August 2006

Celebrating Reading, Summer Style, and Our New Feature --- Win Advance Reading Copies of a Forthcoming Book!

This month on FaithfulReader.com we are celebrating the last weeks of summer with some wonderful features and inspiring titles perfect for late summer reading and looking ahead to fall.

First we bring you a very special offer as we debut a new feature on FaithfulReader.com, an Advance Copy Giveaway. Our inaugural title is ABIDING DARKNESS by John Aubrey Anderson, which will be on sale on August 23rd. I read this book last month and I am pleased to be sharing it with you. It is a stirring and compelling tale of racial tensions and one young girl's unswayable faith during the 1940s. We are looking for 20 readers who would like to read this book and give us feedback on it. Interested? Then please send your name and your mailing address to [email protected] by Friday, August 18th, 2006 to be eligible. We also invite advance readers to submit questions to the author, which makes this an even more exciting promotion. Please also note that ABIDING DARKNESS, along with THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES, is a featured Word of Mouth book for this month.

We are featuring our interview with New York Times bestselling author Joel C. Rosenberg and a review of his newest book THE COPPER SCROLL. Rosenberg discusses reading his books in light of current political events, why he feels lucky to be a writer and hiking with his sons through Hezekiah's Tunnel in Jerusalem.

2006 Christian Book Award Nominee Ginger Garrett, author of CHOSEN: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, answers our Faithful Fifteen this month, discussing what and who inspires her, explaining why she eats chocolate regularly, and revealing which musician is her favorite guilty pleasure.

Along with our Faithful Fiction, Christian Living and Marriage & Family Life reviews, we are spotlighting THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES by Nikki Arana, THE SACRED ART OF FORGIVENESS: Forgiving Ourselves and Others Through God's Grace by Marcia Ford (a regular reviewer for FaithfulReader.com), ADELAIDE PIPER by Beth Webb Hart (who I had the pleasure of meeting last September) and MARRIAGE: From Surviving to Thriving by Charles R. Swindoll --- all are titles we believe you will find inspirational and thought-provoking.

Many of you have answered our July/August Poll regarding your summer reading habits --- so far a little more than half of you read more in the summer, but very few of you change what you read to "lighter" summer fare. Haven't answered our poll yet? Make sure you weigh in.

The heat wave that appeared to take over the entire country these past weeks seems to be easing up (one day last week the thermometer in my car that measures the outside temperature showed 107 degrees, which made me feel like I was living in Phoenix), and we are all grateful for that. At FaithfulReader.com, August is a time to savor the longer days and warm nights of summer with good books and friends and family --- simple pleasures. We take this time also to look ahead to the coming weeks when the pace of life inevitably picks back up. In our Coming Soon feature we have a terrific list of books that are being published in the upcoming months for those of you who want to plan your personal literary pursuits.

I lost a really good friend about 12 years ago who taught me a lot about the importance of living every day with no regrets. In fact, her death inspired me to leave my corporate job and start The Book Report Network, the parent company of ReadingGroupGuides.com, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. I have never looked back, but only forward and it's been one exciting ride. This month we are pausing to look back and we've been sharing what readers have to say here. If you have something you'd like to share, drop us a note at [email protected].

Here's wishing you a relaxingly productive August. And yes, those two words do go together!

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
 

Advance Reader Copy Giveaway --- ABIDING DARKNESS by John Aubrey Anderson

ABIDING DARKNESS by John Aubrey Anderson
There was turmoil in Mississippi in 1945. Race relations were tense, money segregated and good versus evil went to war at Cat Lake. Missy Parker, a wealthy young white girl of just seven, is the target of a horrific attack. After her best friend, the son of a black sharecropper, saves her by giving his own life, she takes on a life mission she won't truly comprehend for years to come. As the families of these two children realize the truth of what happened that day at Cat Lake, their lives are forever connected. Torn between a life simple and ignorant, or one complicated by Truth, Missy Parker must come to terms with the battle she's been thrown into....and either win it, or watch her loved ones die trying.

We have 20 advance reading copies of ABIDING DARKNESS by John Aubrey Anderson to give away to readers who would like to preview the book and comment about it. If you are interested, please send your name and mailing address to [email protected] by Friday, August 18th, 2006.

-Click here to read the Study Guide for ABIDING DARKNESS.
-Click here to read an excerpt from ABIDING DARKNESS.
-Click here to read more about John Aubrey Anderson.

Click here to read all the details of the Advance Reader Copy Giveaway.

FaithfulReader.com Talks to Joel C. Rosenberg, Author of THE COPPER SCROLL

Joel C. Rosenberg is the New York Times bestselling author of THE LAST JIHAD, THE LAST DAYS and THE EZEKIEL OPTION. In this interview with FaithfulReader.com's contributing writer Lisa Ann Cockrel, Rosenberg describes the current political climate in the Middle East in relation to his latest book, THE COPPER SCROLL, and the Scriptural prophecies from which he bases his work. He also talks about his family's unconventional religious background, how his career as a communications strategist has affected his attitudes on politics, and the unexpected audiences his books attract.

