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This Month on FaithfulReader.com |
April 2008
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Spring: A Time to Honor Our Mothers
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Mother’s Day, which is on May 11th, is a time to celebrate the women who have given us life and raised us. As a mother of two wonderful sons, I look forward to spending this day with my family. I do confess that I often think this should be Mother's Day WEEK!
To recognize this joyous holiday here at FaithfulReader.com, we are pleased to bring you our 2008 Mother’s Day roundup, which spotlights books about the joys and the challenges of motherhood. Humorous, heartwarming and thought-provoking, these titles make lovely reading selections for Mom and are sure to inspire invaluable time for reflection.
This month, we are featuring new study guides for A STEAL OF A DEAL by Ginny Aiken, the second installment in her Shop-Til-U-Drop series, and KILL ME IF YOU CAN by Nicole Young, a thriller in which a young woman must put together the pieces of her mother's death 26 years earlier.
Our new featured titles include THE WARRIORS by Mark Andrew Olsen, a supernatural thriller about a team of warriors defending civilization; WINTER HAVEN by Athol Dickson, a haunting novel about a sister’s search for the truth behind her brother’s mysterious death; ROAD TO NOWHERE by Paul Robertson, a story about a highly disputed road project that ignites anger in a small town; MULBERRY PARK by Judy Duarte, an inspiring novel about how a woman's kind deed can affect those around her in wholly unexpected ways; and SEARCHING FOR SPICE by Megan DiMaria, which is also our Word of Mouth book this month. See below for more details.
Among the new reviews in our Christian Living section is WALKING WITH GOD: Talk to Him. Hear from Him. Really. by John Eldredge, an inspirational book showing and teaching what an intimate relationship with God can be like. Between now and May 13th, we are featuring daily quotes from WALKING WITH GOD on our Daily Devotional page, which you can view here.
Our Faithful Fiction and Marriage and Family Life sections highlight some exciting new titles, including ADAM by Ted Dekker, a thriller about an FBI behavioral psychologist who finds himself a victim of sorts of his own anti-religion philosophy when he allows an obsession with a serial killer to overtake his life, and MOMENTS WITH YOU: Daily Connections for Couples by Dennis and Barbara Rainey, a great resource for couples who want to strengthen their marriages and spend daily time together connecting with each other and God. Read on to see all of our new reviews.
We encourage you to respond to this month’s poll, which continues to ask about book clubs in your women's or men's ministry groups, while our question asks what books you would like to read with your ministry group.
As spring marches on and the trees here begin to blossom, I am eagerly awaiting the warmer months ahead. As a season that celebrates the beauties of life, rebirth and fresh beginnings, I could not imagine a better time to honor our mothers. To all of the women out there who are raising a family and to those whose families have long grown, have a happy Mother’s Day.
Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
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FaithfulReader.com's Mother's Day Roundup
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Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to reflect on and give thanks for the women who gave us life and raised us. If you’re a mom, this is the perfect time to slow down a little (hopefully) and celebrate your role in your children’s lives. We at FaithfulReader.com have compiled a number of books that shine a spotlight on both the joys and the challenges of motherhood. Heartbreaking and humorous, inspirational and informative, these titles are sure to make wonderful gifts for moms on their special day in May.
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Click here to see our roundup of Mother's Day titles.
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Special Feature: MULBERRY PARK by Judy Duarte
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MULBERRY PARK by Judy Duarte (Fiction)
Every letter deserves a reply --- even when the questions it contains are difficult to answer. In Judy Duarte’s heartwarming and inspiring novel, a woman shattered by grief responds to a little girl’s urgent note to God and sets in motion a chain of events that helps to heal the lives of all those around her, in wholly unexpected ways…
“MULBERRY PARK is tender and touching…this novel will stay with you long after you have read the last page.”
--- Dorothy Garlock, New York Times bestselling author
“A touching story of grief, love and forgiveness. Reminding us that God is everywhere if we forgive ourselves and let him in our hearts.”
--- Sally Smith O’Rourke, author of THE MAN WHO LOVED JANE AUSTEN
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Click here to read more about MULBERRY PARK.
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Special Feature: SEARCHING FOR SPICE by Megan DiMaria
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SEARCHING FOR SPICE by Megan DiMaria (Romance)
In Megan DiMaria’s debut novel, readers will meet Linda Revere, a woman who longs to experience true romance with her nerdy, practical husband of 24 years. Her desire to add a little pizzazz to her marriage only confuses her husband and frustrates herself. Linda struggles to ignite romance and excitement into her marriage amid the turmoil of contemporary life.
