Dragons of the Valley by Danita K Paul

Dragon's of the Valley is the first truly Christian fantasy fiction novel that I've read and I can honestly say I enjoyed it. It's central theme based around the usual "good guy vs. bad guy" model with the peaceful and enlightened town of Chiril suffering an unprovoked attack by the brutish, violent, and somewhat dimwitted kingdom to the South. 

The character The Grawl provides an interesting side plot portraying a skilled hunter/assassin with a tragic history that makes you feel a little sorry for him despite the fact that he is a cold-blooded killer.  His apathy and arrogance really add depth to his character and in the end he personifies the idea that sometimes evil isn't always black and white.

Along with the drama of love and death, fear and excitment there is also plenty of comic relief provided by the perpetually confused but always affable Lady Peg. Her barely coherent ramblings never failed to provide a smile and sometimes even a chuckle or two.

Adult readers, however, may prefer something with a bit more depth and the Wulder references seemed to me to be a bit forced at times doing slight damage to the overall flow of the story but all in all I think it is a great book for older kids and teenagers.  It's clean, engaging enough, not too violent, no real objectionable material and therefore I think it is definately a book most parents could feel comfortable giving to their children.

Eat Your Peas Daughter by Cheryl and Mom Karpen

This is such a cute little book.  I read it with my 7 year old daugther and she absolutely loved it. It's easy enough for a 7 year old to understand and deep enough for a teen or adult to appreciate. It is a wonderful gift that any daughter can treasure for a lifetime.

The Jesus Inquest: The Case for and Against the Resurrection of the Christ

The Jesus Inquest: The Case for and Against the Resurrection of the Christ attempts to provide an even-handed examination of the arguments on both sides of the Resurrection debate.  Charles Foster, a barrister (criminal-lawyer) and writer uses his legal experience to present the arguments both against the Resurrection (as portrayed by witness X) and for it (as portrayed by witness Y) ultimately leading the reader to form their own opinions based on the evidence, although it is not too difficult to see which direction Foster himself is leaning.

The information is well researched, well thought out and eloquently argued.  Foster exhausts every avenue from eyewitness accounts, post mortem theft, the Jesus family tomb and pretty much everything in between in this comprehensive compilation. It will likely challenge the faith and convictions of some believers and reaffirm the belief and conviction of other believers. Non-believers would also find it to be a useful resource.

The only real problem I had with the book was in regards to the layout.   I found that presenting several different arguments from X on a given category and then responding with several different rebuttals from Y all grouped together was a bit too choppy for my tastes. I would have preferred to read an argument from X and then read it's specific rebuttal from Y right after.  To give credit, however, the cross references placed throughout the book helped to ease this problem somewhat as it provided a quick reference to which argument went with which rebuttal.  Part of me, also, would have liked to see a more clear and open stance in the epilogue regarding exactly what opinions Foster had developed during the course of his research since he did make the start of a story with it in the prologue. Not knowing whether his faith had been strengthened, lessened, or changed left me feeling like I had read an intriguing mystery novel that was missing the final chapter. I understand about wanting people to form their own opinions, but perhaps it would've been better then if he had left out the more personal aspects altogether.

Unto the Hills by Billy Graham

I had never really read a daily devotional before so the opportunity to review a devotional written by one of the most influential Christians of my life time was pretty exciting.   This was everything I had hoped it would be.  It's simple yet powerful with the classic Billy Graham insight that has inspired millions of Christians throughout the last several decades.  For each day of the year, the Reverend Graham quotes a Bible passage then reflects on that days message with a couple of richly written paragraphs then he ends each devotion with a short prayer.  This was well worth the read and was an excellent starting point into the vast world of devotionals.

Start! The Bible for New Believers by Greg Laurie

Start! The Bible for New Beginners is a New King James version Bible edited by Greg Laurie.  From the perpsective of a relatively new believer, Start! has many things going for it.   To start with, the New King James version is easier to understand and follow along with than a standard KJV Bible.   Start! is well referenced so little is "lost in translation".  The magnified text that helps to highlight important passages and the "blurbs" that help put certain passages in context or help define confusing terms are wonderful, although I do wish there were more of them, especially for the Old Testament.   The Old Testament can be confusing to new believers and new converts could easily benefit from a bit more direction and explanation in that area.  

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

After having some technical difficulties I'm finally able to put up a review. 

 I'm going to be honest and say that this was definately one of my favorite books.   Max Lucado uses the Book of Acts as a challenge to Christians everywhere to make the most out of our lives but making a positive difference in the lives of others.   The great thing about this book is that it is not just a call to do what's right, it's an instruction manual in how to do what's right.   It provides ideas and resources and even a study guide to make sure you, as the reader, get the most out of the message.   This book serves as a reminder that all of us, young and old, ordinary or powerful, rich and poor are all called to be servants in Christ and we can all make the most out of our lives.  

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

Let me start of by saying this is a very short book.   It took me approximately 10 minutes to read the whole thing.   But sometimes good things come in small packages.  

The book starts out telling the story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a college professor and colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the battle of Gettysburg, he was told that he had to hold the end of a long troop line that spread along many miles. Chamberlain's platoon managed to successfully stop several Confederate attacks but time and limited supplies took it's toll on Chamberlain's command. The Confederates reformed and prepared for the final attack on Chamberlain's brigade.  Chamberlain was now out of ammunition and had just found out that his commanding officers had all been killed.  If he failed to hold his position the Union army would either have to surrender or would face enormous casualities.   Chamberlian made the decision to make one last go at the Confederate army.  He ordered his soldiers to fasten bayonettes at the ends of their rifles and had them charge the Confederate army as it prepared to attack.  It was enough to fool the Confederates who assumed that the Union army must have galvanized support and ammunition and they decided to retreat, eventually surrendering to Chamberlain.  

The basic premise of the book is that everyone plays an important role in the world.   Even small, seemingly insignificant actions, can have a ripple effect that can make a huge difference in the world.   Such as one University Professor guiding a ragtag band of soldiers with the simple instruction of "holding the line" turning out to be the difference between a Union or Confederate victory.  

This book carries a powerful punch.  I enjoyed the history lesson and the overall moral of the story.   It's succinct nature can be viewed as both a positive and a negative.   For some, like my husband, who really don't love to read, it provides a wonderful message in a less intimidating form than a thousand pag epic.   But for those who like in depth discussions and multiple literary examples, this book will probably leave you a little less than satisified.   Overall though, I would definately recommend it.