THE COPPER SCROLL by Joel C. Rosenberg (Suspense)
New York Times bestselling author Joel C. Rosenberg takes readers on his most exciting and heart-pounding ride yet. As a new democratic Iraq rises, so too does a new evil, and White House advisors Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy find themselves facing a terrifying threat triggered by an ancient mystery. Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin.

Click here to read our interview with Joel C. Rosenberg and a review of THE COPPER SCROLL.

Ginger Garrett Answers The Faithful Fifteen

Ginger Garrett's debut novel, CHOSEN: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, was nominated for a 2006 Christian Book Award --- and she has followed up this success with her second work of fiction, DARK HOUR, the first book in her Serpent Moon trilogy. In this interview, she discusses a recurring theme in her writing --- the importance of faith in a woman's life --- and her desire to reawaken people's love of "old stories." Read on to learn more about Garrett's personal and professional mentors, her poignant family traditions, and her beliefs on the redeeming power of love.  
 

Click here to read Ginger Garrett's answers to The Faithful Fifteen.

Now in Stores: THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES by Nikki Arana

THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES by Nikki Arana
The clock is ticking and their son is dying. Only a miracle can save him.

Against all odds, attorney Angelica Amante married migrant worker Antonio Perez and became a stay-at-home mom for Manuel and Anica. Manuel was stricken with childhood cancer, but the family came through the crisis intact and considered Manuel their miracle child. God had indeed blessed them.

Or had He? When the deadly disease returns with a vengeance, threatening to rip away all that is precious to them, Antonio returns to Mexico in desperation to test his family members for a compatible donor for Manuel. Angelica must stay behind, watching her young son deteriorate as he suffers the ravages of chemotherapy and unexplained complications.

With only their faith in God and their love for each other to sustain them, Antonio and Angelica face the greatest battle of their lives.

-Click here to read an excerpt from THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES.
-Click here to read the Study Guide for THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES.

Click here to read more about THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES.

Now in Stores: THE SACRED ART OF FORGIVENESS by Marcia Ford

THE SACRED ART OF FORGIVENESS: Forgiving Ourselves and Others Through God's Grace by Marcia Ford (Spirituality/Self-Help)
Writing from personal experience and her broad knowledge of many faith traditions, FaithfulReader.com reviewer Marcia Ford offers a new perspective on forgiveness and reconciliation, an approach rooted in the Spirit that can be learned by anyone no matter how deep the hurt. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

Click here to read our review of THE SACRED ART OF FORGIVENESS.

Now in Stores: ADELAIDE PIPER by Beth Webb Hart

ADELAIDE PIPER by Beth Webb Hart (Fiction)
Beth Webb Hart, author of the Christy Award-nominated GRACE AT LOW TIDE, once again proves her talent as a writer in her sophomore effort, a coming-of-age novel featuring a poetic Gen-X activist debutante from South Carolina's Low Country. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

Click here to read our review of ADELAIDE PIPER.

Now in Stores: MARRIAGE: FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING by Charles R. Swindoll

MARRIAGE: From Surviving to Thriving by Charles R. Swindoll (Love & Marriage)
Drawing from his own personal experience with Cynthia, his wife of 50 years, bestselling author Charles R. Swindoll uses his warm, humorous yet always insightful writing style to bring some much needed advice on the subject of marriage. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Faithful Fiction Reviews

EARTH TO BETSY by Beth Pattillo (Fiction)
If you've been wanting to give chick-lit a try but don't know where to start, this is your book. EARTH TO BETSY, the follow-up to HEAVENS TO BETSY, is Beth Pattillo's fun yet thoughtful take on the perils of being female, single and a clergywoman with all the attendant angst that makes for an enjoyable read. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

MORNING SKY: Freedom's Path, Book Two by Judith Miller (Historical Fiction)
Nothing will ever be the same after boisterous Aunt Lilly Verdue arrives in the new settlement of Nicodemus, Kansas, in the early summer of 1880. Her brother-in-law is not at all happy to see her, and her unwillingness to admit the reason behind her hasty exit from New Orleans only fuels the fire. Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin.

THE BUTTERFLY FARM: A Harriet MacIver Mystery by Diane Noble (Mystery)
In book one of the Harriet MacIver Mystery series, veteran faith fiction novelist Diane Noble tackles a heady mix of murder and scientific research gone awry against the lush backdrop of Costa Rica.Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

THE SECRET LIFE OF BECKY MILLER by Sharon Hinck (Fiction)
Becky Miller is a young mom who wants to do Big Things for God. Her vivid daydreams help her cope with the pressure to be a Wonderful Wife and Marvelous Mother. But how does this supermom react when her grand plans start to fall apart? Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin.

