Let’s start the new year with a giveaway. Add a comment before midnight Eastern, 1.6.11, to win my review copy of this book! In search of a little light reading? Then stay away from this book. Like his exhaustive treatment of a timeless topic in Heaven¸ Randy Alcorn’s If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil (Multnomah Books, 2009) presents a comprehensive, thought-provoking read. Here, he addresses almost any question you can think of about this ancient argument—and many you’ve never considered.  During my seminary days, my philosophy professor (as every good philosophy professor should) addressed the topic of evil and suffering. After years of study, one word captured his best conclusion: mystery.  God doesn’t owe us an explanation for his actions. And we will never fully understand why he allows such painful additions as cancer, disabilities, and death to penetrate his creation. But my professor’s summary left me with too many questions. At times, Alcorn offers a similar element of mystery. Still, If God is Good provides numerous principles, illustrations, and (most important) biblical references that shed light on an often-dark area. Yes, the book is thick. Yes, the word count is huge. But Alcorn wastes neither paper nor the reader’s time as he presents a practical, personal, pass-on-able presentation of clear biblical truth. He both asks and answers the hard questions–of himself, of Scripture, and of those who have suffered. This rubber-meets-the-road element goes a long way toward keeping the teaching from becoming either pedantic or ethereal. Years ago, I read Rabbi Harold Kushner’s popular book on this same topic (When Bad Things Happen to Good People). I still remember the disappointment I felt because, in my view, the author failed to answer his own question in a way that reflected a genuine relationship with a Creator God. I came away from If God is Good with an opposite reaction. Alcorn’s writing pushed against the edges of my faith in a way that taught me more—not only about his chosen topic, but about God himself.  Numerous personal stories, a carefully planned chapter outline, and bolded sentences that highlight each chapter’s most salient points add to this book’s appeal. Alcorn’s honest discussions of life’s deepest issues may not answer all your questions, but they will give you some points to ponder. As he says, “Suffering will come; we owe it to God, ourselves, and those around us to prepare for it.”  Come hungry, but don’t expect a snack. If God is Good goes beyond the whole enchilada. This one’s a full-blown, seven-course feast. Do you enjoy reading about tough topics? Have you read any of Alcorn’s previous books (fiction or nonfiction)? Share your response...

A huckster, an orphaned swamp boy, and a case of mistaken identity. These may sound like the makings of a great novel (and they are), but they don’t sound like my kind of novel. Unless the novel comes from artist of words and creator of Corenwald Jonathan Rogers, that is. I first became acquainted with this author’s storytelling skills when I reviewed his Wilderking trilogy for Homeschooling Today magazine a few years ago. In the process, our family fell in love with the fantasy kingdom of Corenwald and the Feechiefen Swamp. Rogers’s unique blend of Southern fiction and fantasy yields a nearly indescribable but wholly believable combination. This novel has a new publisher, a new look, and a new emphasis. Rogers uses The Charlatan’s Boy to tell the most ancient story of all. Scrawny, rejected Grady is the charlatan’s boy. Or is he? A startling revelation changes his life and sends him on an unwitting quest. As he carries out his master’s plan, he doesn’t realize he’s fulfilling another. When lies have shaped your life, truth can seem elusive—and painful. But truth, as the charlatan’s boy learns, also has amazing power to heal and set free. Engaging characters, intriguing dialogue, and a story every heart will recognize make this author’s latest offering one you won’t want to put down. Read (and encourage your young adults to read) The Charlatan’s Boy for the adventure. Remember it for the message. Well done, Mr. Rogers. Ha-ha-ha-hrawffff-wooooooooo! I’m posting this review at Waterbrook’s Blogging for Books site, too. If you have time, please visit and give my words a positive rating. Thanks! (FTC disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for this...

(Comment below for the opportunity to win a copy). I chose an interesting time of year to read Flourish: Discover the Daily Joy of Abundant, Vibrant Living by Catherine Hart Weber, Ph.D. (Bethany House, 2010). Christmastime in our family tends to be anything but relaxed. This book’s emphasis on the essentials helped pull me back to center. Although Weber makes no secret of her Christian faith, she doesn’t blast readers with Scripture. And although she’s a licensed marriage and family therapist, she doesn’t lose them in psychobabble, either. Instead, Flourish offers the spiritual encouragement and practical advice readers need to move into the abundance of life as God designed it. After three chapters that introduce the basic concepts of flourishing, the book moves into a discussion of four systems (Relationship Attachment, Joy and Pleasure, Peace and Tranquility, Hope and Resilience) which, properly nurtured and maintained, yield a life that can’t help but flourish. The author’s attention to detail yields a book that speaks to readers’ needs and interests. True-life stories touch the heart, guided questionnaires encourage personal exploration, and practical exercises move the teaching from information to action. Don’t read this book. Instead, take time to absorb and apply it. As you move from frustration to flourish, you’ll find yourself like me—grateful. I’d love to share the joy of this delightful read. Post a comment here (make sure to leave a link or contact information) by midnight Friday, Dec. 17, and I’ll enter you in a drawing to win  your own...

