Abomination by Colleen Coble

I just finished reading Abomination by Colleen Coble. This is the first time I have read one of Coble’s books however I plan to read more of her writings in the future.

Abomination is a mystery, suspense book about an elusive serial killer. I read this book in a day (actually I read it in about 5 hours or less) – a definite page turner. The only thing that is driving me crazy is the typo on page 38! Ok, I know it isn’t a big deal but the typo (a name) reveals part of the story a little earlier than intended … While I had guessed it at that point, I was shocked to see the slip up. Sorry I had to get that off my chest. Otherwise it was a well written read.

So if you are looking for a suspense book to read that won't give you nightmares at night (at least it won't me) give this one a read.
 

Non-Fiction and Studies

This is my attempt at a condensed post on Non-fiction books and bible studies I have liked. I will state if you are interested in me posting on Bible commentaries and aids please let me know and I will do so. (You may want to check back at this post from time to time and see if I have added a new book as I am doing now). 

C.S. Lewis - Narnia Series, Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, Till We Have Faces
I loved the Narnia Series! I did not read the series until around 4 years or so ago and bought it in a $20 paperback that had all of the books in it, in reading order. Fantastic! Mere Christianity I read several years ago and I remember really liking it. The Great Divorce was a wonderful, imaginative book on Heaven and Hell. Till We Have Faces is an intriguing book on the struggle between true (agape) love and our own human love that doesn’t come close.

Oswald Chambers – My Utmost for His Highest. This is one of my favorite devotionals filled with so much wisdom and insight.

James MacDonald - LORD CHANGE MY ATTITUDE, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE (see previous post).

Beth Moore – Let me clarify that I am talking about the Bible studies and not the books here. I have loved doing her studies… Beth brings so much energy, insight and wisdom in her studies. She has a gift for making the Word come alive. A few of my personal favorites of her studies are: Daniel; A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place; Believing God. I have done almost all of her studies and would recommend them to you.  For those of you who think the longer studies sound overwhelming try starting with her study called Living Free (it is a mini version of Breaking Free). 

John (and Stasi) Eldredge - Wild at Heart, Waking the Dead, Captivating. I have really enjoyed reading Eldredge’s books; they are well written and insightful.

Joanna Weaver - Having a Mary Spirit (see previous post).

John MacArthur - 12 Ordinary Men. It has been a while since I read this book but I remember really liking it.

Francis Chan - Crazy Love. I thought this was a great book… really helps you do some looking in the mirror and thinking. Crazy Love encourages you/The Church to not be lukewarm and to show the world what it will consider to be Crazy Love, the kind of love that Christ shows us.

David Nasser – A Call to Die. A wonderful 40 day (or however you break it up) journey on fasting from the World and feasting on God. Looking at and learning what it means to follow Christ.

Max Lucado –  Grace for the Moment. I had this as a journal/devotional book and it was wonderful!

John Ortberg - The Life You've Always Wanted (This was not on my original post.  A friend just jarred my memory.)  I actually listened to this book on cd back when I had some long drives (6 or 7 years ago).  Any way I wish I could remember more to tell you other than I liked it.

Kay Arthur – How to Study Your Bible. A great book. Kay leads you through how to study your bible using the Inductive Method.

Lee Strobel – The Case for Faith and The Case for Christ. I enjoyed reading these books and going through the journey Strobel went on in questioning Faith and belief in Christ.

Josh McDowell - The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict Fully Updated To Answer The Questions Challenging Christians Today.  I haven't read through all of this book yet, even still I highly recommend it!

The Purpose Driven Life – Rick Warren. I thought there were some good take away things from this book. It is not a personal favorite of mine but it is worth a read.

John Piper - Don’t Waste Your Life. I read this book a while back but I know that I thought it was really good. It is about living a life that counts, living a life to the glory of God (now).

Don Richardson - Eternity in their Hearts. The title and idea is taken from the verse in Ecclesiastes and from real life occurrences that God has prepared people around the world for the message of Salvation, by setting eternity in their hearts. I think it is a good read – the stories are fascinating. However I think scripture at times may be used out of context to try to prove his point.

Steve Gallagher -  Irresistible to God

Elisabeth Elliot – Passion and Purity, Quest for Love. I read both of these books a while back but I remember really liking them. The personal life testimonies of Mrs. Elliot and other couples left a deep impression upon me.

