Book Reviews for THE LIGHT RADIO NETWORK

This is the page for the latest books that have been reviewed for THE LIGHT RADIO NETWORK. A short experpt will/has been be aired on the radio for the books that have a star by them. Here's a quick peek at the titles posted within the last three months; (for archived reviews please go to http://home.comcast.net/~cmibookreviews/site/)

ON AIR REVIEWS/WEB-PAGE REVIEWS: 

*Raising a Spiritually Strong Daughter by Susie Shellenberger on-air review will be Nov. 16- Dec. 15

*Ships of Mercy by Don Stevens on-air review Dec. 16- Jan 15

* Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin on-air review Jan. 16- Feb. 16 Valentines give away. We have a limited quanty of these books to give away to our listners. If you'd like to be entered into our drawing, please e-mail me with your contact information and place Valentine Giveaway in the subject box.

WEB-PAGE ONLY reviews: 

Morningsong by Shelly Beach (10/7/09)

Blood Bayou by Karen Young (10/22/09)

Kiss Me Again: Restoring Lost Intimacy in Marriage by Barbara Wilson (11/9/09)

Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together by Jim & Cathy Burns (12/3/09)

Heaven and the Afterlife by Garlow with Wall (12/12/09)

Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish (12/21/09)

Information about New Releases: 

Family Declarations  By: Ponchitta Belcher Young & Sherrie Walker Sanders

Soon to be reviewed: 

Regret-Free Living by Stephen Arterburn, Considering Lily  by Kara Lynn Russell

Rating system for: Seeing faith in FICTION & Opportunities for spiritual growth in NON-FICTION:

1 *Light Beacon – This book has little to no faith building aspects within it’s pages.

2 ** Light Beacon- This book has some mention of faith and personal beliefs within its pages. It is possible that it could make the reader question things of eternal importance.

3 ***Light Beacon- This book can encourage others in their walk with Christ through the characters and/or illustrations portrayed within its pages.

4 ****Light Beacon- This book can not only encourage your walk, but it has the potential to stretch your faith.

5 *****Light Beacon- This book’s light shines brightly for all the world to see Christ within it’s pages.

 

 Raising a Spiritually Strong Daughter: Guiding Her Toward A Faith That Lasts by Susie Shellenberger

Reviewed 10/15/09

Product Description

"How do I pass my faith on to my daughter?" is a common question among Christian moms. With the prevalence of negative influences surrounding girls today, women are looking for direction in how to instill their God-honoring values in their daughters. Author Susie Shellenberger, coauthor of What Your Daughter Isn't Telling You, offers practical advice for moms on establishing a firm foundation grounded in the Bible and nurturing their daughters' faith through the lifelong discipleship of their daughter's heart.

From the Back Cover: Prepare Her With a Faith to Last a Lifetime Every Christian mom prays for her daughter to find a lasting faith in Christ. But you know today's world can--and will--challenge that faith. With so many negative influences surrounding her every day, you can feel overwhelmed. How can you help her develop an enduring faith that stands firm even in tough times? Teen expert Susie Shellenberger knows the difficulties both you and your daughter face. With keen insight and warm encouragement, she shows how you can positively influence and disciple your daughter. Along with practical suggestions, she offers interactive steps you can take with your daughter to establish a firm foundation in the Bible. You know your teen daughter is being influenced every day. So step up! Decide you will be her greatest influence today.

JoAnn's thoughts:
Ms. Shellenberger makes it clear that the first step one needs in influencing their daughter's spiritual well being is having their own personal relationship with Jesus. From this springboard the author goes into subjects such as purity, talking about failures and what/how to share with your daughter, visions for the future, issues mothers and daughters face, and a few others as well. I appreciated how
Ms. Shellenberger makes it clear that whether we're a parent or a child, we need to be in God's word. To this end, the author has even added a mother/daughter study of 1John at the end of the book.

