Book Reviews: R-Titles

Can Dreams Be Redeemed? Gracie Ann Lang is being watched by a man who will stop at nothing to hide the truth from her. Having lost the only man she ever loved and the children who were her world, the truth is all Gracie wants—an explanation for what really happened. She longs to move forward but is bound by chains of fear. Then she meets Steven Kessler. The FBI agent assigned to an international plot to kidnap the Ambassador’s daughter awakens more than memories. He revives the possibility of a life Gracie desires. A life where healing and peace crowd out the nightmares. But his case and her past are dangerously connected. Suddenly, Gracie must decide if she’s able—let alone willing—to pay the required ransom that redeems dreams and restores hope. (Inspirational/Romantic/Suspense)

Rachel blames God for the murder of her infant son, and turns her back on Him. But she's destined to meet the Messiah face to face. (Biblical/Fiction)

Meet the real Duke of Hazzard. Jerry Elijah Rushing, a.k.a. "Snake" —is a legend in his own time. In his rebellious youth, he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and became a fearless bootlegger, running over two million gallons of bootleg whiskey and thriving on fast cars, high-speed chases, and death-defying altercations. The wild experiences of Jerry's life gave rise to The Dukes of Hazzard, the smash hit TV series that has become a phenomenon around the world. But Jerry's life was no comedy. He was filled with anger and desperation, yet he yearned for peace and purpose. Now he's born-again and eager to tell everyone what Christ has done in his life. (Inspirational/Nonfiction/Biography)

Death stalks the weak and helpless in Dayton, Tenn., during the "Trial of the Century." When an old recluse dies behind locked doors, the doctor says it was her heart. Deputy Sheriff Trent Tyson doesn't give the case another thought until the medical examiner finds poison. Within a week, Tyson is on the tenuous trail of a murderer who snuffs out the unwanted, the lame, the helpless. (Inspirational/Historical/Mystery)

When childhood sweethearts Keri and Justin are reunited after Justin's wife is murdered, Keri isn't sure if she's harboring an innocent man or keeping a cold-blooded murderer from justice. With their faith challenged, both must learn to trust God to work things out for their good. (Inspirational/Suspense)

In this poignant sequel to "The Duet," Joan and Gerrit redefine the meaning of love and home as they learn painful new lessons about mutual sacrifice. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Romance)

With a special knack for helpful analogies, good examples, and clear explanations, Poppe digs into: the scientific requirements for making the first cell by blind luck; the mathematical improbabilities of random origins; Darwinism's problems with the laws of thermodynamics; sudden, bizarre mutations as a hopeful source of "forward leaps"; mind-sets that undermine objectivity in both science and religion. Up to date, easy to follow, and spiced with humor as well as helpful graphics, this popularly targeted text gives readers solid evidence that--in regard to objections to evolutionary theory--the science is truly there.(Christian Living/Science)

Think YOU’RE self-conscious about your lack of cleavage? Natalie Moore is about to lose what little cleavage she has. And that’s just the beginning. She’ll shave her head, leave her church, fall for a man in scrubs, learn to tap, and flash a roomful of women. Reconstructing Natalie is the story of a woman whose breast cancer is the catalyst for some serious changes—not the least of which is her cup size! Holding tight to her old friends while reaching out to new ones, Natalie must redefine herself and her faith on new terms. (Inspirational/Women/Fiction)

Thomas Hunter faces the devastating realization that he has helped unleash death in two parallel worlds. He must now discover how to defeat this evil--while trying to save his true love. (Inspirational/Sci-Fi/Suspense)

A thoroughly modern woman, Sarah Cain had ridiculed her sister's choice of a Plain life-style, which served only to intensify the lifelong rift between them. Now, twelve years later, Sarah is stunned by news of her sister's death and baffled by Ivy's choice of a guardian. How can Sarah sacrifice her successful career and her life in Portland to raise five Amish orphans? And what of Bryan Ford, the man who loves her? (Inspirational/Women/Fiction)

Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury's beloved Red Gloves stories are compiled in one deluxe collector's edition for readers to treasure. Karen Kingsbury's Red Gloves stories have become perennial Christmas classics. In Gideon's Gift, Sarah's Song, Maggie's Miracle, and Hannah's Hope, Karen shared inspirational and timeless holiday tales that touched readers of all ages. Now the series is compiled in this beautifully packaged collector's edition, making it a great way to share and cherish the stories of these four inspiring ladies. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Fiction)

Sold into prostitution as a young child, Angel learns early that men use her, leaving her feeling empty and dead inside. Her only means of survival is to keep her hate alive. Men may touch her body, but no man will ever touch her heart. No man, that is, until Michael Hosea walks through her door. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance)

Lady Charlisse Bristol sets off on a voyage in search of a father she never knew, only to find herself shipwrecked on a deserted island. Near starvation, she is rescued by a band of pirates and their fiercely handsome -- god-fearing -- leader, Edmund Merrick. Will Clarisse win her struggle against the seductive lure of this pirate captain? While battling his attraction to this winsome lady, Edmund offers to help Charlisse on her quest -- until he discovers her father is none other than Edward the Terror, the crudest pirate on the Caribbean. Can Edmund win this lady's love while shielding her from his lecherous crew and working to bring her father to justice? (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction)

Have we lost something? Is the modern church neglecting vital truths that can fill your spiritual life with God's grace and power? For centuries the church defined cradle-to-grave faith through a framework of ritual called the seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, communion, reconciliation, prayer for the sick, marriage, and vocation. They were seen as avenues of God's gifts of grace to his people—aids to navigating the stormy seas of life. Now uncover a rich tapestry of writings from respected writers and church leaders such as Charles Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, Martin Luther, and Dwight L. Moody—all updated in contemporary language. As their insights once more come alive, they'll offer you practical strategies to reclaim the best of your spiritual heritage... and find your way home. (Christian Living)

Orphaned, then mistreated by her guardian, Jenny Davis has learned some hard lessons in life. For one thing, she believes God doesn't love her. How could He, when He's allowed such terrible hardships to befall her? Jenny decides any happiness she may find will have to come about through her own efforts and moves to Tucson in hopes of beginning a new life. Andrew Garrett is in the Arizona Territory to scout out mining opportunities for a group of Colorado investors. He intends to finish the job he was hired to do, then return home...until he takes one look at Jenny. But digging ore out of hard rock may be easier than breaking down the walls of distrust Jenny has erected around herself. (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction)

When her husband disappears into a mountain snowstorm one morning, Kathryn Jennings is flung into the world of ranching, banking, and business. Penniless and pregnant, Kathryn is determined to keep her land as a legacy for her child. The man who offers her a job seems to have an awful lot of secrets, but she is desperate. Most disconcerting of all is the uncanny familiarity she feels toward the badly scarred ranch hand who works in the dark shadows of the horse stables. (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction)

Dr. David Hawkins uncovers the hidden reasons why couples may be hurting emotionally. He offers practical steps couples can take to heal their hurt and lays out a plan for preventing needless pain in the future. This concise and easily accessible manual also identifies several communication strategies that couples often use but that actually never work, and it offers more helpful alternatives. Readers will find plenty of helpful alternatives to their destructive communication patterns and a full supply of easy–to–use steps to increase their emotional intimacy and restore the joy in their relationships. (Chrsitian Living/Relationships)

Grant Borrows' life has just taken a drastic left turn. There's another man in the world wearing his face and living his life. What's more, the man he sees in the mirror is a stranger. Somehow, he's been Shifted -- his whole life fundamentally altered, in the space of a single breath. But the changes don't stop at skin-level. Inexplicably, he's able to affect objects around him by simply thinking about them. And as he soon learns, he's become the central figure in a vast web of intrigue that stretches from an underground global conspiracy to a prophecy dating back over seven thousand years, that tells of his coming. Enemies and allies find him at every turn, but one thing they all learn very quickly is that you don't want to push Grant Borrows too far...Can destiny be undone? The players are ready. The game is in motion. And the pace is Relentless. (Inspirational/Suspense)

