Christian Books

Claudia Mair Burney did the dogone thing! Amanda Bell Brown is a sassy and clever heroine. Sizzling dialogue, authentic description, and ever mounting conflict made it top notch reading. I couldn't stop laughing at the humor, was moved by the underlying spiritual message and was simply delighted to find a really well written novel.

I got the best of both worlds with this book. I'm always trapped in an episode of CSI:Miami, Law and Order or somewhere with my nose in a good Christian Fictian romance. How did Claudia Burney know just how to put it together? I felt like I was spying on Bell's life. I was totally immersed in the crime scene, in the flirt scenes in the scary situational scenes. I used EVERY spare moment to read this book and I'm thrilled that there is another one in the series.

Wow! I loved these characters. Belle is a real AAP (African American Princess). She and Jazzy have real issues, but a real respect and admiration for each other. I love the angle of the ex-boyfriend who is her Pastor. It works for me.

I don't read a lot of chick lits or murder mysteries, so to read a book with both rolled up together was an anomally. But let me tell you, reader, this book captivated me. Bell's (main character) wit had me laughing out loud.

I don't know. Maybe it's not chick lit. It has the sass of chick lit, but not really the concerns of chick lit. To be honest, the whole chick lit category confuses me once you get out of the shopping and heels stuff.

In between the laughs, Burney dealt with hard issues such as divorce and remarriage, life in the occult (and healing after getting out), interdenominational relations, and a single person's honest-to-goodness struggles with lust for the person to whom they are attracted. Yes, people, that's normal, and I love that Burney didn't shy away from that. And can I say this? While reading this book, I was an African-American woman. And you know what? I loved it. (Being African-American and the book.) In fact, I loved it so much, that I've decided to make it the June giveaway for Glimpses (my ezine).

Amanda Bell Brown is a forensic psychologist that is in dire need of some fun and excitement. Amanda is all set to spend another birthday alone until her sister drags her out to a birthday dinner. Amanda's world is sent into a tailspin when she suddenly ends up at the scene of a murder. She thinks she knows who the killer is, and she's trying to do everything possible to solve this case. Things become a little more interesting when the lead detective of the case named Jazz asks her out. But as Amanda becomes more involved in the case, the more dangerous it becomes. Will Amanda be able to solve this crime without becoming a victim herself?

Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man is a riveting mystery from Claudia Mair Burney. Mair Burney expertly created an intriguing mystery with colorful cast of characters. This storyline pulls readers in deep into the twisted world of the cult and how it can be detrimental to its members. You will feel the heart-stopping drama as Amanda gets closer to solving this disturbing case. You also feel the romantic sparks between Amanda and Jazz. Mair Burney does an excellent job of illustrating the inner religious conflicts of Amanda and Jazz as they become closer to each other. There is also a good dose of humor that makes this novel all the more enjoyable. Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man is a suspenseful page-turner that is the perfect start to the Amanda Bell Brown mystery series.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

This book is must for a believer who desires to know God, to understand
New Birth and Life in spirit. A great teaching on Romans. I am going to read it many times again.

Truly a classic. Apart from a great recommendation, this 50 yr. old book would have been overlooked. Watchman Nee had a knack for breaking down scripture for easy absorption. Totally altered my life.

When I was 9 years old I got my first pair of glasses and was amazed by the detail and clarity of my new vision. What was once green blobs atop brown cylinders became gorgeous, complex trees in their full, leafy glory. In a similar way, thanks to Nee, I see the details and wholeness of God's greatest gift to us, His Son.

Watchman Nee makes Paul's Letter to the Romans accessible and applicable. I have been a Christian for many years and participated in many Bible/Christian studies. Nevertheless, I did not grasp the fullness of the Cross. The Normal Christian Life explains in everyday terms the many benefits of Christ's sacrifice for us and how to walk in Him. Please read this book and share it with others. It is a life refiner.

I've never heard anyone teach some of the things in this book but I've seen glimpses of them myself in my own scripture study. This book is simply life-transforming! I'm almost done with my first read thru the book and plan on immediately re-reading it.

