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Sunset (Sunrise Series-Baxter 3, Book 4)

Karen Kingsbury

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

And They All Live Happily Ever After 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Baxter family saga concludes with this fourth book of the Sunrise Series although the author promises to use them as background characters in future novels. This is a stand-alone novel, but if the reader has kept up through the Redemption Series and then the Firstborn Series, this book brings back all of the characters and ties up all loose ends in a satisfying conclusion. There's a good bit of repeating, but perhaps this comes with the fourteenth book in a series.

Kingsbury has a way of telling a good story while allowing her readers to know the people who live in her books. Though varied personalities, they all are believable. Children's voices are especially well written such that I can see his head nod as he explains about dinosaurs or hear her plaintive wail when she wants her pacifier.

Warning: read it with tissues close at hand. Any Kingsbury fan will love this one. Discussion questions are included.

Editorial Review:

As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.

Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana (Christ the Lord)

Anne Rice

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 72 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Anne Rice’s second book in her hugely ambitious and courageous life of Christ begins during his last winter before his baptism in the Jordan and concludes with the miracle at Cana.

It is a novel in which we see Jesus—he is called Yeshua bar Joseph—during a winter of no rain, endless dust, and talk of trouble in Judea.

Legends of a Virgin birth have long surrounded Yeshua, yet for decades he has lived as one among many who come to the synagogue on the Sabbath. All who know and love him find themselves waiting for some sign of the path he will eventually take.

And at last we see him emerge from his baptism to confront his destiny—and the Devil. We see what happens when he takes the water of six great limestone jars, transforms it into cool red wine, is recognized as the anointed one, and urged to call all Israel to take up arms against Rome and follow him as the prophets have foretold.

As with Out of Egypt, the opening novel, The Road to Cana is based on the Gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship. The book’s power derives from the profound feeling its author brings to the writing and the way in which she summons up the presence of Jesus.

The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why

Phyllis Tickle

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

a better-than-average emergence 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Much of what Tickle's book is can be summarized in her own statement capturing the sentiment of Anglican bishop, Mark Dyer: ". . . that the only way to understand what is currently happening to us as twenty-first-century Christians in North America is first to understand that about every five hundred years the Church feels compelled to hold a giant rummage sale" (16). Indeed, this is a more accurate reflection that might initially be recognized and Tickle's rendering of church and history follow along such lines.

The book itself is rather accessible, though most laity and less-than-averagely-interested clergy will find parts of it difficult to follow. This is a shame as much of this readership would otherwise be greatly interested in the material and could certainly benefit from understanding the current climate of the church a little bit better. So I will have to hesitate on where to recommend this as a read, though initially I thought it would be a book for many in such a position. Further, the overall structure of the book can become confusing to the reader, especially the large sweeps through history on a thematic level. Such a presentation lends itself to a back-and-forth telling of selective history and sometimes loses the reader (I found at certain points if I wasn't paying close enough attention I was mixing up time periods).

These critiques aside, what one does find in the book is an interesting presentation of the changing Protestant climate in North America. Further, the evaluation of the socio-religious climate is quite helpful in understanding the whys and whats of the *emerging* movement. Much of the bread and butter of this book is found in Part 3, where Tickle works on how the movement is working now and where it is likely to head as it unfolds. And while the rummage sale of the church does not render the previous forms of the faith useless, it does change up the in-house decorating of what this generation of believers look like.

Although the *great emergence* is a very uncertain and unsettling process for many, Tickle does well to remind the reader throughout that these movements are necessary and vital to the overall work of the church. She asserts that this leads to a "more vital form of Christianity" (17), that it breaks down the encrusted dogmatism of the previous generation, and that it energizes the church and leads to the spread of the gospel. And she backs these three assertions up with the great 500 year moments in the history of the church.