-Click here to read more about SEARCHING FOR SPICE.
-Click here to read an excerpt from SEARCHING FOR SPICE.
-Click here to read Megan DiMaria’s bio.
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Click here to read a review of SEARCHING FOR SPICE.
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Study Guide Now Available: KILL ME IF YOU CAN by Nicole Young
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KILL ME IF YOU CAN: Patricia Amble Mystery Series, Book Two by Nicole Young (Mystery)
As Tish arrives at her new home, her hope for peace and quiet is shattered when she finds a torn photo of her dead mother with the words "don't ask why" written across her face. Mysterious relatives, old rivalries and a dangerous drug ring may make this 26-year-old mystery more than she can handle. Tish must put together the pieces of her mother's death or risk losing everything --- including her own life.
-Click here to read more about KILL ME IF YOU CAN.
-Click here to read an excerpt from KILL ME IF YOU CAN.
-Click here to read Nicole Young’s bio.
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Click here to see the study guide for KILL ME IF YOU CAN.
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Study Guide Now Available: A STEAL OF A DEAL by Ginny Aiken
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A STEAL OF A DEAL: Shop-Til-U-Drop, Book 2 by Ginny Aiken (Mystery)
When gemologist Andie Adams gets a chance to go to the Kashmir region of Pakistan for a mission trip, she jumps at the opportunity to spearhead the efforts. But when her boss at the S.T.U.D. home shopping network wants to turn the trip into another on-location shoot for the station, that means Andie's hunky but irritating co-host Max is part of the deal. Then a mysterious death lands Andie and Co. in hot water --- and it's only the beginning of their problems.
-Click here to read more about A STEAL OF A DEAL.
-Click here to read an excerpt from A STEAL OF A DEAL.
-Click here to read Ginny Aiken's bio.
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Click here to see the study guide for A STEAL OF A DEAL.
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Now in Stores: THE WARRIORS by Mark Andrew Olsen
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THE WARRIORS by Mark Andrew Olsen (Supernatural Thriller)
A failed recon mission deep in the tunnels of Afghanistan has provoked a demonic onslaught that had been brewing for centuries. The mission's sole survivor is reformed black ops assassin Dylan Hatfield, and he once again teams up with Abby Sherman, now at the helm of the Watchers, an ancient spiritual force. Uncovering and preventing a secret wave of death whispered across cyberspace and threatening to be unleashed against civilization will require another level of spiritual power and expertise --- the Warriors.
-Click here to read an excerpt from THE WARRIORS.
-Click here to read Mark Andrew Olsen’s bio.
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Click here to read more about THE WARRIORS.
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Now in Stores: WINTER HAVEN by Athol Dickson
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WINTER HAVEN by Athol Dickson (Suspense)
Thirteen years ago, Siggy Gamble ran away from home, never to be found --- until his body washes ashore on the tiny island of Winter Haven off the coast of Maine. Now his sister, Vera, travels north to claim the body and finds herself tangled in the impossible. Determined to uncover the cause of Siggy's mysterious end, Vera soon learns there are many secrets haunting the island.
-Click here to read more about WINTER HAVEN.
-Click here to read an excerpt from WINTER HAVEN.
-Click here to read Athol Dickson’s bio.
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Click here to read a review of WINTER HAVEN.
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Now in Stores: ROAD TO NOWHERE by Paul Robertson
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ROAD TO NOWHERE by Paul Robertson (Mystery)
A simple invitation to complete the long-delayed Gold River Highway project reeks of corruption and the shadow of something even more dangerous. With millions to be made in land and development deals --- and millions to be lost for those in the road's way --- everyone has something at stake. The weight of the decision falls on the members of the town board. But when someone may have gone as far as cold-blooded murder, is anyone safe?
-Click here to read an excerpt from ROAD TO NOWHERE.
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Click here to read more about ROAD TO NOWHERE.
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Faithful Fiction Reviews
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ADAM by Ted Dekker (Thriller)
FBI behavioral psychologist Daniel Clark has been made famous by his arguments that religion is one of society’s greatest antagonists. What Daniel doesn’t know is that his obsessive pursuit of a serial killer known only as “Eve” will end in his own death at Eve’s hand. Twenty minutes later David is resuscitated, only to be haunted by those 20 missing minutes of life. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
A MENDING AT THE EDGE: Change and Cherish #3 by Jane Kirkpatrick (Historical Fiction)
A MENDING AT THE EDGE satisfyingly concludes Jane Kirkpatrick's Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true-life story of Emma Wagner Giesy, a strong-willed woman who seeks to find her place in a restrictive Christian colony in the mid-1800s. In this installment, Emma and her four young children are back at the repressive colony in Aurora, after escaping from her abusive second husband Jack, and she must make some difficult choices. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
STUCK IN THE MIDDLE: Sister-to-Sister, Book 1 by Virginia Smith (Romance)
Joan Sanderson’s life is stuck. Both her sisters have promising families or careers, while Joan is living at home with her mother. But when a hunky young doctor moves in next door, Joan suddenly has a goal --- to get a date. It won’t be easy, what with her sister vying for his attention too! Reviewed by Maggie Harding.
