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February 2007

This Month on FaithfulReader.com

February 2007

On FaithfulReader.com

February Makes Its Mark

FaithfulReader.com Talks to Linda Nichols, Author of IN SEARCH OF EDEN

Edward Gilbreath Answers The Faithful Fifteen

Now in Stores: EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman

Now in Stores: QUAKER SUMMER by Lisa Samson

Now in Stores: EVER AFTER by Karen Kingsbury

Now in Stores: RECLAIMING NICK: Noble Legacy #1 by Susan May Warren

Books into Movies: The Last Sin Eater

New Guides for Christian Book Groups

Faithful Fiction Reviews

Christian Living Reviews

Marriage and Family Life Reviews

FaithfulReader.com Poll

FaithfulReader.com Question of the Month
Word of Mouth: What You're Reading
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FaithfulReader.com
Fiction
Christian Living
Marriage and Family Life
Author Interviews

February Makes Its Mark

For me, February seems to go by in the blink of an eye. They call it the "Cruelest Month" because of the weather, but I think the frenzied pace renders the month doubly cruel. Maybe it has something to do with it having two fewer days than every other month! I always have to put in extra effort to find time for myself during February, and honestly, I often realize the week has gone by at such a hectic pace that I have barely remembered to breathe, let alone indulge in the few activities --- knitting, swimming, reading, cooking and spending time with friends and family --- that add balance to my life.

I like to think of FaithfulReader.com as a kind of sanctum for our readers when they hit months like this. It's a place to come when you need a break from the hectic pace of everyday life. I like to think we provide the tools for finding relaxation and spiritual fulfillment --- as well as books to help you focus and improve your days --- that are even more necessary as life becomes more overwhelming. With that in mind, this month's update brings you some titles that will inspire you, words from authors to take to heart and discussion questions to enhance your reading experience.

We are featuring an interview with Linda Nichols, as well as a review of her newest title, IN SEARCH OF EDEN. Edward Gilbreath, the editor of Today's Christian magazine and an editor at large for Christianity Today, answers our Faithful Fifteen questions. Both authors provide insight into writing, working and balancing the two.

Along with our regular Christian Fiction, Christian Living and Marriage and Family Life reviews, we are spotlighting a group of titles --- EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman, QUAKER SUMMER by Lisa Samson, EVER AFTER by Karen Kingsbury and RECLAIMING NICK: Noble Legacy #1 by Susan May Warren --- that will appeal to a variety of readers.

Book-loving filmgoers will want to check out the movie adaptation of THE LAST SIN EATER by Francine Rivers. And we have all the details about the movie, including a link to where you can find a theater showing it near you.

Our discussion questions are becoming more and more popular, and this month we are featuring reading group guides for EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman, IN SEARCH OF EDEN by Linda Nichols, RECLAIMING NICK by Susan May Warren and WEDGEWOOD GREY by John Aubrey Anderson. Whether you are in a Christian book group or simply looking for a way to deepen your reading experience, be sure to check out our guides for Christian books on both FaithfulReader.com and ReadingGroupGuides.com.

We are continuing our January Poll and Question through February as we had some very interesting results. The vast majority of you who answered our poll thus far go into a bookstore with a specific title in mind. Agree? Disagree? Let us know.

Finally, our Word of Mouth prizes are IN SEARCH OF EDEN by Linda Nichols and EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman. Be sure to tell us what you are reading to be eligible to win a copy of each.

My son is a junior in high school, and he and I have begun embarking on the grand adventure that is college touring. It's a bittersweet experience --- I am proud of the person he is becoming and I have faith in the road he will choose, but as I look at these schools and picture him there, I also reflect on how different our home will be without his presence. I can imagine all you readers who have been through this can relate. Knowing he will be leaving makes the time we spend together all the more precious, and, seeing as he just got his license and is one of those rare teenage boys who actually seems to ENJOY having his mother in the passenger seat, we have had some wonderful times these last few weeks. Laughing and driving --- surveying the road ahead and checking the rearview mirror to see how far we've come. It is in these moments that the icy cruelty of February melts away.