My primary caveat to a book like this is that it is quite difficult to understand and properly evaluate a movement which we are currently experiencing. With *emergent* Christianity, it seems that everyone is jumping ahead quickly to assert the significance of their approach to the faith and to be the first and best to characterize the movement itself. Although no book can critique the current landscape without hitting some of these snags, Tickle does a really good job at navigating away from such pitfalls (she comes close a few times, but that's my critique). It would do the *emergent* crowd well to move forward with great humility before God (some do and others don't), and not get ahead of themselves on their own impact.

In the end, this is a good book with a good message, though not without its own faults. How emergent of itself.

[...]

Editorial Review:

Rooted in the observation that massive transitions in the church happen about every 500 years, Phyllis Tickle shows readers that we live in such a time right now. She compares the Great Emergence to other "Greats" in the history of Christianity, including the Great Transformation (when God walked among us), the time of Gregory the Great, the Great Schism, and the Great Reformation. Combining history, a look at the causes of social upheaval, and current events, The Great Emergence shows readers what the Great Emergence in church and culture is, how it came to be, and where it is going. Anyone who is interested in the future of the church in America, no matter what their personal affiliation, will find this book a fascinating exploration.

Sinner: A Paradise Novel (The Books of History Chronicles)

Ted Dekker

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Great Book 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I bought this for my brother-in-law. He really likes Ted Dekker books and he enjoyed this one as well!

Editorial Review:

Some say roll with the punches.  Drift with the tide.  Nothing can stop the inevitability of change.  There was a time when 300 Spartans disagreed with such mindless thinking and stood in the gap.

Now it's time for 3,000 to stand in the gap.

Sinner is the story of Marsuvees Black, a force of raw evil who speaks with wicked persuasion that is far more destrictive than swords or guns.  Beware all who stand in his way.

It's also the story of Billy Rediger and Darcy Lange, two unsuspecting survivors of a research project gone bad, who discover that they are perhaps the two most powerful souls in the land.  Listen to them or pay a terrible price.

And it's the story of Johnny Drake, the one who comes out of the desert and leads the 3,000.  Follow him and die.

Sinner tells the story of a free land where people who worship as they please and say what they believe are suddenly silenced in the name of tolerance.

Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days (Left Behind No. 1)

Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2219 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

left behind #1 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

what a spectacularly awful reading experience ... i am a christian and have studied the very complex book of the bible upon which this claptrap is based ... to so mislead the ignorant folks who read this is an injustice to them ... they would be better served going to bible study group0s in their church ... i cannot believe that the avg review is 4.5 stars ... i looked at the 1st 115 pges of the 554 pages of reviews and at least 90% of the reviews i looked at were one star ... what gives?

Brilliant concept, plodding delivery... 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

For concept alone, I would give the "Left Behind" series five stars. The way the Rapture is imagined (people disappearing into thin air, an anti-Christ in the form a charismatic political superstar on the world stage, miraculous events in Israel including a defenseless win of a war) is outstanding. What is far less thrilling is the plotting and characterization. Although this series does more psychological plumbing than the usual thriller, the characters are flat and the pacing of the books is maddening at times.

Since I had seen the movie, I started the series with "Tribulation Force" and read through "Desecration." I slowly grew tired of the enterprise, never even getting to the final two volumes. This is a series that goes on way too long and at times gets petty and petulant in making its theological points. The general vibe is, "We're right, everyone else is wrong. End of story." Certainly people are entitled to their opinions, but the hectoring "always right" tone gets annoying after a while.

Recently I found myself curious again and decided to read the first volume. I would say my review remains the same: brilliant concept, plodding delivery. I particularly dislike Hattie's one-dimensional character. There is a sequence in this volume in which she tells of desiring unwanted pregnancies so that her sister, who works at an abortion clinic, can keep her job. I mean, really? That is just plain misogynistic. Hattie is always, throughout the volumes, the harlot in contrast to Chloe's virtuous foil. So much more could be done in creating nuanced characters.

Sometimes the writing (as contrasted with the characterization) is fine. This is a thriller after all, not literary fiction. I would say Jerry Jenkins is no worse than Dan Brown when it comes to prose styling. At times he chokes on poorly written sentences. Sample: "Irene stayed home, uncomfortably past her ninth month carrying their surprise tagalong son, Ray Jr." Overall, though, the narrative moves along smoothly.

