Where We Belong by Lynn Austin

The back cover promo for this book says: "Join two Incomparable Sisters on Adventures That Span the Decades And Cross the Globe."

The blurb continues: “In the city of Chicago in 1892, the rules for Victorian women are strict, their roles limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies. Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given talents has brought them to the Sinai Desert--and into a sandstorm." The story switches settings from Sinai to Chicago numerous times.

Lynn Austin often takes her inspiration for her novels from historical characters or events. The main characters, Flora and Rebecca Hawes, were inspired by Scottish sisters, Agnes and Margaret Smith. The Smith sisters were self-educated. In 1892, they discovered a copy of an ancient Biblical  text, an early version of the Gospels, in a monastery in Sinai. Flora and Rebecca were wealthy socialites in Chicago. Though wealthy, they were more interested in adventures and education than in the requirements of genteel society. 

Austin’s story begins with the sisters on their trip to Sinai in 1890. They were accompanied by Soren Peterson, their butler whom they had rescued from an orphanage and jail, plus Kate Rafferty, another orphan they were training to be a ladies’ maid. While coping with the dangers of the desert journey, the main characters have flashbacks of how they ended up in this situation. The book is lengthy, 470 pages, and I felt that the story was off to a slow start. At first, I couldn't keep up with the flashbacks, but, as I became more familiar with the characters, the flashbacks made sense. I admire the way Austin resolved the conflicts between the characters and engineered happy endings for all the characters.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, the Victorian era, and the role of women in society during that time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cherished Mercy by Tracie Peterson

This third book in the Heart of the Frontier series is just as good as the rest of them.
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Mercy Flanagan is one of three sisters who survived the infamous Whitman Massacre, where Marcus Whitman and his wife Narcissa, along with eleven others, were killed by Cayuse Indians in Oregon territory. The oldest sister, Grace, has married and has children. Hope, who was raped by a Cayuse, has married a former Army officer. She still deals with the trauma of having a baby by her rapist, although she gave the baby girl up for adoption.

Mercy, the youngest, was not physically harmed by the raiders, but she witnessed horrors that no child should ever have to face. True to her name, Mercy harbors no resentment toward all Indians. In fact, she wants to find a way to help whites and natives make peace.

Eletta and Isaac, the couple who adopted Hope's daughter Faith, live in another settlement and send word that they need someone to help them. Eletta is not well and needs help caring for Faith. Since there's some news of warring tribes in the area, everyone expresses concerns about Mercy going there. But, she goes anyway. She meets Isaac's brother Adam, who wants to be a missionary to the Indians. He had attended Harvard and was engaged to the sister of one of his classmates---until it was revealed that he had Indian blood. The engagement was called off, and Adam left Harvard, coming west to help his brother at his mission. He likes Mercy, but he's reluctant to encourage her to like him.

The conflict between the whites and Indians gets worse, and Mercy ends up in a siege situation along with Adam and some others at the mission. It's a great story of faith, love, and forgiveness. Through faith, Mercy conquers her fear and anger over the massacre. She relies on God to guide her in difficult situations. Adam is the perfect partner for her, and she helps guide Hope to accepting Faith into the family.

I never heard of the Whitman massacre before I read this series. These books have made me want to know more about the relations between settlers and natives. So many mistakes on both sides. Again, I recommend this book and the other two in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Most Misused Stories in the Bible by Eric J. Bargerhuff

Subtitle: Surprising Ways Popular Bible Stories Are Misunderstood, Bethany House, 2017.

Is it possible that we misunderstand the message of familiar Bible stories like David and Goliath or Jonah and the whale? Sure it is. This author takes the most popular Bible stories/situations and clarifies their intended message.

Besides those already mentioned, he addresses Gideon and the fleece, Cain and Abel, the three wise men, and several more. In each chapter, he begins with a Bible verse from the story. He presents how the story is commonly used and proceeds to show another perspective. For example, in David and Goliath, we often think of it as a motivational story to encourage us to "face our giants." But, the author maintains that it is about David's determination to fight for God's people. He points out that David was totally without fear, because he knew that God was his backup.

