'Every Bush Is Burning' by Brandon Clements

What a unique book.

From a literary standpoint, this is an amazingly written book. The author uses a style I've not seen before: he is writing a letter to an anonymous person he has yet to meet in a coffee shop. And he pulls it off brilliantly. This book was very difficult to put down. The main character's life has fallen apart around him, and he takes us back through the adventure of how it all happened with amazing self-analysis. I've never read a book that so vividly captures the essence of the question 'what are we here for' and the seemingly meaninglessness of existence. As he muses back over how he got to this broken point in life, he taps into the deep soul dissatisfaction that a life without meaning brings, if we are honest with ourselves and stop playing with our gadgets and chasing the 'next best thing' long enough to examine ourselves. But what's the answer?

In steps 'Yeshua', a homeless man (or is he?) he meets in front of a church. Yeshua starts to challenge all his formerly held beliefs about God, the church, Jesus, heaven, and our very reason for being here. I won't go any further, before I spoil the plot.

Because I've been down this path the character is taking, I identified and empathized with him immediately. But by the same token, because I've taken this journey, it made the book slightly tedious at times. However, I would recommend this book for both the non-Christian, new Christian, and old Christian (is that a term?). It will challenge the thinking of every group in different ways.

There are some amazing twists and turns that will catch you off guard, and even though I guessed at what was going on, I was never sure until the end. I will say this: you must read the entire book to get the full effect. I will admit that at times, not being sure of where the author was going and due to the very unorthodox nature, I was tempted to put the book down. I'm extremely glad I finished it!

Four stars, because this was a highly intelligent, thought provoking page turner, but would not fall under 'a book I'll love forever' category, which are the only ones I rate five stars. Warning: some language that may turn off some Christians, but fit with the character's gritty, raw, personality.

'Passport Through Darkness' by Kimberly L. Smith

Kimberly L. Smith and her husband Milton were a `normal' American couple, but something seemed to be missing. When they discovered that God was calling them to live a life on the edge, a life most Christians would sadly call `radical', they had to make a choice: continue in a life of comfort, where they could have as much or as little of God as they liked, or surrender it all and follow Him at all costs, even if they're next step is off the edge of a cliff.

This is how the book begins. But it doesn't even begin to describe the journey two ordinary people embarked on when they stepped out in faith with God. Told by Kimberly, we follow them through the beginnings of missionary work, that leads them into eye-opening discoveries of some of the horrific evils at work in this world. At each turn, they can choose to go back to the comfort of life as they knew it, or continue walking step by step with God. They take up the fight against human trafficking, famine, disease, genocide, slavery, and so much more. Because of Milton's health, Kimberly steps out into the front lines of the battle field alone, and the war almost kills her.

From a literary standpoint, this was an extremely well written book, full of beautiful language and a storyline that flows off of the lips of the author like honey. Yet, this was the hardest book to finish that I have ever read. I `know' of the suffering of people in other countries. But Kimberly takes us on a journey that holds nothing back in describing unimaginable horrors, and like a child peeking through their fingers, I wanted to cover my eyes and stop looking as I read. I wept through the entire book, yet it was impossible to stop. If those people had to endure such unimaginable pain and suffering, how could I not even listen to the cries of their voices?

One of the most appalling parts of the book was not the suffering of the people described. It was the reaction of the people here at home who Kimberly and Milton shared their story with. I believe apathy to be one of the greatest evils in our country. We all feel bad for a second, then pick up our iPhones and check to see what new drama our friends have on Facebook. I'm still so emotionally raw from this book, I probably should not be reviewing it yet. Yet this is a book I feel every Christian should read. It is a wake up call. Where are you, warriors of Christ who are willing to storm the gates of hell?? This morning, clean drinking water from the tap never tasted so good and the roof over my head never felt so secure. I looked at all my children, and cried again as the thought of even one of them begging me for food or being tortured before my eyes, slammed into me.

This book is not complete darkness. Because with God, even the darkness is like light (Ps 139). Throughout the book, pearls of beauty and light shine to illuminate both the trials of Kimberly and the people around her. Kimberly herself is almost swallowed by the darkness, yet through it, God shines through and restores her soul to a place of healing and beauty.

This book deserves more than 5 stars. I would (and will) recommend it to everyone. The only warning is that it is very, very graphic.