Based on this reading experience, I have no desire to finish off the series. There are some very good things in "Left Behind" but there is also much that could be improved.

Editorial Review:

This fictional account of life after the Rapture delivers an urgent call to today's readers to prepare their own heart and minister to others.320 pages

Spanish available

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt: A Novel

Anne Rice

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 317 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A UNIQUE LOOK AT THE LIFE OF OUR SAVIOR AS A CHILD. 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Anne Rice, famous for books such as "Interview with the Vampire" an "Queen of the Damned," brings her skills to tackle her most challenging work to date: a look at the childhood of our Lord and Savior. "Christ The Lord: Out of Egypt," the first of a planned trilogy, takes a look at Jesus during His seventh and eighth years on this earth, struggling to come to terms with His identity, as well as pondering the special powers He seems to possess, while returning to the family home of Nazareth during a tumultuous time, as rebellion has broken out through Palestine.
For the most part, Rice's novel delivers the goods. It is a fascinating portrait of how Jesus came to learn Who He was, and what His life was meant for. However, there are certain passages that tend to drag at times. Instead of focusing on the life-changing events of the time, Rice gives us details that, while interesting, just drag the plot out. But overall, this is an interesting look at how the Son of God lived at an early age. Christians and non-Christians alike should enjoy "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt."
Book Grade: B

Editorial Review:

Having completed the two cycles of legend to which she has devoted her career so far, Anne Rice gives us now her most ambitious and courageous book, a novel about the early years of CHRIST THE LORD, based on the Gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship.

The book’s power derives from the passion its author brings to the writing and the way in which she summons up the voice, the presence, the words of Jesus who tells the story.


From the Hardcover edition.

Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Won't Regret

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

He's Back! 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Bishop is back. This book returns to the engaging, yet informative style of Bishop Jakes' early books ie. Woman thou art Loosed, 10 Commandments.... If you did not like Reposition Yourself because of all the flowery modifiers and theatrical symbolism, then you'll be happy to read this book. Although the book centers around the decision to choose a mate and draws from his daughters wedding, it provides insight and strategies to making any type of decision i.e. financial, career, family. Bishop encourages people to research before they make a decision. This is an entertaining read and you walk away with better decision making skills.

Editorial Review:

In his latest work, bestselling author T.D. Jakes presents his take on attracting love in abundance. Jakes suggest that a loving bond - whether marital, sibling, or parental - is one of the key fundamentals toward a prosperous life. T. D Jakes explores ways to strengthen these relationships, urging children to be more patient with their elder parents and siblings to show more gratitude and respect for each other's differences. Jakes shares what it takes to recover after a divorce and make dreams of true love accessible even when the odds seem against it. He uses the lessons he has learned from his own marriage and family life as well as those of others to encourage and inspire people to give and receive the greatest love possible.

The Ezekiel Option (Political Thrillers Series #3)

Joel C. Rosenberg

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 148 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

An intriguing story very well told 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Joel Rosenberg is without question a gifted story teller. In telling this tale, he weaves an intricate tapestry of international intrigue, held together by the prospect of an impending cataclysm, while using his principal character's love story as his common thread. As one who reads very little fiction, I was surprised to find that this author has done his homework. His understanding of the inner workings of governments, particularly the United States Government, and of the interactions between governments is truly impressive and serves to make this work all the more believable, especially when coupled with his firm grasp of religious prophesy and of both current and recent events and their impact on nations. Stated differently, the author takes today's world and moves it seamlessly into the near future, based on recent world events and the prophesies of the past, in a frighteningly believable way.

Having read the first eight "Left Behind" books before losing interest, I couldn't help but note the difference between the way in which the two authors approached the subject of Armageddon, and I couldn't help but wonder how this author would deal with the presumed ultimate conclusion. Of the earlier series and this book: I found the "Left Behind" books to be much more fascinating, at least in the beginning, but I found this book to have a much greater depth and broader scope, and to be much more in-line with what is happening in today's world.

