Book Reviews by Alanna Hoffman

The Jesus Chronicles - John's Story: The Last Eyewitness  |  Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Recalling his time with Jesus, John brings to life the miracles and message of the Man who would change the course of history. John is there when Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding at Cana, when he heals the sick, enables the blind to see, raises Lazarus from the dead. John’s Story is a thrilling account of the life of the Man who came to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament and to save all of mankind, and the disciple who was the eyewitness to Jesus’ glory.

The Power of a Praying Woman  |  by Stormie Ormatian
God wants us to want Him. When we come to realize that it is Him that we want, that we need to look for God and follow Him, we start to become set free. We are free to identify the longing inside of us. The book cover states, "Prayer is powerful," but do you know how to pray for yourself? As women, we are oftentimes so busy caring for others that we neglect to go to God for the things we need ourselves. We need to seek God and ask Him to help us to grow in our faith and become the women God wants us to be. This book will help us do that.

The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving  |  by Randy Alcorn
"You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead." That's what author Alcorn calls the Treasure Principle, based on what Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Why has God entrusted so much to us? Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you," Luke 6:38. The more you give, the more comes back to you, because God is the greatest giver in the universe and He won't let you outgive Him. Go ahead and try. See what happens!

Quiet Strength  |  by Tony Dungy
In the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets of success—principles, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming personal and professional obstacles. He loves coaching football. Winning the Super Bowl was a goal for a long time, but it never was his only purpose in his life. "But the good I can do to glorify God along the way is my real purpose."

You Can Do It  |  by Tony Dungy (for ages 4–7 years)
Dungy tells a true story from his childhood about Linden, Tony's younger brother, who didn't know what he wanted to do when he grew up. He only knew he liked to make people smile. His dad would tell him, "Pray that God would help you find your dream." While getting his tooth filled the next day at the dentist's office, he found his dream: professional football and dentistry. Years later both dreams came true.

Joni  |  autobiography by Joni Eareckson Tada
July 30, 1967, was the beginning of an incredible adventure for Joni. She dove into the waters of Chesapeake Bay; and as her body broke the surface, she felt her head strike something hard and unyielding. This began her journey as a quadraplegic with surgeries, treatments and rehabilitation—including questioning God but then realizing his empathy. Because of what she has learned, Joni is driven to share her experiences. Whether she is speaking to a group of thousands or having to be confined to a 4-week bed rest from pressure sores, she is still looking toward God and giving him praise for his love, support and guidance.

Letters from a Skeptic  |  by Dr. Gregory A. Boyd and Edward K. Boyd
Beginning in March 1989, Gregory Boyd felt strongly led of the Lord to attempt one more time to share the Christian faith with his father. This time, not in a face-to-face manner but letters through the mail. Almost three years and 30 letters after his correspondence began, Edward K. Boyd made Jesus the Lord and Savior of his life at the age of 73. The questions and objections Ed raised are questions and objections nonbelievers most frequently have concerning Christianity. Read the book and learn from this father/son author team how someone knows Christ not only on the basis of the evidence, but on the basis of an experiential relationship.

It Happens Every Spring  |  by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman
First of a four-book series called the "Four Seasons,” this fiction series is based on the ever-changing cycles of relationships detailed in Gary Chapman’s non-fiction book The Four Seasons of Marriage. Sometimes it is Spring, and with that comes openness and hope. In the warmth of Summer, we find we are comfortable, relaxing and enjoying life. With Winter and Fall come discouragement, detachment and uncertainty. You will get to know Steve, Brenda, Patsy, Cody and others in the seasons of their relationships. They feel and react to situations just like us. Hopefully, we learn and grow to be better spouses and come closer to the Lord. (Book 2 Summer Breeze, Book 3 Falling for You Again, Book 4 Winter Turns to Spring)

Book Review by Nicolette Nelson

Redeeming Love  |  by Francine Rivers
Sarah, known as Angel, has had a hard upbringing. She works in a brothel, but is removed by a Christian man named Michael Hosea. She distances herself from him continually, but he never gives up hope. In my opinion, this book is a really great example of how a man should pursue a woman. It is fiction, and may be a little far-fetched for the real world, but it shows how strong God’s love can be in a human. I read this book my sophomore year and loved it. It made me curious of what the husband/wife relationship should be like in God’s eyes and led me to pursue the real answers. I have re-read this book to remind myself to wait until God presents me with love and to try not to love without Jesus. Song of Songs 2:7, "Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right." (NLT)

Book Review by Linda Gustafson

The Gift of Peace  |  by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
Recommended to me by Pastor Steve a couple years ago, I have read this book several times and found it to be both challenging and encouraging. Cardinal Bernardin, the Archbishop of Chicago, writes very openly and honestly about difficult times and about his own impending death from cancer, but this is really a book about living well as a follower of Christ Jesus. A strong faith and relationship with Christ sustained him as he experienced pain, fears, struggles, suffering and uncertainties. He shares many insights he learned along the way that will help readers put faith into action.