RV THERE YET? A Women of Faith Fiction Novel by Diann Hunt (Fiction)
You'll be tempted to hit the road in a recreational vehicle after reading Diann Hunt's RV THERE YET?, a fun road trip featuring three menopausal women with men troubles, a penchant for chocolate, and a burning desire to save their old childhood church camp from closing down. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

JIMMY by Robert Whitlow (Fiction)
Robert Whitlow is known for his John Grisham-like legal thrillers, but in JIMMY he diverges from his normal courtroom dramas to write a heart-tugging tale. The story revolves around a mentally handicapped boy whose discovery of a crime puts his life in danger. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

Christian Living Reviews

TRADITIONS OF THE ANCIENTS: Vintage Faith Practices for the 21st Century by Marcia Ford (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
For many Christians today, the growing desire for a deeper faith experience is being met in the study and application of ancient worship practices. Marcia Ford's book is filled with candidly informative looks at such themes as mysticism, praying for the gift of tears, reciting the Jesus prayer, and asking God for the gift of bereavement. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

FURIOUS PURSUIT: Why God Will Never Let You Go by Tim King and Frank Martin (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
In FURIOUS PURSUIT, Tim King and Frank Martin invite you to lay down the smaller story of your life and instead tap into the Larger Story --- to begin today by allowing God to transform the nature of your relationship with him, to stop chasing God and start embracing the Romance that is already well under way. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

GRACE LIKE A RIVER by Christopher Parkening, with Kathy Tyers (Autobiography)
GRACE LIKE A RIVER details Christopher Parkening's rise to fame as one of the world's preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar --- and everything it cost him to get there. In spite of his enormous success, he discovered that without true meaning and purpose, all his worldly accomplishments were empty and unsatisfying. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THROUGH THE BIBLE, THROUGH THE YEAR: Daily Reflections from Genesis to Revelation by John Stott (Devotional)
While many Christians are aware of and even adhere to the church calendar, few understand how it can enrich the way they read the Bible. Realizing this widespread need, respected preacher and scholar John Stott has assembled a new book that will guide readers through the Bible according to the church calendar. Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin.

JESUS MEAN AND WILD: The Unexpected Love of an Untamable God by Mark Galli (Religion/Christian Life)
Many Christians are used to the idea of a meek and mild Jesus, the stereotypical "nice guy." Countering these all too prevalent notions, Mark Galli offers a unique study of 17 troubling passages from the book of Mark to prove we should be anything but comfortable with Christ. Reviewed by Margaret Feinberg.

THE BACKWARD LIFE: In Pursuit of an Uncommon Faith by Jarrod Jones (Christian Living)
In this provocative and challenging book, Jarrod Jones takes readers on a journey into a faith that dares members of our pop culture to live like Christ --- to deny themselves and take up the cross. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

THE LUMINOUS DUSK: Finding God in the Deep, Still Places by Dale C. Allison, Jr. (Spirituality)
For millennia humans knew the stars as well as we know our own backyards. Yet today most of us have lost vital connections with the natural world, with our sense of wonder, with God. Dale Allison calls us to a life that is open to God and connected to his creation --- above our culture's mediocrity. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

EAT THIS BOOK: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene H. Peterson (Spirituality)
Eugene Peterson is convinced that how we read the Bible is as important as that we read it. In this second part of his momentous five-volume work on spiritual theology, Peterson challenges us to live the Scriptures as we read them, offering counsel on spiritual reading. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Marriage and Family Life

EVERY WOMAN'S MARRIAGE: Igniting the Joy and Passion You Both Desire by Shannon and Greg Ethridge (Love & Marriage)
If you're ready to stop the blame game and pursue the marriage of your dreams, let the husband and wife team of Shannon and Greg Ethridge show you how to reignite your relationship with spiritual, emotional and physical passion. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

TREND-SAVVY PARENTING by Mary Manz Simon (Parenting)
Trends expert Dr. Mary Manz Simon takes the big concepts of today's top societal trends and gives parents an easy-to-understand synopsis of each one. Her book will enlighten and encourage you as you navigate the current ideas and influences that affect your child. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

Coming Soon on FaithfulReader.com

Wondering what books are just out, or coming out in the months ahead? Be sure to check out our Coming Soon section on FaithfulReader.com. We have titles from August through December listed. Please note that we have not listed every book coming out, but rather some that caught our eye --- and that we thought should catch yours as well.

In the summer do you find yourself reading more?
 
Yes, I read more during the summer.
No, my reading habits don't change.
I am not sure if my reading habits change.
 
 
Do you read "lighter fare" during the summer?
 
Yes, I read lighter books during the summer.
No, my reading habits don't change.
I am not sure if I read "lighter fare" during the summer.

What book are you most looking forward to reading this summer?