66 Love Letters ~ Dr. Larry Crabb

66 Love Letters is the latest book by best-selling author and highly-esteemed psychologist and Christian counselor Dr. Larry Crabb. In it, he takes every book of the Bible and condenses it down to one paragraph, and then expands it into a letter, a love letter, from God. I’ve heard many times that the Bible is a love letter from God, and in this book, Dr. Crabb does a brilliant job of sharing it as such. From the very beginning, in Genesis, we’re shown how much God loves us and longs to have a relationship with us. We’re shown how He has a plan for our lives and if we will just trust Him, He will see it through. At the very end, Revelation, we’re shown the promise fulfilled, evil destroyed and a party begun. It is a wonderful collection of letters, to read and reread, to bring comfort and hope. Thank you, Lord, for your love!

The book is broken down into seven parts:

~ Part One: A Fall, A Promise, and the Story Begins (Love Letter One, Genesis – Love Letter Five, Deuteronomy)

~ Part Two: History Gives Away the Plot (Love Letter Six, Joshua – Love Letter Seventeen, Esther)

~ Part Three: Living in Mystery with Wisdom and Hope (Love Letter Eighteen, Job – Love Letter Twenty-Two, Song of Songs)

~ Part Four: A Word to the Foolish (Love Letter Twenty-Three, Isaiah – Love Letter Thirty-Nine, Malachi)

~ Part Five: The Hero Takes Center Stage (Love Letter Forty, Matthew – Love Letter Forty-Three, John)

~ Part Six: Clumsy People Take Dance Lessons (Love Letter Forty-Four, Acts – Love Letter Sixty-Five, Jude)

~ Part Seven: The Promise is Kept: Happiness Forever (Love Letter Sixty-Six, Revelation)

This book was provided to me for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

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66 Love Letters

Dr. Larry Crabb

The story of God written in intimate love letters just for you.

Dr. Larry Crabb knows that if we could see the larger story of God and humanity, our world would never be the same. That story is found in large part in the sixty-six letters of the Bible.

Written in a conversational first person, as if God is speaking directly to us, Dr. Crabb looks at each individual book in scripture and boils it down to a one- or two-sentence message to us from that particular book. He then unpacks each sentence in a short chapter answering the question, What does God want me to hear from this love letter? The book's epilogue then fits all sixty-six pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together into one coherent paragraph and reveals the beautiful picture of what God has been about since the creation of the world. Far from being comprehensive, this is a personal approach to helping readers know God and his great love for them, his message for all mankind, and how their lives fit into His larger story.

The Life Recovery Bible ~ NLT

Brilliant! Many of us either have battled issues like addiction, depression, co-dependency, and dysfunction ourselves, or know someone who has. The Life Recovery Bible is a New Living Translation Bible specifically focusing on these types of struggles and more. It offers many features that speak to the struggles faced by people in recovery, including, special devotionals, notes, themes and profiles. What really impressed me though, was that it really speaks to everyone, whether they are “in recovery” or not (we all need help and healing somehow). In addition to being a great personal Bible, it would be an awesome tool for ministry and outreach. I highly recommend The Life Recovery Bible.

This book was provided to me for review by Tyndale House Publishers.

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The Life Recovery Bible

New Living Translation

The Life Recovery Bible is today's #1-selling recovery Bible and is based on the 12-step recovery model. It was created by two of today's leading recovery experts, David Stoop, Ph.D., and Stephen Arterburn, M.Ed., to lead readers to the source of true healing--God himself.

Features:

~ New Living Translation

~ Recovery Notes: Placed throughout the Bible text, these notes pinpoint passages and thoughts important to recovery

~ Twelve Step Devotionals: A reading chain of 84 Bible-based devotionals tied to the Twelve Steps of recovery and placed throughout the Bible text

~ Serenity Prayer Devotionals: Based on the Serenity Prayer, these devotionals provide an excellent More than 50 Bible-based devotionals create an excellent guide to recovery

~ Recovery Profiles: Key Bible characters are profiled and important recovery lessons are drawn from their lives

~ Recovery Reflections: Topically arranged recovery reflections pinpoint specific Scripture passages at the end of most Bible books

~ Recovery Themes: Prominent recovery themes are discussed at the openings of various Bible books

~ Other Features: Outlines, book histories, topical index, devotional index, book introductions, user's guide, and a new 12-step comparison chart

Listen ~ by Rene Gutteridge

Wow, wow, wow! I've just finished the book Listen by Rene Gutteridge. This is one of the scariest books I’ve ever read – not because it’s meant to be a horror novel (it’s not), but because it caused me to evaluate the conversations I have – especially the private ones. We are admonished often in the Bible that life and death are in the power of the tongue. This book has a powerful message contained within its endearing story. It shines the light on the damage that is cause by gossip and carelessly spoken words –even private ones. There are great life lessons here that everyone can benefit from. I highly recommend this book!