It is an interesting book, easy to read and understand. The chapters are short and could be used for daily Bible study. In my opinion, it is not meant for academics but for "regular people." I think I'm going to check out his other book, The Most Misused Verses in the Bible: Surprising Ways God’s Word Is Misunderstood.

Dr.Bargerhuff is a professor at Trinity College of Florida. He is director of the Honors Program and Associate Professor of Bible and Theology.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Image source: Bethany House

Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Back cover says, "Haunted by the unknowns of their pasts, two women search for answers along the shores of Lake Michigan." I wondered how the stories of a Chicago socialite who had broken her engagement to a wealthy man and an elderly Dutch immigrant who's been asked to write a memoir for the town's semi-centennial celebration would coincide.

Well, it's a masterful story. Lynn Austin skillfully weaves the struggle of Anna, the socialite as her family pressures her to reconsider her marriage to her former fiancé with the remembrances of Geesje de Jonge, who recalls her journey from the Netherlands as a young girl to the wilderness area that is now Holland, Michigan. Anna's new-found faith is part of the problem with the fiancé. And a recurring nightmare about a shipwreck troubles her until she realizes perhaps it really happened. Geesje's memoir writings take her far beyond what she intends to give the celebration committee, but they help her recall her deceased daughter who left home at a young age. Faith plays an important role in Geesje's story, too.

The characters are fascinating, and there's plenty of conflict and soul-searching. I won't be a spoiler, but I will say that you'll love how the story ends. I'd like to see Austin write a sequel to continue both women's stories.

Image source: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/waves-of-mercy/377900

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Delilah:Treacherous Beauty by Angela Hunt

The third book in author Angela Hunt's Dangerous Beauty series, Delilah is an interesting read. The story of Samson and Delilah is one of the Bible's most famous love stories. Samson, an Israelite, is a judge and Nazirite, dedicated to God at birth by his mother. He has the gift of incredible strength, which gets him in trouble with the Philistines, the political rulers of the time. The Bible doesn't tell us about Delilah's ethnicity or country of origin. She's most often portrayed as a bad girl, a conniving woman, as in the 1949 movie, Samson and Delilah, starring Victor Mature and Heddy Lamar.

Hunt tells the story by alternating viewpoints between Samson and Delilah. Since the Bible gives no backstory on Delilah, she creates a fictional one. Abused by a Philistine, Delilah was rescued by traveling merchants, and taken out of the danger zone. She takes up residence with a widow who weaves for a living and runs a travelers' stop on a major trade route. Delilah has a baby by the Philistine who abused her and raises her son with the help of the widow. Samson enters the picture after the widow's death. He lives with Delilah and helps her raise her son. She hides him from the Philistines from time to time.

In the Bible story, Delilah betrays Samson by finding out the source of his strength, his long hair. She arranges for the Philistines to cut it while he's asleep. When they capture him, he is too weak to break free. As Hunt presents it, Delilah loves Samson, and he loves her. But she still betrays him. She's present when he dies in the Temple of Dagon, taking the Philistines down with the temple.

It's a fascinating read. As always, Hunt presents known historical details accurately. She fills in what the Bible doesn't tell with plausible fiction. I alternately felt sorry for Samson and Delilah. She loved him. He loved her. Ultimately, her betrayal led to the downfall of the Philistines. Was it part of God's plan for her to betray him? Read the story and decide for yourself.

FYI, if you are fuzzy on the Bible account, here's a summary.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

On This Foundation by Lynn Austin

On This Foundation is the third in Austin's series The Restoration Chronicles which is based on the events in the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The story begins in the Persian capital of Susa, where Nehemiah, a Jew, serves as the king's cup-bearer. Responsible for the king's security, Nehemiah has a special set of skills. And, God calls him to use them in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, the holy city of his ancestors now under the Persian empire's governance.