Debby Jones and Jackie Kendall - Lady in Waiting. Another book I read many years ago that I remember thinking was a great book to read.

Tommy Nelson - The Song of Solomon. We have done this study a couple of times and it is wonderful! If you can, try to do the study with the videos!

Gary Chapman - The Five Love Language. Another great and insightful read for couples!

Keith and Karen Peterson - Heart Transformation. The Petersons came and did a few sessions at our Church and then we broke off in home groups and did the study. I do recommend it. It isn’t a thrilling read like a Beth Moore study. It is however a very personal, hard at times and hopefully heart changing study.

Ezzo and Ezzo - Let the Children Come Series, Along the Virtuous Way. I did not get to do this book/study with the videos (sad)… However, even without the videos and without a group, just reading it on my own I found it to be insightful, helpful and give some concrete examples.

Jennifer Vanderlaan - 40 Weeks: A Devotional Guide to Pregnancy. I had several pregnancy week by week books to read during my pregnancy but this was by far my (and my husband’s) favorite!

Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent - Same Kind of Different As Me. This is a very interesting true life story about life-changing love that will inspire you.

Ok, I am sure there are so many other books I would like to mention but my brain is maxed out right now and I can’t think of them. Hopefully some of these will be of interest to you.

Recommended Fiction

This will be one of my condensed book posts on past readings. I have posted on some of these individually already but will include their name still in the list.


Books I have loved or really enjoyed:

Francine Rivers - All of her books are wonderful (see my previous post).

Lynn Austin – Have enjoyed all of her books (see previous post).

Ted Dekker – I have only read his Circle and related Series, but I thoroughly enjoyed them (see previous post).

Frank E. Peretti - Of his books I have read This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Prophet, and Tilly. They were all good, but Prophet was my favorite. It was a hard book to put down. Although written around a decade ago... it seems so very relevant to what is going on today - our media, politics, those trying to bring forth the truth and those trying to cover it up or twist it ... A great read!

Julie Lessman - A passion most pure, A passion redeemed, A passion denied. She is a new writer and she is wonderful! I loved reading all of her books so far. The first two in this series were 5 stars for me, the last was 4 ½ stars.

Tamera Alexander - Start with Fountain Creek Chronicles - book 1 -Rekindled, 2- Revealed, 3- Remembered (Christy Award Winner). She also has Timber Ridge Reflections series with 2 books out now & a women of faith book called The Inheritance. Her books have been so good – either 5 stars or 4 ½ stars.

Allison Pittman - Crossroads of grace series - 1- Ten Thousand Charms, 2- Speak Through the wind, 3- with endless sight. Stealing Home is her most recent release. Wonderful reads! I remember loving the series and really liked her most recent book.

Robin Parrish – Book Series: 1- Relentless, 2- Fearless, 3- Merciless; newest book Offworld.
As one reviewer wrote – “Rather than being a great ‘Christian novel’, Relentless is a great novel by a very talented Christian writer.” – Jenn Wright, HollywoodJesus.com
My Comments:
Relentless - It will keep you guessing...I read through this book and not once could I predict what was coming next... how things would work out ... As best as I can describe it, it is a kind of like Bourne Identity meets, Heroes but at the same time it is more than that... A fast pace, exciting read!
Fearless - Still guessing what is next...Just like the first book the second will keep you guessing as to what happens next and where this is all leading... I have finished the series now and can tell you, you will find surprises and not want the series to end!
Summary: The series is a suspense/mystery, mixed in with superhero (fantasy) stuff... If that sounds up your ally you should check it out! It is a page turner and (for me) it kept me guessing up until the end (which can be hard to do). Offworld was a good read too but not as gripping as the series.

Liz Curtis Higgs - Books I have read by Higgs: Thorn in My heart, Fair is the Rose, Whence Came a Prince (Christy Award Winner), Grace in Thine Eyes, Mixed Signals, and Bookends.

The first 4 books are a series based off of the biblical story of Jacob, Leah & Rachel. The first book in the series is Thorn in My Heart. It is a really good series... hard to read at times because (well you know the biblical story) things do not always go well for the main character but hey that makes it interesting! The series is set in Scotland. I will say for those of you who worry about how it will work out some how she pulls it off and you are happy with the ending. Be prepared to go through a range of emotions when reading this!

