Book Reviews

God Allows U-Turns for Women: The Choices We Make Change the Story of Our Life, compiled by Allison Bottke and Cheryll Hutchings (Bethany House 2006). This small, sturdy book is packed with inspiring stories written by women just like you, who have been transformed by the power of God’s love. If you’ve ever felt like you’re headed down a road you’d rather not be on, you’re not alone. God is waiting for you; He wants to turn you around in the right direction.

I’ve kept this book on my nightstand, savoring these stories that offer encouragement and support in areas such as relationships, health, finances, and life transitions. When we can read about how other sisters in Christ handled their various trials, it can give us ideas of how we can tackle our own. You can learn more about this series of books by visiting the following sites:

God Allows U-Turns Website
God Allows U-Turns Blog

And if you’re interested in sharing your own stories through writing, you’ve still got time to submit to the next God Allows U-Turns project in the works: The next deadline is July 30, 2006 for these upcoming titles:

• The Choices Couples Make
• The Choices Moms Make
• The Choices Families Make
• Medical Miracles

Visit the God Allows U-Turns website for further details:

God Allows U-Turns Website - Future Volumes

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

Another fab gift idea for a special sister in your life is Keri Wyatt Kent’s latest, Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life, (Jossey Bass 2006). A seasoned retreat leader, Kent knows what it’s like to be weary, exhausted from the constant noise of our culture. She wrote this book to show readers how we can focus on the Voice that matters, God’s whisper of love to us. “If we really are dialed in to that Voice, it will lead us to our purpose and a deeper relationship with God, which will bring us joy,” Kent says.

The author explains how listening is the central spiritual discipline that makes other practices -- such as prayer, worship and study -- transformational in Christians’ lives.
She shows readers how we can hear God by paying attention to three areas: the circumstances of our lives, both joys and struggles; the words of other people; and through spiritual practices of solitude, prayer and Scripture.

What better excuse to slip away from the mad rush of busyness than to learn to practice solitude?

Keri Wyatt Kent's Website

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

If you’re looking for a treasure to encourage a woman in any season of momhood, Soul Matters for Mothers (J. Countryman 2006) is packed with stories that pass along wisdom and hope. This lavender gift book has a textured cover, sturdy enough to survive a long, hot soak in the tub (I’m speaking from experience here!) Inside are 40 short chapters on relevant topics moms of all generations deal with today, such as blended families, caring for aging parents, teaching faith to our children, seeking forgiveness, and simplicity.

Here’s a book moms can enjoy reading for themselves, and it also makes a useful tool for group settings. Each section begins with three introductory questions that help relate the topic to your own life. Then there’s a quick Bible lesson that is designed to stimulate thinking and spiritual growth. Next is a real-life story by a mom who encountered a struggle and found God’s help and wisdom to get through it. This is followed by an action step for readers to take, as well as a prayer.

Having a book like this one can help simplify the task of leading small group discussions, Bible studies, Sunday school classes, and mentoring relationships. At the Soul Matters website, you’ll find a complimentary leader’s guide that covers ten of the topics in the book.

Soul Matters Books

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

For women who love to travel, Robin Jones Gunn’s Sisterchicks novels can transport you to another world. Her latest release, Sisterchicks in Gondolas (Multnomah 2006), is set along the dreamy canals of Venice, which Gunn says is “the city that Italy wears proudly like a diamond-studded broach on the cuff of her tall boot.”

From the very first page of this book, I felt like I was whisked away to the land of canals and chilled Italian gelato ice cream. I could actually hear the sweet sounds of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” being played by an Italian violinist every time I opened the book.

Not only is the setting magnificent, the characters are laugh-out-loud funny and captivating as well.

Jenna and Sue have been sisters-in-law for almost 30 years, yet their friendship has become tightly knit only in the last five. Both lead stressful lives at home in Texas, but an invitation to cook for a retreat in a restored Italian palace offers the perfect breather. You can sense their refreshment as they both seek God’s help for beginning a new chapter in their lives. I couldn’t get enough of this wonderful, faith-driven writing, and I’m not surprised at all that Gunn’s Sisterchicks series has sold over three million copies worldwide. I’m hooked!