'The Girl's Still Got It' by Liz Cirtis Higgs

I have a confession: I started this book with the wrong attitude. I have read the book of Ruth in the Bible numerous times, along with fictional accounts, non-fictional accounts, allegories...you name it. So I began this book thinking I would just make my way through. In my pride, I thought there was nothing more I could learn.

I'm so glad God knows more than I do! This book was fantastic, a delightfully refreshing view of Ruth that rocked my world, and taught me things I have never even thought about thinking (is that a phrase?). It is a true testament to the living, breathing word of God that you can read a passage or story over and over and never reach it's true depths.

This book took a long time for me to read. That sentence usually is a herald for how much I did not like a book. The exact opposite is true in this case; I couldn't hurry through this book because there were so many nuggets of wisdom and truth that swallowing it whole would have been like eating the most delicious desert in one bite, instead of savoring every morsel.

Much praise goes to the author, whose level of research and diligent leading of the Holy Spirit produced such a deep, thought provoking read. The author undertook a unique perspective in writing this book that I truly enjoyed: she takes us back in time as if we are standing on the fringes of Ruth and Naomi's lives, watching and feeling, but unable to hug them (which I wanted to do, numerous times). The author has done her homework, and being a perpetual student, it was a delight to learn so much in such a fun way. The book is sprinkled with Hebrew definitions of words, followed by humorous observation and applications to our own lives. The author breaks down the Book of Ruth verse by verse, showing us what a wealth of information and guidance are in every single word. I also LOVED that this author used many different translations in her book. One Hebrew word can translate into five similar words in our language, so to get the full body of any text when I am studying, I always read at least three translations. (insert applause for author)

I give this book 5 glowing stars. There are discussion questions and a study guide at the end, so I may even use this book as a group Bible study in the future. I would read anything else this author produces!

*I was provided a free copy of this book by the publisher, but as always, the opinions are unbiased and completely my own.

'And Then I Had Teenagers' by Susan Alexander Yates

I downloaded this book thinking, why not, I have teenagers and it's free. After reading it, I would have paid for it.

I went into the reading of this book skeptical. After all, how could someone else possibly know what MY teenager is like? The book started off seemingly slow: I wanted to author to give me a how-to manual, complete with a 'when this happens, do this'. At the beginning, the focus is more on practical advice for laying the foundation. It was only after I started getting into the how-to's that I understood why the beginning of the book was necessary.

But I got one side effect from this book that I didn't expect: it made me feel not quite so alone. I'm NOT the only parent of a teenager, walking through the dark and questioning every decision. I'm not the only one who's child changed overnight. And just knowing others are going through it (and have survived!) was comforting. Trying to parent a child in a Christian household when the world pulls (extremely hard) in the other direction is daunting, and it's nice to know I am not alone. It's not a popularity contest, which I have always known, but got comfort in having it reinforced.

I'm also glad that I waited a few days after reading this book before I wrote a review. In the days following, I found myself often going back to some of the advice and principles in the book, which surprised me. I didn't think it had that much of an effect. Because of this, I rate this book 4 stars. The writing was repetitive at a few points, and it wasn't a quick page turner, but this time my rating is based off of sheer usefulness.

Side note: this is a guide for Christian parenting. If you are not a believer, you would still benefit from this book, but it applies the principles set forth by God

'Almost Heaven' by Chris Fabry

A modern day Job. That was my prevailing thought while reading this book.

Billy Allman's life is marked with tragedy. Natural disasters, death, and human evilness, blow over Billy, but he stands strong in his trust in God through it all. He is a humble man who could never imagine the eternal effect his life has on those around him. He has never been a missionary to a foreign country or preached a sermon. He simply speaks of God's love through his music, and sets on an endeavor to build a small radio station to bring that same music and love to the people of his community.

My favorite line in the book is: `life is a song - a long, winding tune that turns minor at times, major at times, but mostly is just running along in the background. Don't question the purpose of things: just sing along.'

A second running story line in the book is that of an angel sent to watch over Billy's life. I truly enjoyed this perspective, for while Billy was just singing along with his life's song, the angel gave a more thorough view of the unseen spiritual warfare and deeper impact of Billy's life. An example: the angel, Malachi, was speaking of a dangerous situation Billy went in to and said, "Greater is the One we serve, praise His name forever, than the enemy who seeks to kill and steal and destroy. If Billy could have seen what he was up against in that lonely valley of despair...he would not have been able to achieve the task...every step he was mocked and scorned by those lined against him...".

