Spoken From the Heart: Choosing Grace by Cheri Swalwell

God gave Swalwell the word “grace” for 2014. She thought the year would bring to light the grace she received from God. But it turned out to be also about the grace God wanted her to extend to others.

Swalwell shares her thoughts in a month of daily devotions, revealing the lessons she has learned from the experiences she's had. She found evidence of grace in the mundane activities of life like grocery shopping. She learned lessons like the individuality of her children, the importance of obeying nudges from God, seeing God's hand in all things and praising Him beforehand.

This is an encouraging devotional showing us that when grace is given, the blessings received are more than could be imagined. Swalwell's writing style is very personal. I felt like she was talking to me over the kitchen table. She inspired me to embrace the grace given by God and share it freely with others. Reading these devotions, I think, will do the same for you.

Food for thought: “When grace is given, it always multiplies.”

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Cheri Swalwell thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, and writer. She writes regularly for Book Fun Magazine. Her book, Hope During Heartache, is a compilation of stories of men and women and their finding hope in the face of the loss of a child. You can visit her blog here to read her many articles about life from a Christian perspective.

Spoken From the Heart, 120 pages. You can buy at copy here.

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

Live Smart by Dan Dumas

This is a good little book for high school and college students. It would make a nice graduation gift.

Dumas wants young people to be prepared for life and be intentional. He gives the tools they will need, with insights from his own life and the Bible. He writes about several principles regarding living life wisely. He encourages a fear of God, having a high view of Him and doing what He says. He recommends knowing the Bible, practicing prayer, and loving the church. He writes about submitting to authority with an emphasis on preparing to lead.

He continues on the subjects of serving others, seeking mentors, choosing friends wisely, taking risks, working hard, developing good character, fleeing sexual immorality, and embracing correction. He encourages young people to know the gospel well, to speak about it and defend it.

Why give a book like this to a young person? Dumas reminds us “that the way you live as a young person will make an impact on the way you live as an adult.” It's a good idea to have young people implement these practical life lessons early. Giving a copy of this book and encouraging them to read it is a good idea. It will help them build a gospel centered life as they benefit from the many practical ideas included in the book.

Find out more at http://www.livesmartbook.com/.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Dan Dumas is a teaching elder at Crossing Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He became a senior vice president and faculty member at Southern Seminary in 2007. He has served in a variety of ministry capacities in many local churches. He and his wife have two children.

Bethany House Publishers, 144 pages.

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

Planet Heal Thyself by Jordan Rubin

Rubin is concerned about a sustainable earth and our healthy eating. He shares his own story of being diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease. Facing a radical surgery, he turned to diet and recovered. That inspired the passion he shares in this book.

He explains why the planet needs to be healed and what he is doing on his organic farm in Missouri. He believes our bodies mirror the degeneration happening all over the planet. He wants to see that degeneration reversed, both in our bodies and on the planet.

Rubin promotes a healthy eating plan. He writes about sprouts, organic foods, composting, food allergies, and more. He warns about the impact of the use of fertilizers and pesticides, GMO foods, and gluten. He includes good information on the nutritional value of foods and the role of supplements.

I like his emphasis on permaculture, creating sustainability in this age of consumerism. He shares what is being done on his farm to prevent water run off and soil erosion. He also encourages purchasing foods in packaging that reduces the environmental impact on our planet and contributes to soil building.

That's just a part of all that Rubin has included in this book. His is a refreshing message in this era of fast foods and packaged foods. He really made me think about the foods I eat, their source, their packaging, and their effect on my body. I learned a great deal from this book, including the difference between “100% Organic” and “Organic.” That was a bit surprising.

I recommend this book to those interested in a healthier life and a healthier planet. You can find out more at www.PlanetHealThyself.com.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Jordan Rubin is a New York Times bestselling author, TV personality, motivational speaker, organic farmer and founder of Garden of Life, Beyond Organic and Get Real Nutrition. He resides in Missouri, California, and Florida. He and his wife have six children.

Destiny Image, 256 pages.

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

Jesus Called by Ray Johnston

What would happen is Jesus was truly the head of the church? What if church boards would ask of every decision, “What would Jesus have us do?” What would happen if each of us reconnected with Jesus and actually followed Him?