Robin Jones Gunn's Website

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

If you’re a Christian believer, then you’re a Yahweh sister, and here’s a book that celebrates the joys of being a modern woman in the family of God. Divine Stories of the Yahweh Sisterhood by Michelle Medlock Adams and Gena Maselli (Legacy 2006) is like a delightful group hug. It’s filled with heartwarming stories, poems, prayers, and journal entries that can be used for personal reading or shared in a group setting.

Each chapter is followed by additional “godly goodies” that the authors hope will give you further inspirational insight in your walk with God. There’s a heart-to-heart section useful for group discussions and also a bonus section for the writer in you to add your own thoughts.

The authors say, “There is much healing that takes place through writing, so we hope you’ll take the time to journal your deepest hopes, thoughts, and dreams.” Each chapter is filled with ideas for deepening the fellowship among your Yahweh sisters. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, fun way to rev up your sisterhood friendships, you’ll treasure this book!

Yahweh Sisterhood Website

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

What Really Counts for Men: Your Guide to Discovering What Matters Most in Life and Letting Go of the Rest (Nelson Books 2005)

Here’s a book written just for men--an interactive guide that offers a fresh 21st-century spin on age-old Biblical truth. What Really Counts for Men tackles 22 areas of significance relevant to the life of a Christian man, such as God, faith, finances, health, prayer, and work. Each section includes thought-provoking questions, stories and scripture, all applied to the life of the modern man who feels the weight of the world on his shoulders.

For example, the introduction to the topic of worship says, “Conference calls. Home maintenance. Business travel. Llittle league games. Office politics. Modern life pulls you in a hundred different directions every day. The tyranny of the urgent can make it hard to zero in on what matters most…Worship is what God put you here for. This is solid joy. Life stretches you thin; worship fattens your soul.”

For busy men who only have a few minutes to read, the main points are bulleted at the end of each section--what matters most and what doesn’t matter--and there’s also a space for jotting down personal reflections. This book would work great for a men’s devotional or fellowship group.

You can learn more details here:

ThomasNelson.com

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

Cure for the Common Life:
Living in Your Sweet Spot
(W Publishing Group 2006)
by Max Lucado

How many of you have husbands or significant others who wonder what they’re supposed to be doing for the rest of their lives? Do your men dread getting up in the morning to go to work? Bestselling author Max Lucado offers hope for those wallowing in the doldrums with his popular Cure for the Common Life. He believes each person has a “sweet spot,” which is the place where our passions and talents intersect.

In this book, Lucado shares the statistic that 87 percent of workers are slaving outside of their sweet spots. They don’t find fulfillment in their careers. Are you one of them? Lucado’s book is filled with inspirational insight as well as practical tools for finding the cure.

He encourages readers to find their personal S.T.O.R.Y.--strengths, topic, optimal conditions, relationships and “Yes!” moments. This acronym originates with People Management Inc., whose theories helped Lucado discover his own talents. The "Sweet Spot Discovery Guide" contains detailed step-by-step exercises and practical tools for personal enrichment. This book would work well for an individual or as part of a group.

For daily inspiration from Max Lucado, visit his website:

MaxLucado.com

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

The Way of the Wilderking
(Broadman & Holman 2006)
By Jonathan Rogers

One of the best activities for encouraging interaction between a father and his family is through reading out loud together. Yet the hard part is finding a book that’s interesting for the adults as well as enjoyable to kids of different ages. Thankfully, the Wilderking trilogy, by Jonathan Rogers, will captivate anyone from age 2 to 102.

The series began with The Bark of the Bog Owl (2004), followed by The Secret of the Swamp King (2005), and concluding with The Way of the Wilderking--released last month. The author is a homeschooling father of six children, who started writing adventure novels as a way to teach his own sons about the virtues of courage and honor - in a familiar setting. The novels take place in the imaginary kingdom of Corenwald, which resembles the alligator-stocked swamps of the author’s native Georgia. The boy-hero Aidan embarks on a series of adventures as he prepares to become the new Wilderking in an epic tale which loosely parallels the life of biblical King David.

Along the way, he meets up with a lovable tribe of creatures known as the Feechies, and in this third book, our Feechie hero, Dobro Turtlebane, joins Aidan in the land of “civilizers” in true Crocodile Dundee style. Throughout the series, God is honored, as well as the role of fathers. The author says, “The father is very often missing in children’s adventure books. I wanted to make sure the father was a major presence in the Wilderking even though he couldn’t physically be there for most of it… the father’s presence in the rest of Aidan’s life made it possible for Aidan to be up to the tasks that were before him.”