Also, peppered though out the book were some fun definitions dealing with parenthood that made me chuckle. If you're looking for a book that isn't a heavy theological read, but rather a read with friendly reminders and encouragement, this book may be just right for you.
--
Ships of Mercy by Don Stevens
reviewed 10/28/09
Product Description: Don Stephens, a Colorado farm boy, is certainly an unlikely hero. And turning a decrepit ocean liner into a floating hospital seems improbable at best. And yet that is exactly what happened twenty-five years ago. Because of the efforts of Stephens, his fleet of ships, and his "navy" of volunteers, thousands around the world have experienced healing of body and spirit. Specializing in fixing facial deformities, Mercy Ships International embodies the great commission and demonstrates what God can do with a few willing hands and determined spirits. In Ships of Mercy, readers will realize the overwhelming need for this type of service and be inspired to lend a hand to make a difference.  
JoAnn's thoughts:
This is one of the most motivational books I've read this year! I enjoyed how the author gave bits of history interspersed with a "Ship's Log" of people who have been treated under the care of Mercy Ships. I greatly admire and appreciate all the work, time, and effort that so many people have given to make this amazing ministry happen for the poorest of the poor. Although the ministry of "Mercy Ships" doesn't evangelize with words, they let their actions speak with the love of Christ. Because of that lives are changed not only physically but sometimes spiritually as well.

God has given us all different talents and abilities. We may not be doctors, business men, or ships captains, but we all can be a tool in God's hand--and that my friend is the recipe for an everyday hero--God's style.
Rating: 5 light beacons for Faith in Print
--
* Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin on-air review date TBD (reviewed 11/12/09)

Product Description

Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriet decides to follow in her footsteps to fight for social justice, she certainly never expected her efforts to land her in jail. Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O'Reilly, to be the arresting officer.

Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her family--and their deep faith in the God of justice and righteousness--brings Harriet to the discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.

JoAnn's Thoughts:

Ms. Austin uses many techniques that are now considered taboo such as flash-backs, and back story, etc. and... I loved it! She manages to weave three story lines, bathed in rich history, throughout this book, which includes the main character- Harriet, her mother- Lucy, and her grandmother- Bebe. (The product information above tells you more about the threads of this story-line.)

I thoroughly enjoyed learning a bit more about how women were impacted by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, Prohibition, two wars, the Select Service Act, and Women's Suffrage. However, what shined the brightest for me was seeing faith, love, and encouragement in action through the lives of these well-developed characters.

If you're a history buff that enjoys inspirational fiction, this book will be perfect for you. I'm rating this book a 5 out of 5 Light Beacons for seeing Faith in Print.

WEB PAGE ONLY REVIEWS:

Blood Bayou By: Karen Young
Reviewed 10/22/09
Book description:
Blood Bayou, set in Louisiana Bayou Country, is a story of redemption and forgiveness. Because of her husband's alcoholism, Camille St. James divorced Jack Vermillion after a tragic accident. Seven years later, Jack has turned his life around and is a minister, but Camille, unsure of her own beliefs, doubts his sincerity. God may have forgiven him, but she won't! Then they are reunited by the murder of Jack's sister by a prisoner recently exonerated and freed through the Truth Project, an organization which Camille runs. She is convinced the accused man is innocent and sets out to prove it. Jack is sure he did it and blames Camille for freeing him. But as she works to find the real killer, someone is determined to stop her by any means.

JoAnn's thoughts:

I really enjoyed Karen Young’s first Christian suspense novel. Icaptureded me from from page one and I didn't want to stop reading. It was a wonderfully entertaining book, with a redeeming message of restored love and fellowship not only with God, but with others as well and how true repentance brings about change. The main character, Camille is not a Christian, but her ex-husband, Jack (after their divorce) has come to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Even in the midst of the mystery that shrouds the plot, it is through the changes that she sees in Jack's life, that ultimately leads her to sees her own need for Christ. There is a short discussion guide available on-linen if you'd like to use one with a book group.
Negative elements: The only thing that I'd caution the readers to realize is that not only are the main characters in this book divorced, but her parents are as well.   
Rating: 4 light beacons for seeing faith in fiction
--

Morningsong by: Shelly Beach © 2009

General FictionProduct Description
The highly-anticipated follow-up to the Christy Award-winning Hallie's Heart After her terrifying accident on the shores of Lake Michigan, Mona Vander Molen is trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Mona's brain injury has limited her physically and the doctor's uncertain prognosis isn't helping her feel any better. As she faces the threat of permanent disability, Mona also struggles to make sense of her relationship with the kindly carpenter Adam Dean. At the peak of her own crisis, Hallie appears again, this time seeking Mona's help and refuge for both herself and her mother. But when their dear friend Harold Rawlings has a stroke, Mona and Hallie see their hidden fears come to light. Can Mona resolve her doubts about her relationship, face her uncertain future, and help her sister-all at the same time?