 I can’t help it—I love a happy ending. That’s why, as Crossing Oceans unfolded (do stories still “unfold” on a Kindle?), fear gripped my heart. I’d already fallen in love with the story’s main character, single mom Jenny Lucas. I admired her fierce love for her daughter. I understood her desire to repair broken relationships. I rejoiced in her victories and wept at her frustrations. In other words, debut author Gina Holmes hooked me. I’d already read too much about this novel, but her words pulled me in anyway. I didn’t have time to read, but I couldn’t stop. I wanted to find Jenny’s happy ending. I wanted to discover my own. Holmes delivered, but not in the way I expected. She gave me our language in uncommon beauty. She drew characters whose lives reached past the page.  She provided reasons to consider  eternity and how it applies to today. She poured out multiple layers of meaning and depths of relationship that made me reexamine my own. First novel? Crossing Oceans doesn’t belong in that category. Whether or not you cry when you read it, you’ll see yourself and your family here. You’ll remember how much small actions and quick conversations matter. You’ll find your heart quickened, your love renewed. Thanks, Ms. Holmes, for the years you labored to give us this gift. Thanks for Novel Journey. And thanks for reminding me of the preciousness of story.    Happy endings start with great beginnings. You did it—and I can’t wait to read more....

The Smart Stepmom: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive! offers readers an information kit and therapy session wrapped up as a purse-size book. Packed with wisdom and practical encouragement, it also serves as Bible study, counselor, and supportive friend. Why review a book about stepmoms? By the grace of God, my husband and I have been married 27-plus years; my parents, 54. All my grandparents celebrated more than 60 years together. But I happen to be a pastor’s wife, neighbor, and friend of many who find themselves in blended families.  These precious people are stepmoms; they have stepmoms; or they’re married to stepmoms. I’ve seen their struggles and successes. I’ve witnessed their wounds. And I understand enough to know there’s much more I don’t understand. The authors of The Smart Stepmom recognize God’s ideal in marriage. They also recognize the importance of making the stepfamily work. What happens when your stepchildren ignore you? How do you handle the relationship with their biological mom? And what do your biological kids need as they adjust? With insights borne of both professional and personal experience (Deal is a licensed professional counselor/ therapist and founder of Successful Stepfamiles; Petherbridge is an international speaker, author, and stepmom of two grown sons) the authors answer these common questions and more. Each chapter contains an abundance of wise, in-the-trenches applications and ends with a prayer, Scripture references, and Discussion Questions. Like it or not, the authors say, stepparenting is a team sport. This book offers a proven game plan and specific strategies for success. Don’t tell anyone, but it makes a great read for dads and stepdads, too. The Smart Stepmom. Read it and rejoice as God uses this power-packed product to help you achieve...

Have you ever read a book that leaves you breathless?  Natalie Lloyd’s tender heart, sensitivity to God’s Spirit, and keen insights into God’s Word spill across every page of Paperdoll: What Happens When an Ordinary Girl Meets an Extraordinary God  in a way that took my breath away. Each beautifully written chapter captures the thoughts and attitudes of the woman from Samaria whose need led to her wellside encounter with the King of kings. But Paperdoll goes far beyond Bible study. The author’s vulnerability about her own failures and fumblings left me stumbling over my own. Stumbling—only to rise with fresh faith and renewed confidence. We live in a world of paperdolls—those women with perfect faces, stylish clothes, and flawless makeup, the ones we admire on TV and whose faces grace the latest magazine covers. The problem? Paperdolls are flat, two-dimensional. And flat people can’t experience real life. Real life: that’s the breathless beauty of Lloyd’s book. Readers will see, feel, and experience real life and real answers as she explores the concepts of true beauty, inner woundedness, and the fulfillment found only in true love. A closing Study Guide includes suggested soundtrack and discussion questions appropriate for a Bible study group along with ideas for further reflection. But whether you share Paperdoll with others or read it on your own, take a deep breath—and prepare for God to blow you away. Want to win a free copy of Paperdoll? Leave a comment below and tell me why! I’ll choose the winner from comments left before 10:00 PM on Sunday, October 10. Yes, that’s 10/10/10 at 10! And watch for my interview with Natalie Lloyd, coming soon to the WRITE section of this...