Johnston reviews the cultural shifts of the last seven decades, showing us how we have come to this place of “Christianity without Jesus.” He suggests that this coming decade could have a great impact for Christian faith. But there will be stiff opposition for the hearts of people. He explores the impressions people have of Christians and the church today, giving five reasons people are fed up with the church. Moving forward on a strong foundation will be necessary.

Johnston shares how Acts 2:45-47 transformed him and his church. He and his church saw their compassion unleashed. They minister to those near and far through sacrificial giving and loving action. He wants us to live with that same passion. He wants us to quit playing it safe.

This is a very encouraging book. He shares stories from life and the Bible to illustrate his desire for Christians and the church. It was so encouraging to read of adults to little children taking life changing steps of faith. Johnston includes many practical principles and steps to help us live that life of passion and compassion.

I am amazed at the story of Bayside Church. Pastors and church leaders who read this book will see a very different way of doing church. Rather than watering down the gospel, it is truly lived out.

I am amazed at the many individual stories too. Every reader will be encouraged, reading about people with passion and compassion for the Lord's work.

I recommend this book to church leaders and laypeople alike. Reading this book will give you hope for the future of the church. I do hope this book will receive good exposure and serious attention. It is a much needed message to Christians and the church today.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Ray Johnston has a background as a professor, speaker, writer, and founder of Thrive Communications and Thrive Leadership Conference. He is the author of the bestselling book The Hope Quotient and is the founding pastor of Bayside Church. He and his wife have four children.

Thomas Nelson, 208 pages.

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

Murder Comes by Mail by A. H. Gabhart

I really liked this mystery. It got off to a slow start as relationship foundations were established, but after that, the action was continuous through to the suspenseful end.

The setting for the story is Hidden Springs, a small rural southern town. The mystery begins when Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is driving a van of elderly women from his church to a play in the next town. As they approach a bridge, Keane sees a potential jumper. He manages to save the man, a man who says Keane will wish he hadn't.

Keane is a hero but the notoriety lasts only until photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail. The rescued man has escaped the psychiatric ward and Keane is convinced he is the murderer. The murders continue and it appears a serial killer is on the loose. Keane fears for the lives of those close to him. He must find the murderer before it is too late.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Yes, there are multiple gruesome murders but the writing style is laid back and easy going. I would almost describe it as calm, even though there is suspense in the second half of the novel.

I liked the character development too. There are a number of interesting ones in the town who help flesh out the story. Since this is the second novel in the series, the characters have back stories. The action in the first novel is pretty well covered in this one so it could be read alone.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a cozy mystery set in the south. The Christian aspect of the novel is essential even if it is rather subtle. All in all, a good novel. There is a reading group guide available here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels in a variety of genres. She and her husband live in Kentucky. You can find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Revell, 352 pages.

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

Unanswered by Jeremiah J. Johnston

Johnston is concerned that Christians have unanswered questions that are not being addressed in churches. Based on the thousands of questions they received at their Christian Thinkers Society, they found “that there was a significant divide between the topics normally discussed in the pulpit and the actual unanswered grass roots questions that existed in our congregations.” (55-6)

This book address the major categories of unanswered questions Johnston receives. He wants Christians to be thinking Christians, engaging in healthy discussions. The aim of the book, he writes, is to “equip the reader to speak in an informed and responsible way about the deepest questions that lie at the heart of our modern Christian faith...” (31)

The major questions he addresses: God's hiddenness and silence, Jesus' resurrection, suicide and mental illness, the lure of the paranormal, Christians knowing just enough of the Bible to be dangerous, and suffering. I was a bit surprised that no sexual issues were included in the list.

Johnston does a good job of addressing these issues. He uses examples from life and the Bible to illustrate his principles. He uses plenty of Scripture too. I liked his “engagement principles,” one of which was “shut up and listen.”

The book contains much good material to help Christians deal with their questions. Having been taught as a child that I was not to question my belief but accept it in faith, I really appreciate the attitude the author has. Reading this book would help many wrestle with their faith. There are some current social issues that are not included but Johnston has invited readers to email him at the Christian Thinkers Society with additional questions.