What did I like best about this book? I really liked the depth of knowledge the author displayed regard religious prophesies and the workings of government. I also liked the names he had chosen for his principle characters. They seemed to mirror the actual names of "real" people in past administrations, adding realism to his story. I also appreciated the manner in which his story relentlessly moved forward with the author being very careful to ensure that no loose ends were ever left sticking out -- a truly remarkable feat. What did I like the least? It seemed to me that when the plot had thickened and "Armageddon" had been set in motion, the storyline quickly evolved into the customary Hollywood "shoot `em up" chase scenario, as the hero strove to save his one true love in the face of insurmountable obstacles. I couldn't help but wonder how much better the book might have been without the love story. I did, however, find the conclusion of the book to be quite imaginative and quite surprising. Somehow, Rosenberg managed to pull off "Armageddon" in a more than convincing manner.

Although I don't really care much for science fiction, and I kept asking myself `Why am I wasting my time by reading this?', I'll have to give this book five stars. After all, it is an intriguing story very well told.

Editorial Review:

When Russia's richest oil baron is killed, Moscow suddenly teeters on the verge of political chaos. Tehran races to complete its nuclear arsenal. Washington finds herself dangerously divided from her European allies. A new evil looms on the horizon. A dictator is rising in Russia. Iran is feverishly building nuclear weapons. A new axis of evil is emerging, led by Moscow and Tehran. And Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy, two senior White House advisors, find themselves facing the most chilling question of their lives: is the world rushing to the brink of an apocalypse prophesied more than 2,500 years ago?

"If you only read one book this year . . . this is it!" --Rush Limbaugh, New York Times best-selling author

Black/Red/White (The Circle Trilogy 1-3)

Ted Dekker

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Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Three novels. Two worlds. One Story.

Enter an adrenaline-laced epic where dreams and reality collide.

Black - An incredible story of evil and rescue, betrayal and love, and a terrorist threat unlike anything the human race has ever known. A virulent evil has been unleashed upon the people of Earth. The only man who can stop it is Thomas Hunter, an unlikely hero whose life is stretched between two worlds. Every time he falls asleep in one reality, he awakes in the other. Soon Thomas no longer knows which reality is real. Yet it quickly becomes apparent that his choices in each world impact the other--and that the fates of both rest in his hands.

Red - In one world, Thomas Hunter is a battle-scarred general commanding an army of primitive warriors. In the other, he's racing to outwit sadistic terrorists intent on creating global chaos through an unstoppable virus. Thomas must find a way to change history--or face the destruction of two worlds.

White - Thomas Hunter has only days to survive two separate realms of danger, deceit, and destruction. The fates of both worlds now rest on his unique ability to shift realities through his dreams. Thomas and The Circle must quickly decide who they can trust--both with their own lives and the fate of millions. And neither the terror of Black nor the treachery of Red can prepare Thomas for the forces aligned against The Circle in White.

The Longing (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 3)

Beverly, Lewis

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Very good, but nees to be read in sequence 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The book was very good if you like inspirational books but needs to be read in sequence......there are two books before this one in the series.

Editorial Review:

Although she still prays for Caleb, Nellie Mae Fisher has broken up with her beau. Now, her heart's greatest longing is for more knowledge of the Lord.

Caleb yearns for freedom, as his plans to leave Honeybrook have been thwarted. He must stay on as caretaker for his father, who was crippled in a wintertime accident. He also longs for Nellie Mae, still hoping that she will return to the Old Order...and to him. Christian Yoder, a young Mennonite man, longs to get to know Nellie Mae better...and to share with her the secrets of her sister Suzy's final days. Rhoda, Nellie's older sister, longs for more of what the world has to offer--from fancy clothes, to her own car, to a new English boyfriend.

Meanwhile, father Reuben Fisher longs for unity--among his family and all the brethren.

Whose longing will be satisfied, and whose will not?