Avoid the May 29, 2008 Paperback, buy the Mass Market Paperback. A poor edition of a classic book, most of the notes were removed, and some explanations aren't there either, the book has been mutilated.

Maybe I was expected a little to much with this book. I don't think it lived up to what different sources led me to believe, but still, it was worth reading I guess. I'd recommend it to people who have already finished all the other Christian fantasy fiction like The Door Within Trilogy and Echoes from the Edge.

If you like fantasy books and you can't find any that you haven't already read, try this one!!!!

I will have to say that this is one of the best books I have ever read. I stayed up half the night reading, because I could really could not put the book down. I promptly bought the next two books in the series, before I even had this one finished!

I really liked that the heroine was a mom and not the typical young man of most stories. It is a fantasy book, but it is also very much on others levels, that even people who do not normally read fantasy, may still like The Restorer. Sharon really describes the surroundings enough for me to truly visualize the other world, but she does not delve into descriptions in too much detail, as to get boring. Wonderfully written and captivating story! I will be buying all books that Sharon Hinck writes!

Sharon Hinck pens a lovely creation with The Restorer, the first in The Sword of Lyric series. I am a huge fantasy fan, but I notice that the plots in these stories can sometimes be pretty similar. This book is like nothing I've ever read before-it's completely original and full of plot twists that really did surprise me! But, my favorite part of the book is the wonderful characters. They are so lovable and you can't help but feel for them. I recommend this book to all ages!

Susan is stuck and depressed. She can't take one more argument between her kids. Her husband, Mark, decides to build her a getaway in the attic--a space where no one but her is allowed, where she can journal and pray and read to her heart's delight. But God had a different getaway in mind. Falling through a portal, she comes upon a nation threatened by war on the outside and by forgetting their identity on the inside. She learns that God sent her as their Restorer.

It's entertaining, and it has a good message. She does a good job with setting and descriptions and an excellent job with characterization. I knew these characters. The book also motivated me to memorize Scripture. We used to do this as kids, but at some point, it stopped seeming important. After all, I have 3,258 Bibles in my house. I can look anything up. Why memorize? But Sharon depicted both the power of lies to poison our thinking and lives and the power of Scripture to combat those lies.

For mothers out there struggling with their purpose now that their lives are consumed with laundry and dishes and snotty noses, this book that God has work for each one of us, including mothers, work for His kingdom. Susan finds out that her identity isn't wrapped up in her kids.

I liked it. I liked that the main character in the fantasy is a woman. To be honest, though, it felt more like an allegory than a true fantasy. More like Hinds Feet on High Places. Almost a long parable. A lot of one-to-one corollations. Lies poison the mind with physical devastation. The nation represent Israel (people that follow the Verses; they even have 2 lost tribes, sorry, clans). It was more like an Hans Christian Anderson story with a morality at the end than a Grimm's Fairy Tale. This is not a bad thing. It has its own power. Like I said, I found it both entertaining and it challenged me to memorize Scripture again. I just tend to prefer non-allegorical books.

This book really helps you understand your identity in Christ and all that being a child of God entails. I highly recommend this book especially if you struggle with receiving God's love for you.

Kris Vallotton's "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty" is a book well worth reading, and its message is one that could transform the life of the reader forever. Kris' writing style matches that of his speaking, both of which present the Good News in such a way that is profound, yet simple and accessible to anyone with an open heart for the truth.

The royalty of the believer is an uncommon subject in Christian literature; but in his book, Kris openly shares the various occurences in his personal journey that made this truth his reality. Through key passages in the Scriptures, he reveals the hidden road map to the Bride's seat of honor in Christ, which God ordained long ago.

I personally recommend "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty," as it has radically changed the way I pray, worship, view leadership, and relate to people. Most of all, understanding now that God sees us favorably has dramatically changed the way I approach Him in our private time.