This would make a good book for a church education class. There are additional resources available for this purpose, such as a study guide and a DVD.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Jeremiah J. Johnston is a New Testament scholar, professor, apologist, and regular speaker on university campuses, churches, and conferences. He serves as the founder and president of Christian Thinkers Society, a Resident Institute at Houston Baptist University where he also serves as Associate Professor of Early Christianity. You can find out more at www.ChristianThinkers.com.

Whitaker House, 224 pages.

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

How Would Jesus Vote? by Darrell L. Bock

The title to this book may be a bit misleading. Bock admits he is not sure if Jesus even would vote. Jesus intersected little with politics except to tell his disciples to pay taxes. Perhaps a better title would be something about relating the teachings of Jesus and of Scripture to current issues.

Bock examines current political issues in the light of Scripture. The issues are complex and often simple conclusions are not possible. The values and teachings of Jesus challenge us to think deeply and not make snap decisions.

He covers a number of topics including racial conflict, economics, health care, immigration, gun control, foreign policy, war, education, sexuality, abortion, and more. He gives much background material on the topic and frequently includes statistics. He then looks at Scripture and gleans principles from it.

Many of these issues are not up for a vote, at least for we individual U.S. citizens. The emphasis of this book seems to be more in the area of engaging one another in discussion. These issues are very complex and frequently there is not a clear cut answer found in Scripture. On the issue of health care, for example, Bock admits that he has no concrete ideas how to fix the situation. He does present the biblical and moral values that tell us we should be better at caring for one another.

This would be a great book for a “current issues” discussion class at church. There would be much to discuss guided by principles from the Bible. It is also a good example of how one explores Scripture to find principles when engaging in a complex issue in our modern world.

You may be convinced you know how Jesus would vote on a particular issue. I suggest you read this book as you may find some surprises. I did on a couple of the issues, like gun control and health care. You won't find any definite supernatural answers to the complex issues of today but you will find lots of material to help you engage others in meaningful discussions about them.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Darrell L. Bock is Research Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He also serves as Professor for Spiritual Development and Culture for the Seminary's Center for Christian Leadership.

Howard Books, 272 pages.

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

Sins of the Past by Henderson, Pettrey, and Eason

This is a collection of three romantic suspense novellas. As is often the case with a variety of authors, I found that the quality of writing and plot varies. I'll give a short synopsis and evaluation of each novella.

Missing is by Henderson. John Graham is the police chief for Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was raised in Chicago and returns to the city when he is notified that his mother is missing from her retirement home. He joins forces with Lieutenant Sharon Noble to solve the case. I really liked Henderson's style of writing in this novella. I did feel the plot was weak, however, and I did not like the resolution. There is a great deal of very quick romance an no suspense.

Shadowed is by Pettrey. This story takes place in Alaska back in 1979 when the Cold War is still in full force. The plot involves a women's cold water swimming meet where Russians and Americans will be competing side by side. The top Russian swimmer is murdered and an American swimmer and a local boat captain try to solve the mystery. There is a pretty quick romance but it does involve character development I appreciated. There is also some good suspense. The plot is a bit dated with the Cold War and I wonder how many contemporary readers will understand the situation as well as older readers will.

Blackout is by Eason. This plot involves a current situation where a woman's life is in danger because of returning memories of an accident years ago. I felt the plot was a bit too complicated for this length of work. There is a mix of people from the past that influence the present. I think a longer work would have better set up all the relationships for a greater understanding of the current suspense. There is suspense and a quick romance and a resolution I thought a little unrealistic.

None of these novellas stood out as particularly excellent nor were they mediocre. Each one is a decent read of an evening. I would recommend this collection to readers who are not familiar with the authors as it is a good way to be introduced to them.

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels. Her books have won or been nominated for a number of awards, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, and the ECPA Gold Medallion. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois. You can find out more at www.deehenderson.com.

Dani Pettrey is the author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, Christian Retailing's Best Award, and others. She and her husband live in Maryland. You can find out more at www.danipettrey.com.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of several novel series. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. You can find out more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Bethany House Publishers, 384 pages.

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