JoAnn’s thoughts:

Morningsong was an easy reading novel good for a day where you don’t want to think much about what your reading. The character’s weren’t complicated nor was the story line. I did not read the first book, but that did not stop me from understanding what was happening in this story. The product description above does a great job explaining what the book is about.

--

Kiss Me Again: Restoring Lost Intimacy in Marriage by Barbara Wilson (11/9/09)

Product Description

Do you ever wonder why marriage can seem like the end of intimacy and sexual desire instead of the beginning?

Ever wonder why it was so hard to resist sex before marriage–and so easy to resist it now? If so, you’re not alone! Many married women genuinely want to feel more desire toward their husbands…and can’t figure out what went wrong. But there’s good news. In Kiss Me Again, Barbara Wilson shows how powerful “invisible bonds” from past relationships can cause heartache, disappointment, and distance for couples in the present. Then–with sensitivity, honesty, and hope–Barbara walks you step by step toward healing…and a rekindling of the closeness and passion with your husband that you really want.

You don’t have to live any longer with confusion, disappointment, resentment, or shame. You can rediscover desire. You can say Wow! again.
--
JoAnn's Thoughts:
God's design for us is to wait until marriage before we become intimate with a man--and for good reason. This book was clear to point out that there are consequences to our actions if we do not adhere to this sound counsel. Does that mean there is no hope for our marriage bed if we have sinned in the past? Fortunately, the answer doesn't have to be yes, because God is a god of restoration and healing. Within the chapters of this book there are tools to help you along the way. One of which is a ten-week study guide in the back. This is a combination of Scripture and application questions to help those along this healing process.
--

Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish reviewed 12/21/09

Product Description:

Her Rescue Might Be the Miracle They Needed

Things like this don't happen in Beck County.

Deputy Benjamin Patil is the one to find the infant girl, hours old, abandoned in a field.

As police work to identify the mother, Ben and his wife, Abbi, seem like the obvious couple to serve as foster parents. But the newborn's arrival opens old wounds for Abbi and shines a harsh light on how much Ben has changed since a devastating military tour.

Their marriage teeters on the brink and now they must choose to reclaim what they once had or lose each other forever.

JoAnn’s Thoughts:

Ms. Parrish writes an intriguing novel that is driven by three main character’s lives and inner-conflicts. Each has wounds from the past that they are living with and trying to work through. Abbi comes from a difficult childhood, and is unable to have children because of poor choices she has made in the past. Her husband, Benjamin has scars left from fighting in Afghanistan and seeing his best friend killed, and Matthew has a dibilitating syndrom which has left him deaf and in need of a kidney transplant-not to mention a horrible home life.

What I appreciated most about this novel is that you see characters that are real, everyday people who are dealing with issues that anyone of us could truly have. They work through issues of guilt, struggles--both mental, physical and even spiritual, forgiveness, love in action, and many others contemporary problems. Through their stories we are reminded of how God can work in the midst of difficulties to bring about His purposes.

*Caution for potential male readers- Living in a household of 5 males, I'm troubled by a few scenes. On page 30 to the top of 31, and then again on page 113, the main character is missing some clothing, which can cause mental pictures that are not honoring to God. If you decided to read this book, you may want to skip these scenes.

--
Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together by Jim & Cathy Burns (12/3/09)

Product Description

The Love Dare challenged individuals to love their spouse more. Closer shows wives and husbands how to grow that love together. Introduced with Scripture verses and engaging stories, these 52 devotionals will inspire couples to draw closer through faith conversations--those quiet talks so vital for emotional and spiritual intimacy in a marriage. Guided, practical action steps round out each reading.

