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March 2005

This Month on FaithfulReader.com

March 2005

On FaithfulReader.com

Happy Easter

Easter Titles

F.P. Lione Answers The Faithful Fifteen

THE RISING by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Faithful Fiction Reviews
Christian Living Reviews
Marriage & Family Life Reviews
Our Monthly Poll: Where Do You Buy Your Books?
FaithfulReader Question of the Month
Word of Mouth: Tell Us What You're Reading: Win OBSESSED by Ted Dekker
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Author Interviews

Happy Easter

As we enter the most solemn of days in the liturgical calendar, we bring you our annual roundup of Easter titles. Some of these books directly refer to the observance and celebration of the season; others will provide some nice escape reading over this next week.

Thursday morning the Today Show featured Kristin Billerbeck as part of a feature on Christian Chick Lit. This spurred us to share our Christian Chick Lit Roundtable again as some of you may have missed it when it previously ran. I confess that I do enjoy when we are onto a story way in advance of the national broadcast media!

Lots to share with you this month. I read these reviews and was inspired to add so many of these titles to my personal reading list. I love the voice, tone and enthusiasm of our reviewers. Their personal passion for their writing and their obvious joy in sharing these books with you is what makes FaithfulReader.com special to me.

May we ask you to forward this newsletter to a friend who enjoys Christian reading? Also, if there is a group at your church that you think may enjoy our selections, can you share our URL with them, or perhaps even have a mention of FaithfulReader.com added to your church bulletin? We would welcome the opportunity to spread our message further.

Have a Happy Easter from all of us at FaithfulReader.com. We will see you next month!

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

Read our Christian Chick Lit Roundtable here.
 
Read our Easter Roundup here. Read our Easter Roundup here. Read our Easter Roundup here.

Easter Titles

Easter is the most important and joyous feast day of the Christian faith, as people from all over the world gather with family and friends to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The books we have assembled for this special roundup --- from such renowned authors as Max Lucado and Charles R. Swindoll --- are powerful reminders of the love that Christ showed for us as He lay dying on the cross and His promise of eternal life in Heaven.

Read our roundup of Easter titles here.
 

F.P. Lione Answers The Faithful Fifteen

F. P. LIONE is the pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Frank and Pam Lione. In this interview Frank and Pam talk about the church they currently attend and the vision their two pastors share. They also explain how they open their hearts to those in need during the Christmas season and recall the first piece of fan mail they received shortly after their debut novel, THE DEUCE, was released.

Read F.P. Lione's replies to the Faithful Fifteen


 

THE RISING by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

THE RISING: Before They Were Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins (Fiction)
Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin
The newest book in the "Left Behind" series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins will give you a glimpse into the lives of your favorite characters before the Rapture, and answer crucial questions that were never explained in the previous installments.

Read our review of THE RISING here.
 
Faithful Fiction Reviews

OBSESSED by Ted Dekker (Suspense)
The death of an elderly Jewish woman marks the beginning of Stephen Friedman's race to find a priceless religious relic and uncover the truth about himself, his family, and their concentration camp friends. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.


WRAPPED IN RAIN: A Novel of Coming Home by Charles Martin (Fiction)
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
Charles Martin's tremendous talent is evident throughout this story of the power of forgiveness and sacrifice. This fine novel exemplifies many of the best elements of evangelical Christian fiction.

THREE DAYS: A Mother's Story by Melody Carlson (Fiction)
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
Readers who enjoy biblical retellings, or are interested in a deeper look at the life of Mary, will find this novella to be a good fit, as Melody Carlson describes the myriad feelings Mary experiences as her relationship with Jesus transforms from mother/son to mother/Lord.

CHILD OF THE MIST: These Highland Hills, Book One by Kathleen Morgan (Historical Romance)
This smoothly told historical Scottish romance --- complete with clan feuds, interesting characters, historical details, and Christian faith versus superstition --- is a promising start to Kathleen Morgan's series, "These Highland Hills." Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

GOD'S GIFT by Dee Henderson (Romance)
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
Fans of Dee Henderson's "Uncommon Heroes" and "O'Malley" series will find this earlier book an enjoyable read, full of Henderson's trademark characters and well-integrated faith themes.

Read our Faithful Fiction lineup here.
 
Christian Living Reviews
WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH by David Murrow (Christian Living)
Reviewed by Marcia Ford
David Murrow's important new book explains why there are a lack of men in church and offers hope and encouragement to women, pastors, and men. WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH doesn't call men back to the church --- it calls the church back to men.

GOD'S POLITICS: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It by Jim Wallis (Religion/Current Affairs)
Reviewed by Marcia Ford
Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners magazine, would like to see an alternative to the Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian parties. This option follows what he calls the prophetic religious tradition best represented in our time by Martin Luther King Jr., who combined social activism with an unwavering biblical faith.

NO HOLDS BARRED: Wrestling with God in Prayer by Mark D. Roberts (Christian Living)
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
If your prayers feel routine, tired or cliché, get ready for a prayer shift. In NO HOLDS BARRED, Mark Roberts mines the Psalms for ways to move us from perfunctory prayer to an all-out, nothing-held-back, honest conversation with God.

31 DAYS TOWARD INTIMACY WITH GOD by Joni Eareckson Tada (Devotional)
Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel
Joni Eareckson Tada is able to connect biblical truth with everyday life in her latest book, which provides a short essay, a scripture passage, and a prayer for every day of the month. This is all geared to promote a deeper connection with God.