The truth of God's Word, as presented in Kris Vallotton's book, will inspire you toward deeper intimacy with God. I highly recommend it.

Outside of the scriptures, this is the most significant book that I've ever read. Incredible insight into the truth of the word of God, and His heart for mankind. Kris is transparent about his own life journey. This book is the fruit of a life yielded to God's redemptive power... a slave becomes a son! An incredible life-giving message. Highly recommended! I truly believe that Kris is a model prophet for our generation.

You are a Child of the King who created you in His likeness and immage.
You are charged to do as Jesus commanded his followers- Bring The Kingdom of heaven to Earth where ever you go. You carry the very presense of the Living God as a believer. You are no longer a mere human You are a New Creation in Christ Jesus. This Book is a call to live out your Christianity daily. The Kingdom does not come in Word only but in POWER this power is avaliable to you through the Gifts given to you freely by your Father in Heaven.

This book was life changing for me. It really helped uncover the wrong thoughts that I have about myself which have prevented me from acting like the child of the living God that I am. It also helped me recognize a wrong attitude that I had towrd my spouse...an attitude of cohabitation rather than a covenant attitude. I would highly recommend this book to those who are pressing in to God to try to walk in the authority and dignity of the royal priesthood that believers in Christ are called to.

I haven't actually read this myself yet but it was recommended by a good friend who has never steered me wrong and in fact and always pointed me to really, really good religious and philosophical books. Hahn is also a writter who is very familiar to me and I have liked all his other books I have read although I find them not to always be and easy read.

Dr. Hahn has yet another winner with this easy-to-read book! One of the big bases of his scriptural analyses is the theme of God's covenant with His people. This book is a real treasure, explaining the covenental promises of the Lord in language and style that's easily understood. As with all his books, this is presented in Dr. Hahn's reader-friendly style.

This book is incredible. Scott Hahn did his dissertation in covenant theology, and this book goes through the 6 covenants in an easy to understand manner.

Dr. Hahn has a genius for making complicated concepts easy to understand. He leads us through the Old Testament and shows us how the old covenant leads up to and culminates in the Last Supper and crucifixion; and the new covenant begins with the resurrection and is perpetuated through the Eucharist. I have a much better understanding of the crucifixion and the Eucharist now that Hahn has put it into the context of Jewish history. My only complaint is Hahn's casual -- sometimes chatty -- writing style and occasional paraphrasing of biblical exchanges into modern American vernacular. While I understand that this book was written for a broad audience, I was still mildly irritated; that said, Hahn's brilliant insight makes this quip hardly worth mentioning.

Very well written. Made it easy for me to understand the Old Testament of the Bible. Very person friendly.

I love to read this book to my kids when I'm worn out from the day to day struggles of being a working mom. It helps me to remember those cherished moments that sometimes get rushed through. I also like that it gives us an opportunity to remember moments with our kids from when they were babies and moments they still haven't reached yet, like driving a car. It's a great book to stop and talk about things in the middle and remember what a blessing it is to have them at this age. Great book.

This book reminds us of how quickly our children grow and how soon they will soon be gone. As the mother of a 15 and a 11 year old, I was reminded of precious memories of days gone by and saddened by the glimpses of what is yet to come in my future as a mother. I was made aware of this book because it was given as a gift at a baby shower and after reading it, it is the perfect gift for new mammas. The book made such an impact that as soon as I got home from the baby shower I got online and ordered it. This comes highly recommended.

This book is a poem, which we originally found in one of Karen Kingsbury's novels. The mother in the story read the poem to her son, on the occasion of his wedding. While she recognizes all the "firsts" in his life, she also notes that there were many "lasts," such as the last bottle she fed him, the last time she tied his shoes, the last time she drove him to school...if she had known that it was the last time she rocked him to sleep, she would have "held him longer." When we learned that the poem had been published as a separate book, my wife gave it to our son for his graduation from high school. What a moving moment when they read it together. We have since started giving the book as baby shower gifts to friends, as a reminder to savor all the "lasts" in their little ones' lives.