Because of his special relationship with the Persian king, Nehemiah succeeds in getting the king's approval. He's appointed governor of the Jerusalem area. With a contingent of the king's soldiers, he travels to Jerusalem and evaluates the job he has to do. The locals think he's nuts wanting to rebuild the walls that have been in ruins since the Babylonians trashed it years ago. But, Nehemiah succeeds in winning hearts and minds with the help of rabbi Ezra and other faithful Jews. There's a drought in the area that's caused hardships for many. As usual, Austin's story is populated with vibrant characters who portray the social structure of the times and keep the story interesting.

I've always admired Austin's ability to make the characters from Bible times come alive. As usual, she uses contemporary language in the dialog so that interaction between characters feels real and unstilted. I found Nehemiah especially fascinating. Even with the favor of the king and the position of governor, he still felt inadequate at times. He was admired by the people he tried to help, but he did not let popularity go to his head.

Reading the Bible story alongside the fiction account helps make the Bible story more understandable. The fiction version brings to life palace intrigue, suffering of the poor, and God's role in all the characters' lives. I highly recommend this entire series to Bible newbies and scholars alike.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Image source: Baker Publishing Group

Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty by Angela Hunt

What do you know about Bathsheba from the Bible? Well, I didn't remember much---just that David risked everything to have her as his wife. And that she was the mother of Solomon, Israel's wisest king. Most people think of David as the main character in the David and Bathsheba story. Many think of Bathsheba as a "hussy" or perhaps a pawn in the king's hand. But Angela Hunt shows us a different perspective. She tells the story from the point of view of Bathsheba and of Nathan, the prophet who publicly condemned David for his adultery. The reader gets to know Bathsheba, her challenges and struggles as a woman of God reconciling what happens to her with the will of God and the future of Israel. It's balancing act for Nathan between his concern for Bathsheba and the king and the directives he receives from God.

Bathsheba has been aware of her extraordinary beauty since childhood. Prophet Nathan has admired her from afar. He takes an interest in the unfolding story, not just as the king's prophet, but as a person interested in her welfare. The story has everything a fiction reader could want---romance, intrigue, conflict. I like that the author portrays Uriah, Bathsheba's husband, as an honorable man and a good soldier. I also enjoyed getting to know Bathsheba as a daughter, mother, wife, and woman of influence. She had more than beauty. She had substance.

Angela Hunt is an excellent writer of historical fiction, weaving the fictional elements with the Bible facts in a masterful way. She truly knows how to make the story come alive. This is the second in Hunt's Dangerous Beauty series. The first was Esther, and the third will be Delilah. I can't wait to read the next one!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Image source: http://www.angelahuntbooks.com/coming-soon/

Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt

 Esther is one of the few women who has a book of the Bible named after her. She was queen of Persia during the reign of Xerxes, and she was Jewish although her husband did not know it. Hadassah was her Jewish name, and her family was among the exiles from Israel who lived in the Persian kingdom. Basically, she won a beauty contest to become eligible for the king's harem.

Esther is a hero to the Jewish people because she was instrumental in saving them from genocide ordered one of the king's advisors.  Xerxes chose her as queen from among a number of women. As the king's favorite, she was perfectly positioned to influence him and stop the murder of Jewish people in the king's realm. As a woman, she took action in several situations in which she could have been killed just for being so presumptuous as to approach the king.

The story is told in the first person, switching back and forth from Esther (Hadassah) to Harbonah, one of the king's eunuchs who worked with the king and the harem. It's a gripping tale when read in the Bible. It is absolutely fascinating when presented in fictional form with details of the characters' thoughts and dialog between them. There's the love story of Esther and Xerxes, palace intrigue, family loyalty---what more could you want in a story?

Angela Hunt is a master of the historical fiction genre. She has a doctorate in Biblical Studies, and she is very conscientious about portraying historical events accurately. If you have not read her work before, this book is a good place to start. If you are a fan of hers and have not read it yet, don't waste any time. It appears that this is the first book in a series entitled Dangerous Beauty. I can't wait to read the next one!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Photo source and to purchase the book:http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/esther/353740.