This book was provided to me for review by Tyndale House Publishers.

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Listen

Rene Gutteridge

Nothing ever happens in the small town of Marlo . . . until the residents begin seeing their private conversations posted online for everyone to read. Then it’s neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, as paranoia and violence escalate. The police scramble to identify the person responsible for the posts and pull the plug on the Website before it destroys the town. But what responsibility do the people of the town have for the words they say when they think no one is listening? Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

The Hidden Flame ~ by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

I have discovered that I really enjoy biblical accounts brought to life by a fictional story, and The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke is one I especially liked. It is the second in the Acts of Faith series (the first one being The Centurion’s Wife). First-Century Jerusalem was fraught with danger for followers of The Way. That’s easy to read, and pretty much gloss over, but reading a story like this really opens the eyes to what the first Christians must have experienced, felt and thought. Signs and wonders, love and sharing, hope and expectant waiting, along with fear and persecution, were as real and natural breathing.

This story (taken from early Acts) was a bit confusing at first because I haven’t read the first book in the series. But I quickly caught on and was then drawn in completely. At nearly 400 pages, it is a long book, however, I read though it quite quickly. I’m sure it is a great read for anyone who enjoys biblical fiction.

This book was provided to me for review by Bethany House Publishers.

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The Hidden Flame

By Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

Abigail loses everything and is left with little promise of a normal life. When she discovers the Messiah and joins his followers, she also discovers new meaning and purpose. Maybe she does have a future after all. But increasing persecution is scattering the burgeoning group "to the ends of the earth." And Abigail may have given her heart to the wrong man.

Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. One is a successful Hebrew merchant and widower looking for a mother for his children. On the other side is the Roman soldier Linux, who is captivated by her winsome charm and could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Stephen, one of the leaders of The Way, has a character and a faith that move her deeply, but his outspoken preaching has marked him for assassination. Will her faith and courage withstand a heartbreak beyond comprehension? And then a glimmer of hope appears, one she never would have foreseen.

Love & War ~ John and Stasi Eldredge

The Eldredge’s are back with a new book! Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge is a fantastic book about marriage. In their humorous, insightful and unique way, this couple opens up about their own marriage and delves into the mystery that is marriage. It is about the journey of marriage, including individual brokenness, More Than Just Roommates, How to Have a Really Good Fight, Learning to Love, Sharing the Adventure, and of course, The Chapter on Sex.

Love & War is refreshingly honest and open, with plenty of references to scripture, and again including scenes or lines from popular movies. I knew it would be a great book when I read in the very first chapter:

This should have been our announcement in the Sunday paper wedding column:

Will Anyone Ever Love Me? was joined in marriage to I Will Never Need Anyone last week. The groom, Mr. Insecure Perfectionist, wedded his bride Miss I Know I’m a Disappointment at the Congregational Church. The lovely train wreck has taken up residence in Monrovia. A public reception and private disaster are soon to follow.

This book should be read by all who are married, have been married or hope to get married!

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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Love & War

By John and Stasi Eldredge

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

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To get more information about Love & War, including online purchase options, simply visit

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808

The Tap ~ by Frank McKinney

When I was first offered the opportunity to review this book, I really didn’t have high expectations. I thought it was another motivational book filled with empty promises, all fluff and no substance. I am very happy to say that I was wrong! This book surprised me in a very pleasant and refreshing way. The Tap is the latest book by renowned real estate “rock czar” Frank McKinney. The entire book is built around the scriptural passage Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Yes, it is about success and prosperity, but where this book is different is that it places emphasis on the why, McKinney believes he, and everyone else too, is blessed to be a blessing.

We all have moments when we realize we have it within our power to help someone else, to look beyond ourselves, to make a difference in not only our world, but the world. He calls these moments The Tap. We are all “tapped” by God, to help in certain specific situations. These taps could be for something small and seemingly inconsequential, or they could be for something enormous, but they happen as often as we look for them too. McKinney is very real in sharing his relationship with God, with revealing his successes and with owning up to his mistakes. This is a surprise book for me, and a pleasant one at that!

This book was provided to me for review by Ascot Media Group.