You can read more about the Wilderking trilogy at these websites:

Wilderking.com or
Jonathan-rogers.com

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

The Embrace of a Father
(Bethany House 2006)
Compiled by Wayne Holmes

Another great book celebrating the role of fatherhood is Wayne Holmes’ newest The Embrace of a Father. In fact, the author has generously offered his book for this month’s CWO book drawing, so be sure to enter the contest. Following up on his successful series, The Heart of a Mother, The Heart of a Father, and The Heart of a Teacher, Holmes has become a master at compiling stories that encourage and inspire.

Our generation has become almost fanatical about reality TV, memoirs, and blogs--we enjoy seeing REAL people live out their dreams and walk by faith. In this book of 53 treasured narratives, you’ll laugh, cry, and be reminded of how powerful and important a father is to his family.

Holmes has blended a skillful mix of writers, including many well-known favorites, such as James Dobson, Rick Warren, Bruce Wilkerson, Phillip Yancy, and Kevin Leman. For busy men who don’t think they can take the time to read a whole book, these bite-sized slices of human drama will captivate them and remind them of their significant roles. What better gift could you give your man than to remind him he’s making a difference in the lives of those around him?

Wayne Holmes Website

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

In the Beginning,
There Were No Diapers:
Laughter and Learning
in the First Years of Fatherhood
by Tim Bete (Sorin Books 2005)

Rounding out my choice of favorite books for dads, here’s a book that’s funny; I mean REALLY funny. Award-winning humor columnist Tim Bete is the Dave Barry for parents of young kids, so if you like to laugh, then you’ll love reading this one.

As the current director of the University of Dayton’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, Bete knows that laughter is important for stressed-out parents. A new dad may feel like he’s the only one dealing with a particular burden or situation, and this book will remind him he’s not alone. In fact, he’ll enjoy the process more knowing that other men have been there, done that too (such as survived changing a baby’s diaper in the bathroom of an airplane).
The book is drawn from Bete’s hilarious column “Where I Live,” and the 19 short chapters offer an entertaining and uplifting view of parenting. The author lets you peek into his house and show you how he turns those moments of “Uh-oh” (the tooth fairy forgot to visit…) into moments of “Ah-ha! Close your eyes and she’ll leave you a surprise.” (It may even be money…or other unknown contents from a rapidly emptied pocket!)

Bete’s humorous outlook on life is not shallow; his writing reflects a deep faith in God, as well as an appreciation for the everyday joys of being a parent. Through reading these stories, fathers will better understand the challenges involved in raising a family of young children. Who knows? They may even be inspired to start penning their own repertoire of family mishaps and miracles.

Visit the author at:

TimBete.com

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

Grace in Thine Eyes
(Waterbrook Press 2006)
by Liz Curtis Higgs

I love it when a book whisks me away to another time and place; novelist Liz Curtis Higgs kept me spellbound off the coast of Scotland. I’ve come to love Liz through her poignant and humorous columns in Today’s Christian Woman magazine, and so I wasn’t surprised at all to see Grace in Thine Eyes on CBA’s list of bestsellers. Fans won’t be disappointed in her latest novel, which tackles the tough issues of betrayal, rape, and revenge.

No, this is not exactly light summer reading. But who says Christian women can’t handle the heavy stuff? Set on the Isle of Arran in the year 1808, Higgs introduces us to the stunning 17-year-old heroine, Davina McKie. She’s a gifted fiddler, though a childhood accident destroyed her ability to speak. To quell loneliness after her twin brothers leave for school in Edinborough, Davina’s father sends her to visit cousins on the island. One mid-summer night, she catches the eye of a dashing young Highlander, who seduces her, in a plot taken straight from Genesis 34. (You’ll scarcely begin the novel before you’ll feel compelled to read the true Biblical account.)

While preparing to write, Higgs visited the actual setting where the story takes place. She tells readers, “I found Davina’s bonny Arran amid the heather-carpeted hills, hidden beneath the midst.” (Oh, if only I could have squeezed into her suitcase!) The author immersed herself in the music, poetry, and cuisine of Scotland while staying in a restored stable behind Kilmichael House Hotel. In our modern culture of anything goes, I found the novel’s 19th-century moral values quaint and refreshing. The reader’s guide and Scottish glossary make this the perfect novel for book clubs. If only a field trip could be included with the reading!