I wish you, our readers, many moments of this peace and happiness and time for inner direction during this Lenten season.

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
 

FaithfulReader.com Talks to Linda Nichols, Author of IN SEARCH OF EDEN

Linda Nichols's lovely novels are chock-full of prodigals in need of redemption. Ask her why, and she'll tell you that she once was a prodigal herself. After a Cinderella beginning to her writing career, where her first general market romance novel HANDYMAN was snapped up and film rights sold, she found that the resulting financial success didn't equal happiness. After making a recommitment to her faith, she wrote NOT A SPARROW FALLS and three subsequent inspirational novels, including her latest, IN SEARCH OF EDEN. Here, she talks with FaithfulReader.com's Cindy Crosby about her struggle with perfectionism, the difficulty of forgiveness, and where she and her family end up every Friday night.

IN SEARCH OF EDEN by Linda Nichols (Fiction)
Miranda Isabella DeSpain regrets giving up her baby for adoption under pressure from her tyrannical mother. She drifts from town to town, never willing to commit to anything for long and always wondering what could have been. When she begins a search for her child in earnest, she ends up in Abingdon, Virginia, where romance sparks between her and a local policeman. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

-Click here to read an excerpt from IN SEARCH OF EDEN.

Click here to read our interview with Linda Nichols and a review of IN SEARCH OF EDEN.


 

Edward Gilbreath Answers The Faithful Fifteen

Edward Gilbreath is the editor of Today's Christian magazine and an editor at large for Christianity Today, as well as the author of the nonfiction titles GOSPEL TRAILBLAZER and RECONCILIATION BLUES. In this Faithful Fifteen, Gilbreath discusses the issues of race that are present in today's evangelical church and addresses preconceived notions and images of Christianity held by those outside of the church. He also recounts his path to finding spirituality and describes his personal mission to bridge the gaps among different races, cultures, generations and denominations.

 

Click here to read Edward Gilbreath's answers to the Faithful Fifteen.


 

Now in Stores: EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman

EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman
Every couple has disagreements. All too often, though, when we engage in arguments, our goal is not to resolve the conflict at hand, but rather, to win the fight. Unfortunately, when you win an argument, your spouse is the loser, and nobody wants to be or live with a loser. When you resolve a conflict, your spouse becomes your friend. Good marriages are based on friendship, not on winning arguments. Now, Gary Chapman provides couples with a simple blueprint for achieving win-win solutions to everyday conflicts and disagreements. By learning how to listen empathetically, respecting each other's ideas and feelings, and understanding why particular issues are so important to their spouse, couples can find solutions that result not only in resolving the conflict at hand, but also leave both partners feeling loved, listened to, and appreciated.

Click here to read more about EVERYBODY WINS.


 

Now in Stores: QUAKER SUMMER by Lisa Samson

QUAKER SUMMER by Lisa Samson (Fiction)
Lisa Samson's best novel to date is QUAKER SUMMER, which examines the emptiness of what most women consider successful, the gut-wrenching possibilities of change, the need for undeserved grace and the importance of finding purpose outside themselves. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

Click here to read our review of QUAKER SUMMER.
 

Now in Stores: EVER AFTER by Karen Kingsbury

EVER AFTER by Karen Kingsbury (Fiction)
In this moving sequel to EVEN NOW, Emily Anderson falls deeply in love with a young Army reservist who is about to serve in Iraq. At the same time, Emily's parents seem on the verge of losing all they had gained. Will heartbreaking tragedy be the turning point for all of them? Reviewed by Bethanne Kelly Patrick.

 

Click here to read our review of EVER AFTER.
 

Now in Stores: RECLAIMING NICK: Noble Legacy #1 by Susan May Warren

RECLAIMING NICK: Noble Legacy #1 by Susan May Warren (Romance)
Nick Noble hadn't planned on being the prodigal son. But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle --- the Noble family ranch --- to Nick's former best friend, he must return home to face his mistakes and guarantee that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

Click here to read our review of RECLAIMING NICK
 

Books into Movies: The Last Sin Eater

The Last Sin Eater
Cast: Henry Thomas, Liana Liberato, Peter Wingfield, Elizabeth Lackey
Director: Michael Landon Jr.
Distributors: The Bigger Picture, FoxFaith
Release Date: February 9th (limited)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Based on: THE LAST SIN EATER by Francine Rivers

In 1850's Appalachia, 10-year-old Cadi Forbes is wracked with guilt over the death of her sister. She feels responsible for the loss and sets out to find the only man, known as The Sin Eater, who can take away her guilt. But while seeking redemption, Cadi learns a devastating secret that has the potential to tear apart her family and community.

