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Christian Novel Review

Having always been an avid reader, since becoming a Christian I have found a wealth of reading material in Christian bookshops and in various second hand bookshops. I have found that in Christian novels one often finds truths that help in one’s Christian walk. I enjoy reading about how the various characters deal with life, and I also find I am the richer for reading a really good Christian novel. Certain authors, through their books, give you a real insight into their joys and struggles, which I find very interesting. The books which I am going to review are those which I have really enjoyed, and have read at least twice – some books, for example the “Mark of the Lion “ series by Francine Rivers, I have read at least five times each. The first books that I am going to talk about are the latest two novels by Francine Rivers,


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Saturday 26 May 2012

THE HARBINGER BY JONATHAN CAHN

I have just read THE HARBINGER :the Ancient Mystery that holds the secret of America's Future by JONATHAN CAHN and cannot recommend it enough!  It is a prophetic book which ties up the prophecies of the Old Testament, where the Jews were promised judgment instead of blessing if they turned from the Lord and did things in their own strength, with the judgment that has come to America because of the people's willful turning away from God and pride in their own strength.  We see how the nine harbingers, or warnings, received by Israel before her destruction tie up with the warnings given to America.
He shows how in both cases "the walls were breached" by the enemy, and how Biblical prophecy was fulfilled at Ground Zero and with the collapse of Wall Street.
He shows how the Lord is a God of mercy and desires above all that all men be saved and that He longs for them to turn to Him in obedience to His Word - how He warns them and yearns for them to come to Him - in fact their very future depends upon their reaction to His warnings.  There is definitely hope here, as we see God's great love for those He has created to have fellowship with Him and to follow His ways, ways which lead to His protection and incredible blessings.
There is too much in this book, which is more of a conversation and a teaching than a novel, for 
me to do it justice, and I suggest that you look up www.theharbinger-jonathancahn.com for more information.
It is a very exciting book, and I feel that the warning is not just for the United States but for all people everywhere to choose to return to the Lord before it is too late!



Sunday 20 May 2012

TRUE DEVOTION BY DEE HENDERSON

TRUE DEVOTION by DEE HENDERSON is the first book in the Uncommon Heroes series.  
Kelly is a lifesaver who saves a young boy's life when he is taken out to sea in a riptide.  She almost dies in her attempt to save him, but is herself saved by Joe, a navy SEAL who has become her best friend. Joe was her late husband, Nick's, commanding officer and best friend.  Nick died in saving Joe's life in a mission that went wrong.  Kelly was devoted to her SEAL husband, and for three years drifts far from true devotion to the Lord as she blames Him for his premature death.  When Joe saves her from drowning she tells him she loves him, which she realizes is the truth, but she is afraid of losing him as a friend if things don't work out for them romantically.
This near death experience causes Kelly to rethink her relationship with the Lord.  She is truly grateful to the Lord for saving her life and turns back to prayer and bible reading in her desire to get close to Him once again.
Charles, Ryan's father, shows his gratitude to Kelly by giving her lavish gifts, but there is something about him that Joe doesn't trust.  He thinks it is probably because Charles seems to be after Kelly's affection.  Kelly likes Charles and both she and Joe become very fond of Ryan.
The characters in this story show friendship, loyalty, single-mindedness, determination and heroism.  There is also much fun, camaraderie and a love of life amongst them, especially in view of the dangerous work they are involved in. We see Joe and Kelly's unselfishness as opposed to the selfishness and greed of those they are up against.
The story is fast-paced and exciting, and I like the almost conversational way that it is written.  It is easy to read and gives an insight into the lives of those who lay their lives on the line in order to keep the citizens of America safe. It is a story of devotion to one another, to their country and to the Lord.


 

