He covers other topics too, like missions, what happens when we read the Bible and our motivation for doing it, prayer, and meditation.

The title of the book comes from the OT story of the serpent lifted up. (Numb. 21) Using that example, we now look upon the lifted up Savior and live.

This is a good book for worship leaders and pastors understand more why we worship. The book helps all believers rediscover the call to fervent worship.

“Make your life one unflinching gaze at the glory of God,” Papa writes. “This is why you exist.” This book will get you on that lifetime path.

Food for thought: “An idol...is...anything that has replaced God as essential to your happiness.”

“If the gospel has not broken you, you have never really heard it.”

You can listen to Matt Papa's recording of the song “Look and Live” here.

Matt Papa is a minister and recording artist based our of Raleigh, North Carolina, where he lives with his wife and their three daughters. He serves as an artist-in-residence and worship leader at The Summit Church in Durham and is currently finishing a master's degree at Southeastern Seminary. Find out more at http://www.mattpapa.com/.

Bethany Fellowship, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull

This is a Christian Gothic novel set in Scotland and England in 1784. It centers on a family of Huguenots who had escaped France and moved to Luss, Scotland. Unknown to the Christian family, a Frenchman had vowed revenge on Rachel Aimee, mother of the family. She had rebuffed his amorous advances in France.

Years later, the evil Leon Picard has moved to England, pursuing his revenge. He convinces Lord Northon, deeply indebted to Picard because of gambling, to go to Scotland and bring Rachel back to Gatehaven. Lord Northon mistakenly woos the daughter, Shannon, and convinces her she is to be his wife. Against the wishes of her family, Shannon agrees to go with the Lord (and an escort) back to England to meet his family. What she finds there is a spiritual situation that quickly puts Shannon's life in danger.

An enlightening aspect of the novel for me was the attention to spiritual warfare. The novel is set in a time when spiritual warfare was little understood. Only clergy studied the Bible and laypeople had little understanding of issues like the devil and his work. Fortunately, Shannon's potential Scottish beau, Ian, insisted he go with Shannon, planning to study under a vicar in England. The conversations Ian and the vicar have reveal the level of biblical understanding the lay Christian had at the time. At one point Ian had to find a book giving word meanings (dictionary) to understand what he was reading in the Bible. Only wealthier people had such a book and a word like “abomination” was meaningless unless it had been explained in a sermon.

Although there is discussion of spiritual warfare, you'll not read of any casting out of demons or anything like that. Even though Ian becomes aware of spiritual warfare, oddly enough, neither he nor any of the characters actually engage in it. While we read about hooded figures meeting, I did not read anything that would have kept me awake at night.

The author says she has always been interested in genealogy and when she found that one branch of her family came from Luss, Scotland, and another branch included French Huguenots, she felt compelled to write about her ancestors. I trust she has done her research in making sure the way she portrays Christian belief and spiritual warfare at the time is accurate. We may think Christians of all ages have had an understanding of the Bible similar to ours today. This novel reminds us that study helps like dictionaries, concordances, and Greek study books were not available to the layman at the time of this novel.

Those who enjoy Gothic novels with a strong Christian theme will enjoy this one. Good and evil are definitely portrayed as is the ease with which one who is not adequately trained in recognizing evil can be drawn into it. I felt the end was rather anticlimactic and rushed. Other than that, an interesting historical novel.

Molly Noble Bull is a native Texan and a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville. Her novel, Gatehaven, won the grand prize in the Creation House Fiction Writing Contest 2013. She and her husband have three grown sons and six grandchildren. Find out more at www.mollynoblebull.com.

Creation House, 258 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Where Treetops Glisten by Goyer, Putnam and Sundin

Synopsis:

The time is World War II and the place is Lafayette, Indiana. The three novellas in this collection tell the stories of the Turner siblings.

In White Christmas, Abigail Turner is a Purdue student who also works at Glatz Candies. She meets Jackson Lucas on the city bus. He limps a bit, a result of polio when young. He's working at the puzzle factory, trying to earn enough money to help his mom and sisters and keep the family farm going. Abigail's sweetheart was killed at Pearl Harbor and she is in no mood to even think about romance. Then Jackson receives a foreclosure letter and he is sure there is no hope. Abigail finds herself sympathetic to Jackson's plight. Her father is a lawyer, and just maybe there is hope for the Lucas farm.

In I'll Be Home for Christmas, Pete Turner is back in Lafayette for a month furlough. He's done his fighter pilot tour and will be going back to fly transport after Christmas. Walking the streets of town, he's surprised to see a little girl looking into a shop window. She's too young to be by herself. A precocious girl, Linnie strikes up an ongoing, one sided conversation with Pete and he is able to return her to her home. He meets Grace Kessler, Linnie's anxious mother who has just found out that yet another day care person has told her she won't take care of the active Linnie any longer. Grace's pilot husband was shot down two years ago by the Japanese and she is in no mood to get to know another pilot, let alone the adult version of a boy who was mean to her when they were children.

In Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner (“Merry” as she was born on Christmas Day) is a combat nurse in the town of Nieuwenhagen, in the Netherlands. While she was still training in America, the man she thought loved her and would marry her had suddenly left for Europe. She is still deeply hurt from David's betrayal. She knew he had a German background but had know idea he would go back to Europe - to fight for the Nazis, everyone supposed. When she catches a glimpse of a Dutch man with the same eyes as David, she wonders.

Review:

This is a great collection of novellas for the Christmas season. Even though each novella is written by a different author, they seamlessly flow together. It was fun to have a mention of the other siblings in Abigail's story and later read about them in detail. Each of the Turner siblings is unique. Each has to find their own way in a war torn world. The character development is good, even in this short novella setting. I really liked little Linnie. What a precious child, even if she does talk nonstop!

We get snippets of what life was like during the war years too. The pain of loss comes through so clearly in Grace's life. She struggles with the possibility of loving Pete but the hurt of having already lost a husband to war is deep. And how does one celebrate Christmas when there is such tragedy happening all over the world? Can the Turner siblings find love in the midst of it all?

I really like the idea of centering these stories around popular Christmas songs of the era. That theme, as well as the character of the Turner grandmother, tie the stories together like a Christmas ribbon. This is a delightful novel for Christmas reading.

You can read an excerpt here.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book. You can read more reviews here.

Tricia Goyer is the author of more than forty books and has published over 500

articles for national publications. She and her husband live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. Find out more at http://www.triciagoyer.com/. Cara Putnam is the author of nineteen books and the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. She practices law and is a homeschooling mom. She and her husband have four children and live in Indiana. Find out more at http://www.caraputman.com/. Sarah Sundin is the author of the Wings of the Nightingale series and the Wings of Glory series. She and her husband have three children and live in northern California. Find out more at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.

Waterbrook Press, 360 pages. Please visit your local Christian bookstore to purchase a copy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of an independent and honest review.