From the Inside Flap

Over the past thirty years we have tried almost every marriage devotional, and to be perfectly honest, we have usually failed at having the discipline to continue. The busyness of life or the feelings of guilt because we missed so many days often caused us to silently ignore what we knew was important. Then we came up with the idea to meet once a week and just talk. This book is an outgrowth of our desire to grow closer as a couple. And now we challenge you and your spouse to do what it takes to connect spiritually and emotionally. Start small and invest thirty minutes a week together, being inspired and communicating with the help of these devotionals. If you miss a week, don't quit--just pick up where you left off. This is not about a legalistic time. It's about making practical spiritual growth and connection a priority.
JoAnn's Thoughts:
What a great resource this book is for married couples! I loved the variety of topics this book encompasses--from attitudes, to the importance our spiritual well being, to issues dealing specifically with marriage, and many more.

At the end of each short chapter there is a conversation prompt called, FAITH CONVERSATIONS, which will help provide relational intimacy as well as practical ways to apply the topic to your marriage called, A STEP CLOSER.

Although I've read through this book once myself, I'm hoping my husband and I can start out the New Year reading it together.
--

Heaven and the Afterlife by James Garlow and Keith Wall

Reviewed 12/12/09

Product Description

What should you believe?
You've heard stories of near-death experiences. Your grandmother longs to "be with Jesus." A friend is sure angels intervened to prevent a tragic accident. A woman at work wonders if her house is haunted. The Bible includes accounts of people raised from the dead.
 
Exploring these and similar topics, Heaven and the Afterlife helps you sort out what is fiction and what is fact in everything you hear about the afterlife. If you're looking for a candid, trustworthy examination of the world beyond this life, bestselling author Jim Garlow provides honest answers based on years of biblical study and firsthand experience as a teacher and pastor.
The afterlife is real, but not everything you hear about it is. Get the answers you need to decide for yourself.
JoAnn's Thoughts:
(This was not the easiest book for me to read, however I will do my best to give it a fair, honest review. Please keep in mind that all reviews are simlply my personal thoughts and reactions.)
There are many folks who wonder about what happens after we die. Infact, all we need to do is brose our local book stores to realize our culture seems to have an thirst for supernatural things combined with a fear of death.
The author's of Heaven and the Afterlife do their best to help sort out fact from fiction. They expore the idea of ghosts, demons, angles, Heaven, and Hell by using many different resources. They've researched folks who have what they called a near-death expereince, first person acoount of stories of supernatural experience, the Bible, testimonies, and theories.
There are six parts to the book; Part One: THROUGH DEATH'S DOOR. Part Two: WHAT LIES BETWEEN WORLDS. Part Three: CROSSING OVER: THE UPWARD CALL. Part Four: CROSSING OVER: THE DARKEST DECENT. Part Five: HELL- AVOIDENCE STRATAGIES. Part Six: (my favorite) CONFIDENT BEFORE THE KING.
A book like this can sometime raise more questions then they answer. Questions that we can-- in our limited earthly sight--not fully comprehend. However, one of the concluding thoughts that the authors leave us with is this, What will matter when you take your last breath? Only one thing: that you are ready to meet God. (page 246)
Are there ghost? Can a person go to Heaven or Hell after a near death experience and travel back? To be honest--I don't know. What I do know is that there is wisdom in the quote I just mentioned from the book. This is one truth we can hang our hats on...one day we will meet God. Are you ready? 

 
New Relase infromation:
Family Declarations By: Ponchitta Belcher Young & Sherrie Walker Sanders
11/09

Product Description:

It is within our family unit that we obtain strength and are able to embrace the wisdom needed in handling certain situations. Many of us have been affected by the indifferences, rejection, ridicule, setbacks, and other negative emotions resulting from negative events that have appeared in our lives. Some of them were caused by family, and some were recieved from others unrelated to us. But, however, or whatever you and your family went through in the past, God brings newness, wholeness, healing, and deliverance to your family unit.
For examples/excerpts of this book, go to:  http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=67590


CONTENTS

Introduction……………………………………..6

  1. Marriage…………………………………10
  2. Sons & Daughters………………………12
  3. Eyes……………………………………..15
  4. Ears……………………………………...17
  5. Hand…………………………………….19
  6. Feet……………………………………...21
  7. Emotions………………………………..23
  8. Unforgiveness…………………………..25
  9. Education……………………………….27
  10.  No More Set-Backs…………………….29
  11.  Healing…………………………………32
  12. Due Season……………………………...35
  13. Prosperity………………………………38
  14. Inheritance……………………………..41
  15. Worship………………………………..43

 

 
JoAnn