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

Keepers of the Covenant is the second book in Lynn Austin's Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles. It covers events in the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, in which the Jews in exile in Babylon are allowed to return to Jerusalem.

The story starts with the events described in the Book of Esther. The king, influenced by Haman, had decreed that the Jews would all be massacred on a set date. Later, he ruled that the Jews would be allowed to defend themselves. The ensuing battle was the basis for the Jewish festival of Purim, which is celebrated to this day.

The priest Ezra is a main character. A Torah scholar, he is chosen to be the spiritual leader of the Jews as they plan and execute their return. He petitions the king to allow the return and receives special favors and an appointment as governor of Jerusalem. Those who travel to Jerusalem with Ezra experience the challenges of being accepted by the Jews who returned from Babylon a few years earlier. Conflict also arises between the Jews and the other inhabitants who do not believe in the God of the Torah.

There's something of interest for everyone. There's action and excitement, a couple of love stories, conflict between characters---and between them and God. This dramatization of the events described in the Bible helped me to better understand the context and meaning. Austin is a master of historical fiction. She has a gift for making you feel like you're part of the story. She uses modern language in conversations so that dialog is not stilted. I have read Return to Me, the first book in this series, but I don't think you'd need to read it first to enjoy and benefit from this story. The characters and story lines are different.

I recommend reading this book (and the entire series) to anyone seeking to learn more about Old Testament history. Author Lynn Austin was a history teacher before she became a writer, so her research is impeccable. I can't wait until the final book comes out next year.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Photo source and to purchase the book: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/keepers-of-the-covenant/328880. 

The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible by Marty & Seevers

Subtitle: Understanding the Big Picture Book-by-Book; authors, Dr. William H. Marty and Dr. Boyd Seevers.

Have you wished for an brief overview of the Bible in an easy-to-read format? Wish no more. Drs. Marty and Seevers have delivered just that. In The Quick-Start Guide, each book of the Bible is summarized in a three-part format: setting, summary, and significance. The authors are both Bible professors at respected universities, but they keep it simple both in structure and language.

I think this book would be excellent for those new to Bible study, but I think it's also useful for life-long readers like myself. Especially in the Old Testament, where it's hard sometimes to follow the flow of the story, the setting and summary sections help me make sense of it all. Reading it straight through will certainly help one comprehend the "grand sweep" of the Bible. I found myself turning to it for greater understanding as I read my lessons from the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

The promotional material on the back of the book states that you will "come away with a better understanding of what the Bible is all about and why it is the most important book you'll ever read." It was certainly true for me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a review copy of this book free from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell

Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord. Psalm 130:1 (KJV). 

Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the U. S. S. Indianapolis is the personal experience of WWII veteran Edgar Harrell (USMC). He was one of the 317 survivors from a crew of almost 1200 men on the Indianapolis when it was torpedoed by a Japanese sub in Philippine waters on July 29, 1945. The title and the Bible verse from which it came describe how Harrell relied on God during five days of drifting in the ocean with other sailors without rafts or provisions. It's a gripping account of the horrors he experienced. It's also a story you may not have heard before because ship's mission was secret. Plus, there was a subsequent attempt to cover up the Navy's mishandling of the situation.

The Indianapolis had delivered the critical components for the atomic bombs that ended the war to the U. S. base on Tinian. The ship had left Tinian and was in the general vicinity of the Philippines when it was sunk. Some men were killed in the actual sinking, but many of them were left to drift in the ocean for days. Many died from exposure and salt-water poisoning, but some were killed by the sharks. And the worse of it---nobody knew they were out there. No distress signal was sent, probably because it happened so fast. The home port did not question when the ship did not arrive at scheduled time. Finally, an American plane spotted some of the survivors and started the ball rolling on rescuing them.

I can't imagine anything more agonizing than what Mr. Harrell went through. His son, pastor David Harrell, co-wrote the book. Like many WWII vets, Harrell had not shared his story during the immediate aftermath of the war. But, the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon prompted Harrell to finally speak out. He felt that 9/11 was Pearl Harbor all over again. He wanted America to know what it took to win WWII.