Tormented by his wife's apparent demise, Edmund Merrick sails away to drown his sorrows--only to find himself trapped in the dark world of a demented Frenchman. When his mind clears from its rum-induced haze, will Edmund find the will to escape? Seemingly abandoned by her husband, Charlisse is thrown into the clutches of the vengeful pirate Kent. Will she be swept away by the undertow of treachery and despair? Can Edmund and Charlisse steer their way to the faith-filled haven they so desperately seek, or will they ultimately lose their love and lives to the sea? (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction)

Desiree's murdered father was an art thief. Can she preserve the family business, please her heavenly Father, avoid death threats, and trust FBI Special Agent Tony Lucano all at the same time? (Inspirational/Mystery)

Stolen Indian artifacts, a dead museum guard, a missing wife and mom, and a baby in mortal danger. Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs and FBI agent Tony Lucano scramble to unearth the horrifying secret that links every incident. The investigation thrusts them into the path of something dark and sinister. Something that craves blood sacrifice. From the high society of the U.S. capital to the streets of Desi's beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must thwart forces of darkness—relying on God’s guidance and strength—to save a young woman and her baby from a villain more desperate than they can imagine. (Inspirational/Romantic/Suspense)

This gentle romance about starting over asks the question: What if you could leave the past behind and begin your life all over again? Raney presents an unforgettable story of second chances that hold the promise of creating a new life in God's care. (Inspirational/Women/Fiction)

Young mom Becky Miller daydreams about the happy endings she sees during her weekly movie nights with her husband. But problems mount with the remodeling of the new house. Her mother-in-law moves in, her eldest son gets in trouble at school, her sister arrives for a visit, her best friend starts acting weird, and work becomes more stressful than ever before. Can Becky stop trying to fix everything and let God renovate her heart so she can find her own happy ending? (Inspirational/Contemporary/Fiction)

Biblically based techniques will equip you to help your children break their disrespectful habits and instead nurture respectful behaviors. Not only will these techniques strengthen your family, they'll prepare your children for godly maturity and successful relationships inadulthood. You'll learn specific, simple, and practical approaches for creating behavior change, teaching your kids the right lesson in theright way. Your children will learn crucial skills such as fast listening, flexible thoughts, and on-the-spot problem solving. Andyou'll discover how to make respectful behavior fun. Let Dr. Cartmell show you how to give your children the tools they need to succeed, God's way.

For most men, life is a restless journey. They're looking for a deeper purpose and the fulfillment of knowing they have made a difference. Illustrated with real-life stories and experiences, this edition will help every man find the strength to live life to the fullest. (Christian Living/Men)

Meet Susan, a housewife and soccer mom whose dreams stretch far beyond her ordinary world. While studying the book of Judges, Susan longs to be a modern day Deborah, a prophet and leader who God used to deliver the ancient nation of Israel from destruction. Susan gets her wish when she stumbles through a portal into an alternative universe and encounters a nation locked in a fierce struggle for its survival. (Inspirational/Fantasy)

Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake, as all signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them and threatens their son. Assassins and political intrigue, false leads, and near misses beset their path, which will lead them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One's purpose is revealed. Cast out by those he trusts and preferring to cross swords with the One rather than submit to His will, Kieran flees to enemy Hazor, only to find that the One knows no borders. Pursued by his calling, Kieran journeys to Sidian, where he finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all—perhaps even his life. (Inspirational/Fantasy)

Transported from the far future, Rivka Meyers has made her home in Jerusalem with her husband and fellow time traveler, Ari Kazan. But in a turbulent age, Rivka's foreknowledge of histgory is a heavy responsibility. She knows Jerusalem will be destroyed--and that a prophet will warn the fledgling church to flee the city. Is Rivka herself that prophet? And if so, will the people heed her warning.? Rivka's fears deepen when Jewish zealots demand Ari's help to design weapons of war. Ari faces an impossible choice: join the "men of violence" in their doomed cause, or leave the people defenseless against Nero's legions. Desperate to know God's will, Ari and Rivka are about the face the cost of forgiveness...gain an unexpected ally...and learn the extraordinary power of sacrifice. (Inspirational/Sci-Fi/Biblical Fiction)

