The Unfinished Gift

Written By Dan Walsh

Reviewed By Lena Nelson Dooley

ISBN 978-0-8007-1924-1

Revell

Historical Christmas

Back Cover Copy:

Can a gift from the past mend a broken heart?

Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather’s house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather’s attic–the one his is forbidden to touch.

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Daisy Chain

Written by Mary E Demuth

Reviewed by J Renee Archer

Zondervan, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-310-27836-8

Mary Demuth’s Daisy Chain, is the tender coming-of-age story of a hurting boy set in the late 70s. Jed is at the point in his adolescence when questions and confusion out number answers and clarity. When Daisy disappears, 14-year old Jed is left without his best friend. Not only is Daisy missing but, Jed blames himself. As Jed searches for answers regarding Daisy’s disappearance he discovers what it means to be a man and the value of trusted friends and family.

Daisy Chain was my first encounter with Demuth’s writing, and a pleasant one for sure. She creates dramatic descriptions that leave me in awe of her talent. Demuth takes mundane thoughts and conversations and adds the sparkle that makes for entertaining reading. This novel is full of peculiar tidbits. Here are a couple of my favorites: “…Jed scatted the air with a wave of his hand…an aerial Etch A Sketch.” and a few pages later Miss Emory says, “…you’re sticking to me like Elmer’s until I find out.”

Demuth does a tremendous job introducing us to Daisy and developing her personality even though Daisy soon becomes a secondary character. Throughout the book enough details and descriptions are given of Daisy to understand why Jed misses her greatly. I only wish Daisy was a prominent character for more of the book so the reader could enjoy her flamboyant and vibrant personality.

My only nitpick; Demuth left me hanging with the last word. The last page does not give up the answers to my questions, no matter how long I stare. Although, this is a sure way to persuade me to read the sequel. A Slow Burn, the second in the trilogy, is set for release in November of 2009.

A broad audience will enjoy Daisy Chain. Demuth’s writing style is such that young teens through older adults will enjoy the novel. For those who face struggles beyond their years, you will connect with Jed and his attempt to make peace with his world. For those who lost someone dear at a young age, you will understand Jed’s sorrow and guilt. For those who have ever questioned God, you will relate to Jed’s doubt and distrust.

Artist Spotlight: Matthew West

By Brian Johnson

Matthew West is a remarkable artist. It’s true that this could be said of many people; however, West is one of the few that seems to continue to resonate in your mind. West hails from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Hoping to pursue a career in baseball, he pushed to earn a college sports scholarship. The Lord had other plans, though. He was offered a full-ride music scholarship from Millkin University. 

His latest album, “Something to Say,” has received great attention in the music industry, for good reason. After its release, it reached number 8 on Billboard’s Top Christian albums chart, as well as earning the 159 spot on the Billboard 200. “Something to Say” is a high quality contemporary Christian album. The songs on the album allow for easy listening, while providing a clear message of faith. At the beginning of the year a new single was added to the album, “The Motions,” which has become a radio DJ favorite. 

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Adam

Written by Ted Dekker

Reviewed by Nike Chillemi

Where have I been? I can’t believe this is the first Ted Dekker book I’ve read. It certainly won’t be the last.

This supernatural horror story doesn’t read like a Christian novel. Sure, it explores themes of good and evil by following the life story of a demon-possessed serial killer. However, with protagonist, FBI profiler Daniel Clark, an avowed atheist it doesn’t get preachy. This book could sit on the shelves in the Christian section or in the mystery/thriller section of any major bookstore.

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Out of the Depths of Sexual Sin

Written By Steve Gallagher

Reviewed By Donald James Parker

In 2006 I heard the small still voice tell me to “go after the sexual revolution.” I was not quite sure how to do that, so I went searching for knowledge and wisdom on the subject. My pastor suggested that Steve Gallagher was the guy with the knowledge. I perused his list of several books. This one deals more with Steve’s journey to obey God and develop deep spiritual roots enabling him to lead a ministry than exploring sexual issues. The fact that the previous reviews on Amazon were only three stars argued against it as well. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, I chose this book. It must have been a God thing. This works more than exceeded my expectations.

This book is great for women as well as men. This will give them vital insight into their husband’s temptations and potential failures. In addition to fulfilling his physical needs, a wife needs to bolster her husband’s capacity to resist the enemy and encourage him in his Christian commitment. Wives need to stay strong in the Lord in order to stand firm when the storms of life come. The first gut reaction when a spouse falls to temptation is to seek divorce, but that is exactly what the enemy desires. The best thing the couple can do is to be frank and open and to pray fervently together so when temptation comes, it can be brought to light and defeated. Temptation, like mold and mildew grows in the darkness. I’m convinced that sexual temptation is the number one weapon in the enemy’s arsenal. Another one is pride, something that Steve Gallagher is very familiar with. Spiritual pride may be the most dangerous flavor of the sin. God had to break him before his human pride was conquered. This book shines the spotlight on both of these strategies of the devil.

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