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March 2010

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of March.


Faithful Fiction
THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTER: Mercy Falls, Book 1 by Colleen Coble (Historical Romance)
Growing up as the lightkeeper's daughter on a remote island at the turn of the century, Addie Sullivan has lived a hardscrabble life. When a long-lost and wealthy relative finds her and enlists her to work as a governess at a lavish estate, she hopes to discover the truth of her heritage. But at Eaton Hall, nothing is as it seems. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

THE CLOUDS ROLL AWAY: Raleigh Harmon, Book 3 by Sibella Giorello (Suspense)
Closing her assignment with the FBI's Seattle office, forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia, expecting a warm welcome. Instead she finds herself investigating an ugly cross burning at a celebrity's mansion and standing in the crosshairs of her boss at the Bureau. And the deeper Raleigh digs into the case, the murkier the water becomes...until she's left wondering who the real victims might be. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Leanna Ellis (Fiction)
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later --- divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical --- she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Reviewed by Susan Miura.


Christian Living
BEAUTIFUL THINGS HAPPEN WHEN A WOMAN TRUSTS GOD by Sheila Walsh (Christian Life)
Author and speaker Shelia Walsh opens wide her lifelong battle with trust and the moment-by-moment choices she made to follow where God led. Walsh has lived a life ruled by "hidden places" of insecurity and brokenness and knows the overwhelming beauty of a life wholly handed over to Christ. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

LETTERS FROM THE LAND OF CANCER by Walter Wangerin Jr. (Christian Living/Personal Growth)
Award-winning writer Walter Wangerin Jr., diagnosed with metastasized lung cancer, sent his friends periodic letters, which he now he shares with readers. Seldom has the great adventure of life and death been as beautifully presented as it is in this testimony to faith, love and the shocking reality of hope. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.
AFTER YOU BELIEVE: Why Christian Character Matters, by N. T. Wright (Religion & Spirituality)
From the author of the acclaimed SIMPLY CHRISTIAN and SURPRISED BY HOPE comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries --- what is our purpose? It's easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the here and now. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

FINDING THE GROOVE: Composing a Jazz-Shaped Faith, by Robert Gelinas (Christian Living)
Drawing parallels between the body of Christ and the qualities inherent to jazz, Robert Gelinas points us beyond the ordinary to the often overlooked freedom, beauty, grace, unity, creativity and power that are our birthright as believers. Reviewed by Lisa Cockrel.

Marriage and Family Life
REAL WORLD PARENTS: Christian Parenting for Families Living in the Real World, by Mark Matlock (Parenting)
Culture expert and veteran youth pastor Mark Matlock will help you become a proactive parent when it comes to the faith of your children. Rather than trying to raise kids who are “good Christians,” you'll find the tools to help you live out a faith that allows your children to see what it means to live as a Christian. As a result, your kids will learn about real faith by living it out with you. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Author Talks
Judith Miller
Judith Miller is the author of numerous works of historical and period fiction, including the Broadmoor Legacy and Postcards from Pullman series. Her latest novel, SOMEWHERE TO BELONG, is the first installment in a new series that centers on members of the Amana Colonies, which were religious communal villages in Eastern Iowa. In this interview, Miller explains how she first became interested in writing about this German Christian community, and discusses her struggles in accurately portraying them as unique from the religious societies we read about today. She also elaborates on some of the themes at the center of the story --- including those of trust, spirituality and familial relationships --- and draws similarities between this book and previous titles in her backlist.

Michael J. Sullivan
Michael J. Sullivan’s debut work of fiction, NECESSARY HEARTBREAK, is the first installment in a trilogy about a father and daughter who travel back in time to experience firsthand the final days of Jesus Christ. In this interview, Sullivan discusses the events in his life that served as inspiration behind this novel and explains what prompted him to turn to writing books amidst his successful career as a sportswriter. He also describes his own personal struggles with faith and hints at where the second book in the series will take his characters. » Click here to read an interview and about the book.


Easter Roundup
Spring is a time of rejoicing and rebirth, both in nature and in faith. In celebration of the Easter season and the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we at FaithfulReader.com have selected a wide range of literature that will connect with you on a spiritual and emotional level. These works will remind you of the trials and tribulations that Jesus faced --- all in the name of love for His people.