He does an excellent job of telling the story and sharing instances in which he felt God heard his prayers. His writing style keeps you reading. In fact, it was a hard book to put down. I highly recommend Out of the Depths for all Americans. Those of us who grew up after WWII have no idea what people went through during the war. Families didn't hear from their loved ones for months on end.  Some were killed or MIA. Soldiers, sailors and marines were wounded physically or emotionally, but they still came home to work at keeping America strong. Edgar Harrell raised a family and ran a thriving business, but he never set foot in the ocean again.

Note: scheduled release date for this book is May 6, 2014.

Disclaimer: Bethany House sent me this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review to be posted here and on retail bookseller site. This fact in no way influenced by opinion.

More Information:

• On the ship and the survivors: http://www.ussindianapolis.org/
• The Indy sinking was mentioned in the 1975 movie Jaws. Note that some of the facts in Quint's monolog are inaccurate. Movie clip: http://youtu.be/u9S41Kplsbs
• Image from http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/out-of-the-depths/351481.

Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Return to Me is Biblical fiction, and nobody does it better than Lynn Austin.  Based on events of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, it's the story of Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylon after 70 years in exile. Ezra and Nehemiah are often skipped over because people think they are just history books without any relevance for today. But, in these histories, God's people face challenges similar to the ones we face today. They try to rebuild the temple despite conflicting messages from the government and interference from pagan neighbors. They try to stay true to their faith, surrounded by idol-worshipers.

The story gets off to an exciting start with Belshazzar's feast where Daniel interpreted the handwriting on the wall for the Babylonian king. Soon, Babylon is overrun by the Medes and Persians. The conquerors allow the Jews to return to their homeland, and they're given permission to rebuild the temple. Iddo is a priest who, as a child in Jerusalem, remembered the destruction of Jerusalem and being taken to Babylon. His grandson, Zechariah, is studying for the priesthood. Other characters include Iddo's wife, Dinah, and Yael, a girl who is being raised by her father with help from Dinah. Familiar Bible characters, like Haggai, make appearances as the story progresses.

This is the first in a new series, The Restoration Chronicles, by Austin, a Christy Award winner. I always enjoy her books because she has a gift for making you feel like you are part of the story. The setting comes alive for me, a tribute to Austin's diligent research of the Bible and commentaries. Although the story moves a bit slow at times, I recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about Old Testament history. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Photo source and to purchase the book: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/return-to-me/328871

All Things New by Lynn Austin

The American Civil War has recently ended, and the South is in a shambles. Soldiers have returned home injured both physically and emotionally. Freed slaves have no place to go, unsure of what to do with their new-found freedom. Landowners have lost all their resources for running their farms. The former enemy is now trying to help people rebuild and work together.

In Virginia, Josephine Weatherly, her mother (Eugenia), and their former slave, Lizzie, all struggle to define their futures. Josephine, raised as a Southern lady, realizes that she cannot live the life that was planned for her. Although it bothers her mother, she embraces the prospect of doing her own work and teaching former slave children to read. Eugenia is in denial. She tries to keep up appearances thinking that she can put her life back together and rebuild her plantation, White Oak, to its former glory. Lizzie wants to stay at White Oak and work for the family. She doesn't really trust her the white people in her life, but she feels she has no choice for the time being. Josephine and Lizzie have one thing in common. They both are having a crisis of faith. They are both influenced by the men in their lives whose faith has not been shaken by the turbulent times.

Lynn Austin does a masterful job of weaving the three women's stories together. There's plenty of conflict, and a surprise or two at the end. As with all her historical fiction, she provides details that help you feel that you are living the story along with the characters. Josephine, the rebel, becomes interested in a Yankee, of all things. Lizzie has a secret that comes out at the end. And, Eugenia finally accepts that her new life must be different from the old. The male characters provide interesting insights into the social problems of the time, but this is a story of the women.