Click here to read more about the film.
 

New Guides for Christian Book Groups

The following new guides for Christian Book Groups are available on FaithfulReader.com and ReadingGroupGuides.com:
 

EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman
Trusted relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman provides a simple blueprint to help you and your spouse achieve win-win solutions to everyday conflicts and disagreements. This will put an end to arguing once and for all and leave both of you feeling loved, listened to and appreciated.

IN SEARCH OF EDEN by Linda Nichols
Today is your birthday... I want you to know that you are in my heart, as you always have been. I pray for you every day. I pray I did the right thing...

Thus wrote Miranda DeSpain on the anniversary of the day that changed her life forever, the day her heart was torn in pieces. Ever since that wrenching event, she's been unable to settle down, embrace life. She finds herself starting one adventure after another, trying to forget. But she never can. As she approaches her twenty-seventh birthday, she determines once again to reinvent her circumstances, to start anew. But there's one loose end to tie up first....

RECLAIMING NICK by Susan May Warren
Nick Noble hadn't planned on being the prodigal son. But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle --- the Noble family ranch --- to Nick's former best friend, he must return home to face his mistakes and guarantee that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family.

WEDGEWOOD GREY by John Aubrey Anderson
Fifteen years after the notorious War at Cat Lake, the fading past has taken with it several of the cherished residents of this Mississippi community. Yet the memory of what happened is engraved on the minds of those who remain. In the years since the conflict, the people living on the banks of Cat Lake have profited from their victory-and struggled with their loss.

 

Faithful Fiction Reviews

SUMMER OF LIGHT by W. Dale Cramer (Fiction)
W. Dale Cramer's fourth book introduces readers to Mick Brannigan, a thirty-something construction worker. After a bizarre accident, circumstances beyond his control force him out of his role as a respected tradesman. He reluctantly becomes a stay-at-home dad while his wife returns to a law firm. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

GRAVE RISK by Hannah Alexander (Suspense)
For nurse Jill Cooper, the sudden death of beloved high school principal Edith Potts was a crushing loss --- and the first of many shocks. Two former sweethearts have suddenly returned to town, reawakening all her youthful traumas, secrets and dreams. Then another death occurs. It appears accidental, but is it? Reviewed by Bethanne Kelly Patrick.

HOT TROPICS & COLD FEET by Diann Hunt (Fiction)
In this sequel to RV THERE YET? and HOT FLASHES & COLD CREAM, Lily is preparing to head down the aisle again after years of being single. But just as she's about to take the plunge, she gets cold feet. To calm her pre-wedding jitters, Lily and her girlfriends take off on a getaway to Siesta Key, Florida. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

CHOCOLATE BEACH by Julie Carobini (Fiction)
Bri Stone thinks she is married to the man of her dreams; with a teenage son, an adorable beach bungalow, and a job as a Southern California tour bus host, life is good. But when Bri discovers that her marriage may be on the rocks, she resolves to recapture her husband's heart. Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin.

Click here to read our Faithful Fiction reviews.
 

Christian Living Reviews

 

FINDING HOPE: Cultivating God's Gift of a Hopeful Spirit by Marcia Ford (Christian Living)
Writing from personal experience and her broad knowledge of many faith traditions, Marcia Ford helps you recognize --- or develop --- your own personal images of hope and create a place where you can go to see the many evidences of hope in your life any time despair seeps in. Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel.