Liz Curtis Higgs' Website

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

All in Good Time:
Real Life Organizing Strategies
for Christian Work-at-Home Moms
(By the Book Media 2005)
by Debbie Williams

An organizing book--in the summer? Yes, ladies. It’s not time to actually work, just time to think about working. Summer offers you the opportunity to be creative and dream. With kids home from school, your home office may double as the family project room (mine does), and you may find yourself knee-deep in clutter.

Where do you start? Organizing guru Debbie Williams explains how you can fulfill the calling God has placed on you in trying to run a home-based business. Unlike most books written on time management and organization, the author writes from a unique Christian perspective. For example, she quotes C.S. Lewis from his book, Mere Christianity, to inspire work-at-home-moms. Each chapter also contains a profile of a Christian businesswoman who operates a successful home-based business.

Williams begins each day with prayer, asking God to give her a servant heart, and she reminds readers that our heavenly father is our true Business Manager. “He has an aerial view of things now and to come and will guide our steps on a direct path if we but ask Him each day,” she writes. The book’s helpful techniques can be used by any home manager, including those who homeschool or volunteer in any aspect. I keep this helpful book right next to my computer.

Organized Times Website

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

The Secret Life of Becky Miller
(Bethany House 2006)
by Sharon Hinck

Hot off the press. This hilarious mom-lit book was released last month, a debut novel for author Sharon Hinck. I couldn’t wait to review it for you here, since I know you’re looking for fun books to pass the hours while you’re road-tripping or hanging out by the pool. Let me tell you--meeting Becky Miller was like looking in the mirror. Scary! How’d I end up in a book?

Here’s how Becky, mom of three, describes herself in the first chapter: “I was generally a positive person, but lately my goal to be a Wonderful Wife and Marvelous Mom had me frayed around the edges. I loved everyone under this roof with a passion and wanted to create a warm, nurturing world for them, but my self-esteem was chipped away a little more each day when I couldn’t live up to my ideals.”

As we enter Becky Miller’s world, we see how she copes with her hectic life as a stay-home mom dealing with never-ending crises--a sick child who needs surgery, a husband who was “downsized” out of his job, friends who don’t always think like she does, a church who needs her but doesn’t always show appreciation, and a perfect sister--queen of corporate success. To this mix, add Becky’s dreams to finish school and her desire to do Big Things for God. In the style of James Thurber’s Walter Mitty, readers can see what really goes on in her mind. Beyond the book, this red-caped author is active in the online community--coming soon to a blog near you. “Faster than a speeding minivan, able to leap piles of laundry in a single bound … it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Supermom!”

Sharon Hinck's Website

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

The Hidden Art of Homemaking:
Creative Ideas for Enriching
Everyday Life
(Tyndale House 1985)
by Edith Schaeffer

Here’s an oldie but goodie, originally published in 1971. It’s fresh on my mind because a friend recently asked if I’d read it. Oh yes. It’s one of those staples that should be on the bookshelf of every Christian woman. So if you’ve somehow missed it, summer’s a great time to catch up.

Do you feel like you’re an artist? God gave each of us creative talents to glorify Him. Schaeffer writes, “Whatever form art takes, it gives outward expression to what otherwise would remain locked in our mind, unshared.” She explains how God is the divine Artist, as we can see in Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork.”

The detailed pen-and-ink drawings throughout the book are captivating enough, but Schaeffer will help you realize how your talents can bring beauty into your world. Each chapter delves into one of the hidden arts, such as music, painting, interior decorating, gardening, flower arranging, cooking, writing, sewing, and recreational pursuits. I loved reading the author’s descriptions of her mother and what a godly influence she had on her. This book would make the perfect gift for brides to be or any woman who needs a refresher on how the ordinary can be transformed into the exquisite, when fused with the joys of creativity.

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

Dying to Decorate
(Howard Books 2006)
By Cyndy Salzmann

Though author Cyndy Salzmann claims to be domestically challenged, my mouth was watering from the very first chapter of her debut novel. When I read her recipes for “I’m-So-Sorry Snickerdoodles” and “Double Mocha Frappuccino,” I knew I was in good company with the "Friday Afternoon Club!" This group of six ladies gets together every week to share their ups and downs and bond over faith, motherhood, and chocolate.