Anything Karen Kingsbury writes is incredible. I recently gave this book to a mom whose son was graduating from high school. She loved it so much that she keeps it on her coffee table for everyone to read. I also gave it to a mom whose son just turned 5. She, too loved the message of treasuring your child's every moment--their firsts and their lasts. This book is more for moms rather than the children.

I got this book for myself last year before the birth of my second child. The story has more meaning to a second time mom. This time I got two copies for friends who are expecting their second babies.

I LOVE Jan Brett's books! I buy them anytime I see them whether on sale, old ones on Amazon as remainders, or new.. They make great gifts. I have a backup of many to give to children, particularly my granddaughters. The illustrations in this one are so beautiful it is really a keepsake to save as well as enjoy. Give it as a gift and you will make some child very happy and a parent happy,too.

Beautiful illustrations reprinted from over 40 sources. All illustrations are credited on last page. Book measures 9"X11.5" Only down side was that the price changes by the day. One day it's almost $11 another it's $8.97. But that's just the way Amazon works; something to be aware of. (It's worked in my favor often while shopping at midnight--price suddenly went down!)

it's a classic, so of course you can't go wrong, but as far as the best one being out there... well, I'm sure there are much better illustrated ones out there than this one

I bought this for my grandchildren last Christmas. The wording is traditional, and the illustrations are wonderful! This has become a part of the Christmas Eve tradition at my daughter's house.

These illustrations are the best ever for The Night Before Christmas...Stunning even! A worthy heirloom Christmas Book. The illustrations cover both sides of the page for a large panoramic view seldom seen in other books...

First MacArthur book I read, which changed my life. Well studied and saturated in The Word of God. Thank you, Sir!

I was looking for books that would explain some of the criticisms aimed at CGM churches, such as Willow Creek and Saddleback. This book, published in 1993 doesn't name either of these by name and I thought it would give a relatively objective view having been written earlier than most others of this type.

MacArther takes aim at CGM churches and may be one of the first authors to do so. Of special interest to me is the appendix that gives some insight into Charles Spurgeon and the Downgrade Controversy. This is probably the best part of the entire book, and takes up a substantial portion of it. This is a good commentary and brief biographical treatment of Spurgeon for those of us who are not very familiar with him but only through some very good quotations.

However, MacArther's treatment of CGM churches begins to wear thin about midway through the second chapter. Some of his arguments start to make him sound more like a pharisee than someone bringing in the light. He objects to the forms of worship, the subject of worship, the absence of substance, the user-friendly message, the seeker-friendly concept...and these are all well and fine, but most of these arguments can be found for free all over the internet. He seems to go on a bit long in order to flesh out chapters that could be shorter, but of course this is sort of par for the course with most preachers!

MacArther makes his point but as a champion of institutional churchianity, he must draw up short of pointing out that these megachurches are merely the next logical steps for an institution where the clergy is always more exhalted, more revered and more siognificant than the laity "sheep." So while the reader may be freed from a downgraded institution, the person will still be in bondage to MacArther's brand of institution which puts them in a pew, staring at the back of the heads of others and viewing things going on at the front. As long as the preacher and the Sunday preaching remain the staple diet of people who call themselves Christians, it will continue to be a movement that is in decline, no matter the size or flavor.

Since we have been Christians for many years, both my wife and I have been distressed over the "Show Time" type of Christianity that now exists in many churches. We have attended services in a church which has "Broadway Style" (words taken from the church bulletin) presentations. One Christmas, this same church had a "Rock around the Christmas Tree" presentation (including the music, tree, and dancing).

I bought MacArthur's book with the hope that it would provide us with some insights and solutions to this problem of worldliness in the church. The first seven chapters give good insight into the pragmatic, "market-driven" church so common in our day. They are worthwhile reading.

The problem I had with his book comes in chapter eight. I'm expecting some insight into the root of this problem. However, the only answer I get is, "The very reason many contemporary churches embrace pragmatic methodology is they lack understanding of God's sovereignty in the salvation of the elect." He spends a whole chapter discussing his Calvinistic view.