THE ULTIMATE COMEBACK: How to Turn a Bad Night into a Good Day by Tommy Tenney (Christian Living/Inspirational)
Whether trying to recover from a past issue or dealing with a current problem, we've all made missteps or been placed in bad situations. Tommy Tenney has a message for us about restoration: it comes only from faithful obedience. He uses biblical stories as examples of the pitfall of focusing on wrong answers in bad situations. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

BETWEEN HEAVEN AND GROUND ZERO: One Woman's Struggle for Survival and Faith in the Ashes of 9/11 by Leslie Haskin (Memoir)
On September 11, 2001, terrorists murdered more than 2,700 people in an attack on New York City. Thousands died when a hijacked Boeing 767 slammed into Tower One of the World Trade Center. BETWEEN HEAVEN AND GROUND ZERO is a riveting account of Leslie Haskin's harrowing escape and the months of crippling mental and emotional distress that followed. Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO STARBUCKS: Living with a Grande Passion by Leonard Sweet (Christian Living)
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO STARBUCKS offers a delightful romp through the world of a company that changed the way we take our cup o' joe. And along the way, this book offers a wealth of insights that will help the church engage the culture --- and perhaps help transform it, changing the way people relate to God and express their faith. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

FINDING GOD WHEN YOU NEED HIM MOST by Chip Ingram (Christian Living)
Chip Ingram reveals how you can meet God in the midst of your most difficult circumstances. His candid discussion, personal stories and solid guidance will allow you to move from "knowing about God" to profoundly experiencing His presence and power in your life. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

LIGHT FROM LUCAS: Lessons in Faith from a Fragile Life by Bob Vander Plaats (Memoir)
In 1993 the Vander Plaats welcomed into the world a severely disabled son, Lucas. Now his father, Bob, explains what Lucas has taught him about "parenting, marriage, the character of God, the nature of suffering, unconditional love, and the value of every life." Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

THE LIFE YOU WERE BORN TO GIVE: Why It's Better to Live Than Receive by David H. McKinley (Christian Living)
Everything we have we've been given. Even our very lives are a gift from God, given so we can live to give, not live to get. Yet it is our tendency in life to absorb, to take in without distribution, resulting in a "souring" of all that is good and a separation from all that is intended. David McKinley helps readers shift their focus from getting all they can out of life to giving their lives away, for Christ. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Click here to read our Christian Living reviews.
 

Marriage and Family Life Reviews

 

EVERYBODY WINS: The Chapman Guide to Solving Conflicts Without Arguing by Gary Chapman (Love & Marriage)
Trusted relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman provides a simple blueprint to help you and your spouse achieve win-win solutions to everyday conflicts and disagreements. This will put an end to arguing once and for all and leave both of you feeling loved, listened to and appreciated. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS: The Chapman Guide to Negotiating Change With Your Spouse by Gary Chapman (Love & Marriage)
Gary Chapman provides a do-it-yourself approach to helping couples learn to overcome bad habits. By learning and using Dr. Chapman's simple three-step process, couples will be able to successfully negotiate change without resorting to arguing or manipulation. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF MARRIAGE: Launching a Lifelong, Successful Relationship edited by Phillip J. Swihart, Ph.D. & Wilford Wooten, L.M.F.T. (Love & Marriage)
Written by the counselors of Focus on the Family, who bring timely help to thousands of couples every year, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF MARRIAGE is designed to help spouses build a strong foundation for a lifetime partnership that's filled with genuine love and joy. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

Click here to read our Marriage and Family Life reviews.
 

FaithfulReader.com Poll

When you go to a bookstore, do you usually know what you want to buy?
 

-Yes, all of the time.
-Some of the time I know and some of the time I just browse.
-I always just browse.
-I do not go to bookstores

Vote in our Poll here.


 
FaithfulReader.com Question of the Month

What is a book that you found while browsing that was an unexpected delight?

Answer the Question of the Month here.


 
Word of Mouth: What You're Reading

Tell us what books YOU are reading and loving --- or even those you don't. You could then be eligible to win a copy of IN SEARCH OF EDEN by Linda Nichols and EVERYBODY WINS by Gary Chapman.
 

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

 

As always, here are a few housekeeping notes. If you are seeing this newsletter in a text version, and would prefer to see the graphics, you can either read it online or change your preferences below.

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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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