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The Tap

By Frank McKinney

Renowned real-estate 'rock czar' Frank McKinney reveals the most important spiritual principle of his astronomical success. He explains how God has tapped him (and taps everyone) many times in life, answering prayers and presenting life-changing opportunities.

So Long Insecurity ~ by Beth Moore

So Long, Insecurity is the latest book by Bible teacher and author, Beth Moore. In her familiar, yet distinctive style, she boldly approaches this topic, sharing her own experiences, and offering research, insight and a biblical perspective. If you’ve ever felt insecurity, you’re not alone. It plagues most women (I suspect men to, but the book is about women), to varying degrees, from somewhat mild to downright paralyzing. And there is so much to be insecure about – our looks, our weight, our intelligence, our family of origin, the mistakes we’ve made, the kind of mother, friend, wife, etc. that we are. So we look elsewhere for our security, and the only place we will ever find the security we so long for, is in Jesus. For anyone who’s ever struggled with this issue, this book is written for them. It is freeing and can even be life changing for anyone who allows it.

This book was provided to me for review by Tyndale House Publishers.

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So Long, Insecurity : you’ve been a bad friend to us

By Beth Moore

Perhaps one of the biggest issues all women face is their own insecurity. Beth Moore, one of todays most admired and trusted Christian writers, wants women to be free from the insecurity trap. So Long, Insecurity will strike a chord with women everywhere, as Beth speaks truth into the lives of readers, showing them how to deal with their innermost fears, rediscover their God-given dignity, and develop a whole new perspective—a stronger sense of self. Women of all ages and backgrounds will resonate with this message of security and discover truths that will free them emotionally and spiritually and lead them to a better life as they walk with God.

The Silent Governess ~ by Julie Klassen

Secrets, intrigue, romance, nobility, The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen, has them all! It is a long book at over 400 pages, but moved at such a comfortable pace, it seemed surprising that I finished it so quickly. It was thoroughly enjoyable! Klassen’s love of classic English literature is evident in the way she carefully crafts her characters and so vividly describes the setting. It is easy to actually “see” the picture she paints with her words. The story is captivating and pulls at the heart. This is the first book I’ve read of Ms. Klassen, but I eagerly look forward to more. I heartily recommend this book for those who love historical, and more specifically, regency, novels. It is well worth the time to read.

This book was provided to me for review by Bethany House Publishers.

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The Silent Governess

By Julie Klassen

As Lord Bradley learns a terrible secret, he glimpses a figure on the grounds. Fearing a spy has overheard, he is stunned to discover the intruder is a woman with her throat badly injured. To keep Olivia from spreading his secret, he gives the girl a post, confining her to his estate. With mysteries of her own to hide, Olivia complies. But as their secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love.

Angels ~ by Dr. David Jeremiah

What a great book! In his latest book, Angels, Dr. David Jeremiah, has written an in-depth study of angels. He expertly and easily teaches from a Biblical point of view, the truth, reality, purpose and even misconceptions of angels. In a time that the fascination with angels has reached a type of reverence, the timing of this truth is perfect. He backs up his teaching with a long and comprehensive Scripture Index. Dr. Jeremiah is an excellent teacher and writer and once again, he is able to break down deep theology into a teaching that is simple, straight out, and easy to understand. If you’ve ever wondered about angels and what the Word says about them, this book is a great study and resource.

This book was provided to me for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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Angels

By David Jeremiah

What are angels? What is their role in God’s plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work, our worship?

Many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth. Dr. David Jeremiah uses scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven, and their role and work in our world—and lives.

More than 60,000 units of this powerful book have sold in two past editions. This repackage of the original 1996 paperback will surely capture the attention of readers of all ages who seek a broad and thorough survey of scripture that clearly separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. The book will appeal to the thousands who follow Dr. Jeremiah’s books, and radio and TV broadcasts.

Relevant, little known biblical facts help readers sharpen their knowledge and sensitivities toward the spiritual reality of angels. Dr. Jeremiah’s enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C.S. Lewis, and more.

Author Bio:

Dr. David Jeremiah is senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, and founder of Turning Point Radio and TV Ministries. His radio program is carried on over 2,500 stations worldwide, while the TV broadcast is received by 500 million homes via cable and satellite. The recipient of numerous awards for broadcast excellence, his books have garnered Gold Medallion awards and become bestsellers with The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New York Times. He is a sought-after conference speaker by organizations nationwide.

To get more information about Angels, including online purchase options, simply visit: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601422699&ref=externallink_mlt_Angels_sec_1208_01