Beverly Lewis – Abram’s Daughters series. This series was the first I have read of Lewis’ books but I plan to read more. The series is about an Amish family and how choices made during the time of the "running-around" years known as rumschpringe effect them all. How choices/sin, secrets and such can bring pain not only to us but to others. In spite of all of this it shows the grace, love and faithfulness of God. How God can work good in all things for those who love Him. 5 stars!

Cathy Marie Hake – Books I have read by Hake: Fancy Pants, Letter Perfect, Bittersweet (L.P. & B. are a series), Whirlwind, and Forevermore
She writes humorous stories filled with witty and interesting characters… I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her books!

Bodie Thoene - I have so far read: The Gates of Zion (Zion Chronicles, Bk. 1), A Daughter of Zion (Zion Chronicles, Bk. 2).
This is a series taking place in Israel around the time of their statehood in 1948. I have enjoyed both books so far and I am looking forward to finishing this series! 4 Stars.

Deeanne Gist – Books I have read by Gist: A Bride in the Bargain, A Bride Most Begrudging (Christy Award Winner), The Measure of a Lady (Christy Award Winner), Courting Trouble, Deep in the Heart of Trouble.
Fun and entertaining reading!

Kristen Heitzmann - Books I have read by Heitzmann: The Edge of Recall, Halos, Freefall, The Michelli Family Series: Secrets (Christy Award Winner), Unforgotten and Echoes.
Another good read!

Tracie Peterson - City of Angels - Shannon Saga. I really enjoyed this book by Peterson but didn’t really get into the rest of the series. She has a few other books I have read that I would say I liked or thought were ok.

Deborah Raney - Clayburn series. I liked this series. 4 stars

Davis Bunn and Isabella Bunn – Heirs of Acadia Series. 4 stars
Davis Bunn - Full Circle. 4 stars.

I almost forgot... I am a fan of Jane Austen!

* If I am aware of the book/author being an award winner I have noted it.  However, I did not research all of these to see if they won an award or not.

Lynn Austin

I had not heard of Lynn Austin or her books until sometime in the past year when I stumbled across them. The first book of hers that I read was A Proper Pursuit (Christy Award Winner) and I loved it! Since reading that book I have now (to my knowledge) read all of her books and I am a big fan. She is a wonderful writer, with stories full of rich characters and circumstances that show you their journey of faith. I love her insight and how she brings the story to life in your mind … sometimes you hate for the books to end, it is like saying good bye to a good friend.

Her Refiner’s Fire series is so good! It takes place during the Civil War with each book's main character giving you a new and different perspective of the war and its effect upon our country, its people and their faith. Two out of this series are Christy Award winners.

Her other series The Chronicles of the Kings was excellent! I was somewhat surprised at how I could not put the books down and couldn’t wait to start the next book. These books follow the lives of King Hezekiah and his son Manasseh. She brings the Old Testament accounts of their lives and the lives of the prophets during that time to life! I cannot tell you enough how great these books are and how I hope you will read them! You may not imagine it could be so but these books are page turners!

Here is a list of her books:

Until We Reach Home- award winner
A Woman’s Place
All She Ever Wanted
Hidden Places –award winner
Eve’s Daughters
Wings of Refuge
A Proper Pursuit – Christy Award Winner

Chronicles of the Kings Series:
1. Gods and Kings
2. Song of Redemption
3. The Strength of His Hand
4. Faith of My Fathers
5. Among the Gods

Refiner’s Fire Series:
Candle in the Darkness – award winner
Fire by Night – award winner
A Light to My Path

Though Waters Roar

I have become a big fan of author Lynn Austin. She is a recipient of five Christy Awards and a wonderfully compelling writer. I look forward to posting more about her books later. For now I want to post on her most recent novel, Though Waters Roar, which I finished reading last night.

Another wonderful novel… This one didn’t grip me right away at the beginning but steadily drew me in … The way she brings you in full circle to see it all towards the end was great… She offered, per her usual writing great insight into our human strivings and to what we should really be seeking after. The story will leave you thinking upon your own life, walk, faith… Is my life more about accomplishing this or that? Or is my life about the journey along the way, the person I am becoming – my walk with God and His plans and purposes (Walking in faith… trusting)? Am I working for God or WITH God? I really enjoyed this book and I am giving it a 4 star rating. It is worth the read.

Having a Mary Spirit

Joanna Weaver - Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change us from the Inside Out.