The classic statement he makes is, ". . . those who reject the biblical doctrine of sovereignty. . ." It isn't a question of rejecting sovereignty (Who in their right mind would doubt that the God of the Bible is sovereign in all that He does?). There are many godly Christians, missionaries, and churches who believe that God in his sovereignty has given to man the power of genuine choice. Giving man choice does not take away from God's glory or sovereignty.

His solution, it seems, is that "many contemporary churches" should get more "understanding of God's sovereignty in the salvation of the elect." He seems to say that accepting his Calvinistic belief regarding "salvation of the elect" would solve the problem of pragmatism in today's churches. If he means to say that, how does one account for worldliness in strongly Calvinistic churches? Frankly, I don't think that worldliness (or un-worldliness) in a church is determined by the churches view on Calvinism. The eighth chapter left me disappointed; otherwise, it is a very good book.

R.S. Miller

I find this to be one of MacArthur's more compelling book. His awareness of the threats to the pure gospel is sharp; his use of Scripture to expose the dangers is on target; his exegesis is truly admirable; the relevancy of this book speaks volume.

I told a pastor friend of mine that he MUST read this book. Everyone who is in ministry or getting ready to answer God's call to ministry ought to read this book. It will safeguard you from a lot of dangers that lurk, wearing the robe of evangelicalism or falsely so-called.

I especiall like the last few chapters that emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation and the building of his church. The church belongs to the Lord. He purchased it with his own blood. He is its rightful head. He knows how to build it and what it should look like. He has commissioned us to preach the pure gospel. Thank Lord, for the likes of Spurgeon and MacArthur.

The brilliance of John MacArthur's book, "Ashamed of the Gospel" is that it was written long before Rick Warren and Bill Hybels were household names. MacArthur, like Spurgeon a century ago, is one of our generation's leading apologist for defending the faith and the intregrity of biblical doctrines.

The evangelical church that I knew (until about 1995) was a place where the gospel was upheld and the bible was looked at as the infallible, inspired Word of God. This evangelical church largely arose because of the apostasy that invaded the mainline denominations some 80-100 years ago. Now that same apostasy has invaded Evangelicalism and the term "evangelical" no longer has any firm meaning in my mind.

Blame it on many factors. One key factor are pastors who figured out they could obtain larger churches, prominence, and prestige by preaching a "partial Christianity" that contains bits and pieces of the truth, and downplays or ignores the other doctrines that don't appeal to the masses. Rick Warren is especially dangerous as he surveyed his potential audience to discover what they wanted preached. Of course, that model works in today's consumer mentality. Rick has placed man's needs above God's words.

Another blame is on people themselves. They don't want to hear truth and the marketplace has rewarded pastors who placate people's needs to be "churched" but not taught anything controversial or difficult to believe. Mixed together, [heathen pagans plus limp-willed pastors] and you get a pretty good understanding of what evangelicalism has become.

God will never be denied a witness in any generation and John MacArthur is one of a diminishing number of sound bible teachers today who dares to take an unpopular and difficult stand when communicating God's message.

Especially powerful in this book was beginning on page 121 and Paul's exposition of the gospel in the Book of Romans. Paul's approach to the gospel begins with the bad news of man's sin and God's wrath. It is hard to appreciate the good news of the gospel unless one fully understands just how wicked and needing of a savior we are. The seeker-sensitive movement always ignores this point and immediately jumps to the good news. Consequently we have many people in today's seeker-sensitive church who are getting "saved", but they have no idea from what.

Another chapter of note is Chapter 7 on Paul preaching on Mars Hill in Acts Ch. 17. MacArthur makes the case that many church leaders read more into the text about pragmatism than is there. Paul did not compromise his message while preaching in the open marketplace of the day; today's preachers are compromising right and left. Paul was direct; he didn't win many converts. Look at the seeker-sensitive movement today attracting millions. One thing we know about biblical truth is that if the masses are running to some book or teaching, be cautious. That is a flashing warning sign that deception is nearby.