Sunday 13 May 2012

THE PRESENCE BY T. DAVIS BUNN


THE PRESENCE by DAVIS BUNN is the story of what happens when a man is totally obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit in his life.  
T.J. Case has the support of his wife Catherine, and his best friend Jeremy Hughes, when, after a vision where he feels the Presence of the Lord very strongly, he is led to leave his law practice and go to Washington.  He is asked to come to Washington by congressman Silverwood, to work on the government's education policy.  Silverman is very ambitious and feels that having a black man who is a Republican there will further his cause. T.J has been in politics before, having run as a Republican candidate, without success, and is passionate about children's education, especially wanting government to have a programme for gifted children.  He is even more passionate about Christian parents having the right to choose Christian education for their children, and wants the government to subsidize this.  He becomes unpopular when he speaks on television about his ideas for education, and is adamant that the people of America, especially those in government, need to turn to God for the answers to the problems the country is facing.  He has also started a Bible study before work each morning, beginning with one person, Bella Saunders, the numbers rising quickly to about five hundred.  Most of the people in the office want nothing to do with him and his strange ideas, but he is well supported by John Nakamashi and two young girls who work for him who are committed Christians themselves. They feel it is an honour to be involved in the Lord's work. 
T.J. is called before the president who is about to fire him for giving interviews without permission, but T.J. is given a prophetic word from the Lord which he delivers to the president, who is struck dumb!
Jeremy is a humble man and he comes to Washington as T.J.'s servant.  He is a white man with not much education, but who has become rich through hard work.  T.J. was his lawyer and gave him good advice and they came to trust one another, both being strong believers. He becomes involved in the Community of Hope where he uses his entrepreneurial skills and his money to rebuild the dilapidated apartment buildings in the area.  Catherine becomes involved with the poor and abused children.  With the help of Senator Atterly, a committed Christian and faithful member of the morning prayer group, dishonesty in the awarding of building contracts in the area is uncovered and the Community of Hope gets even more contracts than they had originally tendered for.  
This is T. Davis Bunn's first novel and it really is worth reading.  There is so much truth in this book, it is filled with Scripture that is so relevant in this day and age, and the way in which T.J. humbly allows himself to be led by the Presence of the Holy Spirit in his life, even in the face of danger, is beautifully portrayed.  Love and loyalty, honesty, commitment and obedience are some of the subjects that are brought to light.  I can highly recommend this book.




Friday 4 May 2012

THE INCUMBENT & BEFORE ANOTHER DIES BY ALTON GANSKY

 THE INCUMBENT AND BEFORE ANOTHER DIES by ALTON GANSKY.
These two novels are political thrillers with a definite Christian message.  They are very well written and well worth reading.  The descriptions are particularly good and make you feel you are right there!
In The Incumbent we are introduced to Madison Glenn, mayor of Santa Rita.  Her normally organized life is disrupted when three people who are connected to her disappear, one after the other, and when one of them ends up dead. 
Maddie is a widow, and she is still trying to come to grips with her loss, when she is hit by one kidnapping after another.  All the people who are missing are connected to her mayoral campaign, and, whilst she has some loyal supporters at the office, she has two who work together to thwart her at every turn. They seem to be more worried about what effect this will have on them as members of the city council than what it means to those who have been kidnapped and to their families. 
Maddie is close to her parents and to her aide Randi, and has a close friend in Dr Jerry West who she dated in college, but who is now just a friend.  Her friends and her parents are determined to keep her safe. She is afraid of being the next victim but is also determined not to be overcome by fear.  She is having trouble doing her work, which she normally loves.
When Lisa Truccoli is abducted, her daughter Celeste comes to live with Maddie, who reaches out to her from her own pain, her husband Peter having been senselessly murdered by highjackers. Celeste's estranged father is an angry man, and causes a lot of trouble when Celeste refuses to see him, and then only doing so to tell him to leave Maddie alone.  
Detective Judson West is the officer in charge of the investigations.  He is very well built and good looking, and Randi and Celeste tease Maddie about him.
There are many twists in the story.  We see how Maddie finds out something about her husband, Peter, that she didn't know, and how this affects her.  We find her committing her life to the Lord when Paul, the owner of the Fish Kettle, shares the truth of the Gospel with her.
In Before Another Dies, we find Maddie Glenn, still recovering from all she has gone through, faced with a dead man in a parked car in her mayoral parking place. When Chief Webb and detective Judson West decide that the man has been murdered the nightmare starts all over again.  There are two more murders, and there is a pattern that shows a definite connection with a late night radio broadcast with very weird subject matter.  There is reason to believe through these sinister messages that Maddie is to be the next victim.
In this novel Maddie is campaigning for congress.  Her friend and campaign manager, Nat, is a fascinating woman and she helps Maddie keep her focus.  When Maddie complains about all she has lost , Nat reminds her that she, Nat, who is confined to a wheelchair due to a car accident, has lost the use of two legs, one arm, and all chance of marriage and having children.
Maddie's new faith is a source of great strength to her, but she has always found it hard curbing her tongue, and from time to time still lashes out as she used to do before becoming a Christian.
Maddie has a new aide, Floyd Grecian, the son of her pastor.  Floyd is a lovable character, although rather scatty and unfocused.  He puts his life on the line to try and solve the murders, and we also see Jerry's devotion in saving her life.  
Maddie is a strong charactered woman, who works long hours and who is dedicated to doing what is right.  She is loyal to her family, friends and supporters, and can't bear the thought of bringing danger upon anyone through their connection to her.  With the danger she goes through she calls out to the Lord for His protection and we see Him coming through for her.
The novel is fast-paced and exciting, with much intrigue and keeps one guessing until the end.