Six years after completing a manned mission to Mars, Admiral John Wells makes another journey, but this time he uncovers a web of lies and a secret colony—followers of a strange religion called "Father Race." Meanwhile, a shocking plan begins to unfold millions of miles away on Earth and John's family struggles for survival. (Inspirational/Sci-Fi)

An unlikely hero who must learn the power of forgiving others—and forgiving himself—in order to accept the love of a good lady. (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction)

In this sequel to Nephilim and The Unholy Deception, events in the Middle East seem to be culminating in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies found in an unpublished Dead Sea Scroll that tells of a manifestation of hundreds of UFO's over the old city of Jerusalem and the revealing of the Antichrist. Book Three in the Nephilim Series. (Inspirational/Sci-Fi)

Spanning three generations, the compelling novels of the Abram's Daughers series feature five courting-age sisters, their extended family, and their quaint Older Order community, whose way of life and faith in God are as enduring as their signature horse and buggy. Or so it seems... In this suspenseful conclusion to the series, readers will thrill to another gripping story with Lewis's trademark captivating twists and turns, and startling answers to the compelling questions set into motion in the first book, The Covenant. (Inspirational/Women/Fiction)

Devastated by the murder of her twin sister, Sara MacIntosh searches for answers amidst town secrets and incredible danger. (Inspirational/Mystery)

In 1927 Louisiana, Rev. Hale Poser arrives in the bayous of Pilotville, looking for his roots. In the swamp beyond the cypress lies a lingering evil. For years it slept in dreadful isolation. Now comes Hale Poser, and it will sleep no more. (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction)

South African journalist Monica Brunetti had it all -- promising career, loving family, marriage-minded boyfriend. Then, a life-changing encounter with evil landed her in a hospital bed next to a gregarious, charismatic Ella Nkhoma, whose wit and caring challenged Monica's worldview. Their remarkable friendship would lead Monica far from the gated white suburbs, and toward a parting that left both women transformed . . . and Monica the mother of two sons. (Inspirational/Women/Fiction)

Historic railway travel and love are recounted in this collection. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance)

Texas and Florida form the backdrop for these paired novellas that celebrate hospitality. (Inspirational/Romance)

The Worthams and Hammonds share everything on their Depression-era Illinois farms. So when a raging fire destroys the home of one family, both are affected by the tragedy. The children seem to know how the blaze started---but nobody's talking. Will they trust in God to overcome aching loss, misplaced blame---and an upsetting secret? (Historical/Inspirational/Women/Fiction)

Haunted by the orphans she met in Romania, Carrie Randolph returns to work in an orphanage. Soon she finds herself mothering five toddlers full-time and dreaming of adopting one of them when her two-year mission is finished. Steve Romero's wife and son died in tragic circumstances in Romania, and he struggles to put the past behind him. When he decides to adopt a child, he returns to Romania and the orphanage where Carrie works - breaking her heart when he chooses Viktor, her favorite. Will Carrie trust God to fulfill her dreams in His time? Can Steve let go of grief and learn to love again (Inspirational/Contemporary/Romance)

Katherine Jones has always believed in being loyal to her friends - but that was before she learned that lifelong friend Miranda Henderson has written to Katherine's pen pal, Otis Rath, and misrepresented Katherine's abilities. Now Otis is coming to Maryland to visit and possibly court Katherine. Katherine wants Miranda to confess, but Miranda insists that to do so would ruin her reputation. Christopher Bagley has loved Katherine for a long time. He finds her accommodating and faithful nature charming - until he watches her deceive Otis and attempt to assuage Miranda's conscience. When the truth is revealed, will the lies cost Katherine her chance for real romance and happiness? (Inspiration/Historical/Romance)

Life's a journey. Midlife's an adventure. But two weeks in a RV with the hot-flash sisters could drive anyone over the hill. A hilarious story that celebrates the life in midlife--even the occasional moose and mosquitoes--and the surprising grace of God. (Inspirational/Womenlit)