I TOLD THE MOUNTAIN TO MOVE by Patricia Raybon (Memoir)
Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel
Raised in a strict, church-going family, Patricia Raybon was shocked to find herself struggling in adulthood with a lifeless marriage and an unsettling distance from God. She set out to rebuild her prayer life, searching for a connection that would transform her household and impact others. But as her prayer journey took off, life interrupted with a mountain of hard, personal challenges.

THE MARK OF JESUS: Loving in a Way the World Can See, by Timothy George and John Woodbridge (Christian Living)
Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel
How do we, as Christians, unknowingly block the spread of the Gospel? Timothy George and John Woodbridge unpack the "blockers" that get in the way. Ultimately, they teach that we must rely on the mark of Jesus --- genuine, sacrificial love --- to further the good news.

THE ORDERING OF LOVE: The New and Collected Poems of Madeleine L'Engle, by Madeleine L'Engle (Poetry)
Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel
This volume collects nearly 200 of Madeleine L'Engle's original poems, including eighteen that have never been published before. Reflecting on themes of love, loss, faith and beauty, THE ORDERING OF LOVE gives vivid and compelling insight into the language of the heart.
 
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE VOICELESS: Finding God's Love in Life's Hardest Questions, by John Wessells (Christian Living)
John Wessells tells inspiring stories of God's work through his ministry, taking music to people who are suffering traumatic head injuries. These are stories that surprise, challenge, and build faith, hope and strength. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

THE LIGHT THAT NEVER DIES: A Story of Hope in the Shadows of Grief, by William Hendricks (Memoir)
Three years after William Hendricks lost his wife to breast cancer, a young girl was killed while crossing the street just blocks from his home. The tragedy haunted Hendricks, and he asked himself if he had learned anything from the experience of his wife's death that would be helpful during such a time. A LIGHT THAT NEVER DIES is his deeply moving answer. Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel.

TO BE TOLD: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future by Dan B. Allender, Ph.D. (Christian Living)
In this insightful and compelling book, Dr. Dan B. Allender shows you how to read the stories of your life. He helps you understand the meaning that God has written into every detail of who you are. As a result, you can share your story with others and listen to their story, revealing unique aspects of God's hand at work. Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel.

THE SIMPLE FAITH OF MISTER ROGERS: Spiritual Insights from the World's Most Beloved Neighbor, by Amy Hollingsworth (Inspirational)
Amy Hollingsworth's eight-year correspondence and friendship with a hero of children's television culminates in this compelling tribute to his life and the faith that made him beloved by millions. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

THE BARBARIAN WAY: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within, by Erwin Raphael McManus (Christian Living)
Barbaric Christians see Jesus differently from civilized Christians. They see disciples differently, and they see Christ's mission differently. THE BARBARIAN WAY is a call to escape "civilized" Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians --- just as Christ intended. Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel.

THE DEBT DIET: An Easy-to-Follow Plan to Shed Debt & Trim Spending, by Ellie Kay (Christian Living/Finances)
If you're tired of feeling as if your finances are out of control, or need help with a specific area of money management, Ellie Kay's THE DEBT DIET offers a useful compendium of financial advice gleaned from her personal experiences, financial experts, and other resources. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

 
Our Christian Living reviews may be found here.
 
Marriage & Family Life Reviews

LOVING YOUR PARENTS WHEN THEY CAN NO LONGER LOVE YOU by Terry D. Hargrave, Ph.D. (Family Relationships)
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
Terry Hargrave offers competent, concrete, and compassionate help for adult children specifically addressing the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental ramifications of caregiving and the aging parent at any stage of decline.

SINS OF THE FAMILY: Becoming the Redemptive Generation by Beverly Hubble Tauke (Family Relationships)
Reviewed by Evelyn Bence
Beverly Hubble Tauke, a family counselor in Northern Virginia, discusses eight "transforming practices" that can help readers change negative family patterns that have been passed down from generation to generation.

LOVE LOST: Living Beyond a Broken Marriage by Dr. David B. Hawkins (Marriage & Family Life)
Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
With candor and compassion, Dr. David Hawkins offers practical wisdom for those who are separated, reconciling or divorcing, in this excellent, desperately needed book.

Read our Marriage & Family Life reviews here.
 
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Our Monthly Poll: Where Do You Buy Your Books?
Where do you buy most of your books?

Local Christian Bookstore
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Chain Bookstore: (Barnes & Noble, Borders, Booksamilion, etc)
Mass Stores: (Wal-Mart, Target, etc)
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Online Christian Bookstore
Online Bookstore - not Christian (Amazon, BN.com, etc)
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Other
Vote in the Poll here.
 
FaithfulReader Question of the Month

Who is your favorite Christian author?

Answer our Question of the Month here.
 
Word of Mouth: Tell Us What You're Reading: Win OBSESSED by Ted Dekker

Tell us what books YOU are reading and loving --- or even those you don't. You could then be eligible to win OBSESSED by Ted Dekker. Please note that the next Word of Mouth update is April 27th.

Tell us what you are reading here to be eligible to win!
 

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Thanks for reading....and don't forget to forward this newsletter to a friend.

--- Carol Fitzgerald (
[email protected])

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