One group member, Lucy, has been in a slump of depression, while grieving the recent losses of both her husband and mother. She discovers that she’s inherited an old family homeplace, Locust Hill, which was built before the Civil War. Yet the empty mansion is rumored to be haunted and echoes with mystery.

To cheer Lucy’s spirits, the FAC girls plan a field trip to spruce the place up. While there, they unlock secrets from Lucy’s ancestry, taking readers on a fascinating journey through American history. Packed with recipes, this book will remind you of the joys of friendship and laughter. I’m ready for the sequel!

Family Haven Ministries

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

Watching the Tree Limbs
(NavPress 2006)
by Mary E. DeMuth

I confess I knew a little about this novel since I’ve read Mary DeMuth’s nonfiction book, Building the Christian Family You Never Had. Set in the small East Texas town of Burl, nine-year-old Mara has a story to tell. All alone in the world, she’s not sure of who she is or where she came from. Her Aunt Elma doesn’t seem to want her around, and Mara longs to have someone to talk to.

Desperate for friendship, she finds herself taken advantage of by a neighborhood boy, leaving her scarred with shame. She clings to the hope that one day she’ll find courage to stand up for herself and break free from her pain. Thankfully, she meets up with Camilla, and the two share a love of Nancy Drew mysteries and playing detective.

The plot is thick with mystery, and I couldn’t put this book down. I longed to know Mara’s secret past and how God would heal her from tragedy. Through the quiet faith of Zady, the housekeeper in the mansion where Mara goes to live, God’s love becomes a healing salve to Mara. As an added bonus, Zady generously shares her prized cache of recipes with us. (Girl, can she make some black-eyed peas and sweet potato pie!) The book also includes discussion questions, annotated resources for those who need healing from past abuse, and a sneak preview to the next book in the series.

Relevant Prose

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

Connecting With Your Kids
(Bethany House 2005)
Timothy Smith

Do you feel like you’re always in a hurry, shuffling your family from one event to another? When was the last time you played make-believe with your preschooler or hung out with your teens? If you feel like your family’s pace is in the fast line, life coach Timothy Smith has some solutions for you.
Smith uses the analogy of a runner finding the right pace, which he calls “discovering your heartprint.” The four types of heartprints include the cruiser, the walker, the runner, and the biathlete. When members of your family run at different paces, you can see how difficult it is to make progress and move forward together.

This book teaches you how to find the right pace for your family - and also how to slow down and relax together. What really matters is that we introduce our children to a relationship with Christ - even if they don’t become Olympic athletes, Carnegie-hall-bound musicians, or academy-award-winning stars. Connecting With Your Kids is perfect for group discussions because it includes “Parent-to-Parent” and “Parent and Child” questions at the end of each chapter. This would make a great tool to use in a Sunday School class or group study.

Parents Coach

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

A Woman’s Guide to Good Health
(Revell 2006)
by Carrie Carter. M.D

I love the subtitle to this book: “Overcome Stress, Enjoy Exercise, and Achieve Weight Control.” Aren’t all of us struggling in these areas? As women, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, yet learning how to take care of ourselves first will ultimately help us have more to offer those we love.

According to the author, reducing stress is the most crucial factor in creating a healthier lifestyle. Too much stress sets many other negative actions into motion. Carter offers hope through the words of Jesus in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Although she was a board-certified medical practitioner for 16 years, Carter discovered she had a chronic illness a few years ago that forced her to drastically change her lifestyle. Therefore, she writes with compassion for those who also struggle with imperfect health.

Through charts and easy-to-understand visuals, Carter focuses on proper nutrition, weight management techniques, and preventative maintenance. Best of all, she writes like a real person, infusing personality and humor into every information-packed page. The compact size fits easily into a purse, offering women the ability to improve their overall health one step at a time.

Carter on Health

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather's monthly column--Book Buzz

________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

The contents of this website are the copyright of either the individual authors or Christian Women Online Magazine and can not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.

Christian Women Online is produced by
Spilt Milk Publishing, Words that Nourish the Soul
a division of Art Bookbindery
________________________________________________