It has been a little while since I read this book but I can tell you that I found it to be one I would recommend and have. The title gives you a pretty good clue as to what this book is all about. Opening our hearts and lives to God, having intimacy with Him that transforms us. Weaver’s openness, insight and approach are wonderful in this book.

Ted Dekker

Ted Dekker's books are a more recent discovery for me... I have gone through all of his Circle Series and those series related to it except Green. It is in my stack to read. I really enjoyed reading these books! They are an engaging & fast read ... full of intrigue, suspense, action, love and symbolism... (Sort of a Christian fantasy series). It is hard to put down and you're never really sure how it will all play out...

If you asked me to rate the Circle & related series I would have to say it falls around 4 & a 1/2 stars for me! I really, really liked it! If you are interested in reading these books here is a tip –

All of the above mentioned books fall under the Books of History Chronicles. There are three series: The Lost Books, The Circle Series and The Paradise Books. You can pick any one of the series to start with but you should read the books within the series in order. The exception to this being the new book Green: Book Zero. With Green it is the beginning and the end of the Circle Series… So you can either start with Green and then read Black, Red and White or start with Black, Red, White and end with Green. I will give you a break down on the series to help you out…

The Circle Series:
Black  or  Green
Red          Black
White       Red
Green       White

The Lost Books:
Chosen
Infidel
Renegade
Chaos
Lunatic
Elyon

The Paradise Books:
Showdown
Saint
Sinner

Lord, Change My Attitude: Before Its Too Late

LORD, CHANGE MY ATTITUDE - This is another book I keep recommending to people. It is written by James MacDonald and points you to some wilderness (wrong) attitudes that can keep you from experiencing the abundant life and freedom we have in Christ. It not only goes over these attitudes but also shows you their counterparts (right attitudes).

I will state that no book or positive thinking is the ticket here to the abundant life... You of course have to have a relationship with Christ and welcome/embrace the power of the Holy Spirit who wills to and works in you... Nothing is impossible with Christ!

 



Signing off for tonight... more to come!  Have you read Crazy Love?!

Francine Rivers

I am a big fan of Francine Rivers' books!  They have all been so wonderful! I have read through all of her books except some of the smaller ones in the Linage of Christ. I have to say if you have never read any of her books try starting with Redeeming Love. It is based off of the book of Hosea and is one of my favorites.

All of her books as I stated are good but my absolute favorite in both her books and in general is her series titled The Mark of the Lion – it is excellent! I recommended it to someone and it took them a few chapters to get into it (when the characters converge) but then they were gripped and loved it! The first book in the series is A Voice in the Wind, Book 2 – An Echo in the Darkness, Book 3 – As Sure as the Dawn. I will warn you to go ahead and have book two handy … Immediately after finishing book one you will want to have it and pick up where book one left off. Another one of her books I feel I should mention is The Atonement Child.

Francine Rivers has a way of writing that makes you look deeper at your beliefs, your walk, your faith… examining what it means to love, forgive and live like Christ. If you pick up one of her books you will not be sorry.

Current Reading & Future Post

I have to say (now that I am starting to post and thinking about what to write) I am not sure how I will be able to post on every book I have read (there are just too many) ... But I think I will try to do a few post on certain books/authors I have really enjoyed in a condensed way!?! However, if you have a certain author or book you are curious about please just leave me a comment and I will get back to you on it.

Currently I am reading Lynn Austin's new book: Though Waters Roar... Will post more about it after I finish.

I am also currently doing Beth Moore's bible study: Esther, It's Tough Being A Woman. I am a few weeks away from finishing it ... but it is wonderful so far.

The Top of the Book Chart

It seems only fitting that my first book post should be about the most awesome book there is... As some people like to refer to it as - The Good Book aka The Bible. It almost seems wrong to even call it a book since it is the Living Word! I have to say though if you are looking for something to read it should be your first choice - not only is it filled with life changing truth but it has everything you could want in a book: Intrigue, suspense, drama, comedy, romance, and good versus evil... You will find a lot of imperfect people loved by a perfect God. If you allow it the words on the page will come alive both in your mind and in your heart... In ranking of books well there is no comparison; this one takes the top of the chart.

The Bible is so dear to me... it has brought wonderful truths and promises to light ... it has guided me and given me wise counsel; it has inspired me, changed me and I can read it over and over again and it will always speak to me... I can never get enough… May it be a treasure that you read over and over again… Open your heart and mind and journey with God through the pages of Scripture.

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