In all, this was a fantastic, thought-provoking, moving book. It truly made the verse from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 come alive. "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." I wavered between 4 and 5 stars, but settled on 4 because the book's pace is exceeding slow at times. It doesn't take away from the fantastic depth of the book, but I reserve 5 stars for page-turning, never-forgotten, life-changing books. This book almost falls under life-changing and never-forgotten, but falls short on page turning. I can't wait to read more by this author, and I highly recommend this book as a great perspective on how much value each and every life can have on this earth, however seemingly inconsequential.

'Pariah' by Casey L. Bond

I hate giving one-star reviews, because I value authors and their hard work. But calling this book 'Christian' fiction, combined with an unrealistic world, left me unable to rate any higher.

First, the 'Christian' aspect. Just because Jesus's name is in a book does not make it Christian lit.

The premise of the book: the world has again become wicked, and since God promised not to destroy the world by flood again, He finds Himself a loophole and starts destroying the world with hot lava instead. Jesus steps in and begs for one more chance for humankind. A deal is struck, with Satan included, that the fate of the world will rest on one chosen girl. She must choose good or evil, and both forces are allowed to persuade her once she comes of age. A prophecy about her is decreed, and given to man.

The problem with the premise: first and foremost, this book disregards the entire prophecy of Revelation. So God changed His mind about the second coming? He decided just to destroy the world instead and ignore His promises? Also, the chosen girl from this new prophecy had a couple of pretty detailed intimate scenes with different guys. Then, when the bad guy stabbed his father through the throat with great joy, and reveled in cutting the tounge of another man before slowly killing him, I finally put the book down and quit expecting any form of Christianity showing up.

Second problem with the premise: if you could care less whether the Christian aspect is right or wrong, but are looking for a good dystopian fantasy, I'm afraid you will be disappointed here as well. Before God started destroying the world, there was a reference to people in their tall buildings, i.e., modern day. Enter the leftover, surviving people. No explanation is given of where they are from, how they survived, how they rebuilt, etc. That's all fine, but now the world is decidedly medieval. Somehow, all knowledge of technology, from cars to telegraphs, has been forgotten. People are wearing swords, driving horse-drawn carts, wearing corsets, and living in castles. Yet the main girls use such phrases as 'the makeup really made her eyes pop', 'just roll with it', and my favorite, 'let's go, bitches'. No explanation, up to the point I read, was given for the state of the world. The lack of setting the scene was extremely distracting and detracted from the story.

Beyond this, I couldn't emotionally connect with any character. The sheltered 'chosen' girl confesses she is not at all worried about all that 'religious' stuff, and proceeds to get drunk and make out with her best friend's husband, all while running for her life. All in all, this book was not for me. The best I can say is I didn't finish the book, so it might get better.

The author has potential, and I won't completely write her off. But at this point, I would not spend money on her work. She did hold my attention at some points, so it's not all bad. But the bad DEFINITELY outweighs the good. Hope this helps other parents looking for clean Christian fantasy for their teenagers

'The Second Thanksgiving' by Douglas Lloyd McIntosh

What a fantastic surprise!! Because of the limited (and glowing) reviews, I was skeptical of this book. I've had many disappointments, but this was not one of them!

The story is a fantastic mixture of fiction, history, and faith. I never thought the history of Plymouth would be so interesting, as I tend to prefer very old history. This story started out in the time frame of the Civil war, but that story line is almost completely forgotten as soon as the Plymouth tale begins.

The author did a superb job of giving judicious perspective from both the Indian and pilgrim hardships that arose from the blending of two vastly different cultures. The descriptions of the intense hardships endured by a people carving out life from an untamed land made my back almost ache in protest with the workers. And the portraying of the 'separatists' as a people full of faith and follies, as opposed to the typical rigid Puritan people was refreshing.

As a work of fiction, this was a great read. As a deeply devout Christian, this book was an inspiration. Then to my delight, to find out this was a true story (miracles included), with some of the more famous direct decedents of the characters listed, made this a book that will stay with me forever. I only rate a book a 5 if it is either life changing or destined to be a life favorite. This one might just be both.

(Teaser: the original storyline in the Civil War era does evetually come back into play)