I can't wait to read MacArthur's new book, "The Truth War."

I Say a Prayer for Me was an excellent book. I had actually purchased it locally about 2 years ago and had not gotten around to reading it until we were deciding which book to read next in by Sisterhood Ministries group. I suggested this book, and everyone including myself, could not believe what a great book it was. To read about Stanice's life and her struggles with what God would have her to do, was true testimony of how Faith can turn your life around. After we finished the book, I ordered additional copies from Amazon and gave them to my sisters as gifts, and they also raved about how good this book was and have since purchased additional copies and given them to their friends. Great work, Stanice!!!!

The writer gives the impression that you can overcome herion addiction just by praying and becoming a member of the 700 club.

Whew, what can one say after reading this book!?! To read this woman's stories of what she experienced and to see her now; only God can create such a transformation in one's life. I laughed and I cried as I read through the chapters. Some reminded me of my own experiences. This is a MUST read! If you are in need of any type of healing, it will definitely take place in the pages of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Her life is an inspiration. She taught me to consider God in all things no matter how small I may think it is. Her story of her California trip was great and really taught me to witness to anyone and everyone. This was my selection for my bookclub and I was the toast of the day. We all enjoyed this one.

Not only was this book written as a testimony to show how GOD navigates our lives to help us know that we are loved it also shows that with faith all things are possible. This book is not only for those with drug or alcohol addictions but it is for those of us who suffer addictions of all kinds, it is for those of us who don't believe in ourselves, for those who have experienced hurt and also dished hurt out towards others. The lord spoke to me personally thru his vessel Stanice. Thank you for allowing your loving and gentle kindness to flow from this wonderful women who has allowed you to use her. I am and will always be in loving awe of your unconditional love.

A must read for all those who are compelled to understand the insanity of Nazi Germany. The evil is in the details as these journals so devastatingly reveal. Sometimes necessary to read only a few pages at a time as the devastation and slowly increasing helplessness of this man's life is revealed. A critical historical document.

As an educated Professor of Philology, Victor Klemperer documents life as a Jew in Nazi Germany. The very act of keeping this diary was grounds for his demise.
The essence of these incredible documents, is that it records the tightening of control of the Jewish people under Nazism. The progressive pogroms took away simple things such as going to a movie or taking a ride on a tram. The taking of one's own home and living in a communal Jewish home further degraded the Jewish people. The simple fact that each had to wear the yellow star which indeed put all Jews into harms way.
Mr Klemperer was forced out of his professorship because he was a Jew. Even though he was an honorable World War I Veteran, he was forced to live on a half pension.
The only thing that saved Victor Klemperer was his Aryan wife Eva. She never abandoned Victor as I'm sure other wives in similar circumstances did. Looking at this, I think is an incredible act of love by Eva. Her subjucation to Nazi Life living with a Jew for 12 years was indeed a severe prison term.
The diaries are edited to delete repetition. However several things are constantly repeated. Victor was always at death's door with an ailing heart. The other repetition was he and his wife's constant physical hunger.
This set of diaries should be required reading for anyone who is a serious student of 20th century history.

When my son told me a student said the Holocaust was much less gruesome than reported and was exagerated by people over the years, we started to read this together... Not that he needed to be reminded, but how incredible that even today some are still floating this insane rumor!

This is a great memoir that any history buff or historian or anyone should read. It ranks right up there with Anne Frank's diary. It offers a unique view since Mr. Klemperer was married to a German woman during the Holocaust. It is this unique view on the Holocaust that makes this memoir so good.

Victor Klemperer's diary of pre war Germany provides fascinating insight into what life was like for ordinary citizens in Germany. Interspersed with the mundane aspects of life, e.g., shopping, driving, going to the dentist, etc. are ever increasing examples of the insanity that was Nazi Germany. It was a little difficult to get into, but it soon became a page tuner. The later years are particularly interesting. I couldn't put it down.