The title is based on Revelation 21:5 where Jesus says, "I will make all things new." Read the book and see how this happens! This would be a great Christmas gift for historical fiction lovers.

See details on the Baker Publishing Group site.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day by Garry R. Morgan

Do you know what Muslims believe? Mormons? Hindus? Does it matter? Yes, I think it does. For people like me who grew up in the USA, the Christian worldview dominated our home, school, and public environment. Not so any more.

I've tried to educate myself about Islam and Mormonism in particular because these two religions are in the news almost every day. However, I had no interest in scholarly tomes that would drag me through every detail of theology and doctrine.

This book is perfect for the person who wants to know just the basics. The author starts by discussing why we should know about other religions. He says religion is a "cultural universal, because it is found in all human societies" p. 17. It affects how members interact with each other and with adherents of other religions. Morgan spends a little time on Christianity, pointing out differences among the various branches. But, he spends most of his time on the numerous other world religions and their variants. He does not include a bibilography or list any sources. He is a professor of Intercultural Studies and a former intercultural minister, so he speaks from first-hand experience in many cases. He covers everything from Animism to Islam to Scientology to New Age in the 40 short chapters.

Thank you, Professor Morgan and Bethany House. You have filled a great need. People who want to know the basics of other religions can get a quick overview either by reading through the book in one sitting or by doing it one day at a time as the title suggests. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I feel that I better understand why and how the religion factor causes many cultural conflicts in our world.

It's available in paperback on Amazon here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a review copy of this book free from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

Alice Grace Ripley is a bookworm. She works in a library in the year 1936 during the Great Depression. Could anything be more boring than Alice's life? But, wait, she is also a do-gooder, and she collects books for the library in the underprivileged town of Acorn, Kentucky, in the heart of coal country. When she decides to deliver the books herself, Alice's life becomes an adventure with mystery and romance mixed in.

Alice, the city girl used to all the modern conveniences, finds herself in a mountain town with no indoor plumbing, no washing machines, or electricity. She's supposed to stay two weeks, but she ends up staying much longer. She learns to ride a horse so that she can deliver library materials to patrons in the backwoods as part of a Depression-era government program. She gets very involved in the lives of the locals---their peculiarities, their secrets, and an on-going feud.

I have been a fan of Lynn Austin's writing for a long time. She has the gift of taking you back to the historical period she's writing about. Wonderland Creek is written in the first person. I found myself smiling as Alice familiarized herself with the rustic facilities like outhouses and wringer washing machines. Her experience in Acorn makes her realize how spoiled she had been back home, and she discovers that she can make a difference. The story has everything---a great setting, romance, humor, suspense, mystery.

Read a sample and/or buy Wonderland Creek on Amazon.

Check out my other reviews of Austin's books here.

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

July 12, 2011: Just announced. While We're Far Apart is 2011 Christy Award winner in historical fiction category.

During World War II, families around the world were fractured by the cruelty of war. In the United States, soldiers left their families to fight in faraway places while family members and sometimes strangers helped care for spouses and children. The horror of persecution put Jewish families in unbelievable situations, separation by exile---or death. And, the hardest part was not knowing what was happening with loved ones during the separation.

While We're Far Apart is set in New York City during the war. Penny Goodrich has a full-time job and still volunteers to keep the children of the widower she'd like to marry when he decides to enlist. Penny's parents resent her for moving out of their home, and the children resent her for trying to take their mother's place. Living in the same building is Jewish man who came to America to escape persecution. But, he now worries about his son's family who is still in Hungary as well as the prejudices of some of his neighbors.

Family secrets emerge in Penny's family and in that of the children. Prejudice against Jews shows its face in the neighborhood, too. A rich mix of characters, conflicts, and a little romance makes this the most interesting historical fiction I've read lately.

I must admit that Lynn Austin is one my favorite historical fiction authors. Rich in historical detail, her stories draw you in and make you feel like you are really there. I'll be ready to read the next one she turns out. See her website here.

Buy it on Amazon.com. It's available in paperback and Kindle editions.