MY NAME IS RUSSELL FINK by Michael Snyder (Fiction)
In his imaginative debut, Michael Snyder pens the story of a 26-year-old Nashville copier salesman who can’t seem to get his life together. Quirky characters, lots of plot threads, themes of grace, forgiveness (especially of ourselves), vocation and calling, and the nature of miracles are sprinkled throughout this engaging novel. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.
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Click here to read our Faithful Fiction reviews.
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Christian Living Reviews
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WALKING WITH GOD: Talk to Him. Hear from Him. Really by John Eldredge (Christian Living)
WALKING WITH GOD moves through a year in John Eldredge’s life showing and teaching what conversational intimacy with God can be like. It teaches readers how to make decisions aligning with God's will, understand barriers and "agreements" keeping them from the life God intends, fight spiritual battles for their own heart and for others, and much more. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
HONOR’S REWARD: How to Attract God's Favor and Blessing by John Bevere (Christian Living)
In HONOR’S REWARD, bestselling author John Bevere unveils the power and truth of an often-overlooked principle --- the spiritual law of honor. Bevere explains that understanding the vital role of this virtue will enable readers to attract blessing both now and for eternity. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
GUARD US, GUIDE US: Divine Leading in God’s Decisions by J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom (Christian Living)
The process of discerning God’s will has become fraught with fear and confusion: Does God guide? If so, how? How will I know when he does? What if I make a mistake? In GUARD US, GUIDE US, J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom seek to free their readers from such fear. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.
LOVING PEOPLE: How to Love and Be Loved by Dr. John Townsend (Christian Life/Relationships)
When you say or hear the words "I love you" it can change your life forever. Love is one of God's most important gifts to anyone, yet there are many misunderstandings about how to make love work in our families, friendships, marriages and dating relationships. In LOVING PEOPLE, Dr. John Townsend shows you that love can actually be learned, and gives you the steps and tools to become skilled in love. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
11 INDISPENSABLE RELATIONSHIPS YOU CAN’T BE WITHOUT! by Leonard Sweet (Christian Life/Personal Growth)
As believers, our journey is just as important as the destination. And because relationships are essential to our walk through life, it is vital that we partner with people who positively impact our world. Dr. Leonard Sweet believes these essential people are found in the pages of God's Word. Using 11 classic figures from the Bible, Dr. Sweet details key personal attributes that make up God's Dream Team for your life. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
MIDLIFE MANUAL FOR MEN: Finding Significance in the Second Half by Stephen Arterburn and John Shore (Christian Life)
Written for every man who is in or near midlife, this funny yet utterly serious book examines five roles men inhabit throughout their lives --- that of He-Man, Son, Husband, Provider and Father --- and shows how God uses those roles to build the qualities that make a truly good man. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
BRANDING FAITH: Why Some Churches and Nonprofits Impact Culture and Others Don't by Phil Cooke (Church Leadership)
Have you hit a wall with your church, ministry or non-profit organization? Media and marketing expert Phil Cooke wants every ministry to ask, Who are we? By identifying what makes your organization different from the thousands clamoring for attention, you can get your message heard. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
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Click here to read our Christian Living reviews.
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Marriage and Family Life Review
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MOMENTS WITH YOU: Daily Connections for Couples by Dennis and Barbara Rainey (Devotional)
What is the true secret to spiritual growth for couples? Dennis and Barbara Rainey know from experience that the secret is more moments together. When you are lifting up your relationship and the rest of your life together to God, you won’t be able to keep the spiritual growth from happening. In the pages of MOMENTS WITH YOU, the Raineys offer just what couples need to get started or to continue growing in their quiet times together. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.
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Click here to read our Marriage and Family Life review.
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FaithfulReader.com Poll
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Does the women's or men's ministry group at your church have a book club?
Yes
No
Not sure
If your group has a book club, do you read fiction?
Yes
No
Not sure
Our ministry group does not have a book club.
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Vote in our Poll here.
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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])
The Book Report Network
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