The titles in this year's roundup include:
360˚ LIFE: Ten Ways You Can Live More Richly, Deeply, Fully by Billy Joe Daugherty
A BEAUTIFUL DAY by Gwen Ford Faulkenberry
THE CASE FOR THE RESURRECTION: A First-Century Investigative Reporter Probes History's Pivotal Event by Lee Strobel
CHOSEN: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Giner Garrett
ELEVENTH GUEST by Brock and Bodie Thoene
FINDING INNER PEACE DURING TROUBLED TIMES: Living in the Presence of God Through Prayer and Meditation by WIlliam Moss
GODSTORIES: Explorations in the Gospel of God by Andrew Wilson
HOPEMINUTE by Rob and Susan Cotrell
I WILL CARRY YOU: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith
I WISH YOU ENOUGH: Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments...One Wish at a Time by Bob Perks
IMAGINARY JESUS by Matt Mikalatos
JESUS: Why the World is Still Fascinated by Him by Tim LaHaye, with David Minasian
JESUS LIVES by Sarah Young
THE LITURGICAL YEAR: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life by Joan Chittister
THE MISUNDERSTOOD GOD: The Lies Religion Tells About God by Darin Hufford
THE NOTICER: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective. by Andy Andrews
ON GUARD: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision by William Lane Craig
ONE IN A MILLION: Journey to Your Promised Land by Priscilla Shirer
THE PROMISE: How God Works All Things Together For Your God by Robert J. Morgan
RAISED WITH CHRIST: How the Resurrection Changes Everything by Adrian Warnock
RIVEN by Jerry B. Jenkins
SCANDALOUS: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus by D. A. Carson
VICTORIOUS LIVING by E. Stanley Jones
BIG THOUGHTS FOR LITTLE PEOPLE: ABC's to Help You Grow by Kenneth N. Taylor
DAVE THE DONKEY, AN EASTER STORY by Andrew McDonough
AN EASTER CAROL by Cindy Kenney
EASTER EGG HAUNT written by Mike Thaler, illustrated by Jared Lee
EASTER EGGS FOR ANYA: A Ukranian Celebration of New Life in Christ written by Virginia Kroll, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
THE FLOWERING CROSS by Beth Ryan
GOD GAVE US LOVE by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
GOD'S EASTER LOVE by Mark Bernthal
I BELIEVE BUNNY by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Frank Endersby
THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR: An Inspirational Story of Hope for Easter by Chris Auer, illustrated by Rick Johnson
LULLABIBLE by Stephen Elkins
MY BIG BOOK OF CATHOLIC BIBLE STORIES by Heidi Saxton
THE STORY OF EASTER by Gwen Nelson
THE STORY OF THE EASTER ROBIN by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Anna Vojtech


Study Guides HER MOTHER’S HOPE: Marta’s Legacy, Book 1 by Francine Rivers (Historical Fiction)
The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California.
- Click here to read more about HER MOTHER’S HOPE.
- Click here to read a review of HER MOTHER’S HOPE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HER MOTHER’S HOPE.
- Click here to read Francine Rivers’s bio.
- Click here to see Booklist’s feature article on Francine Rivers.

THE BIG 5-OH! by Sandra D. Bricker (Romance)
Olivia Wallace has a birthday curse…or so she thinks. It was a broken heart on her 16th, a car accident on her 21st, pneumonia on her 30th, and a fall down a flight of stairs on her 35th. But now, as her 50th birthday creeps up the icy Ohio path toward her, her hair has grown back, her energy level is up, and she is officially cancer free. It makes her nervous. After everything she’s gone through, Liv hates the idea of driving on icy roads and returning to work as an O.R. nurse in a local Cincinnati hospital.
- Click here to read more about THE BIG 5-OH!
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE BIG 5-OH!
- Click here to read Sandra D. Bricker’s bio.

Special Contest and Features
HERE BURNS MY CANDLE Contest
We are celebrating the release of HERE BURNS MY CANDLE --- a story of family secrets set in feudal Scotland --- with a special contest. Twenty readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book, which will be in stores on March 16th.

HERE BURNS MY CANDLE by Liz Curtis Higgs (Historical Fiction)
Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. Her husband has his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips, while his mother conceals gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. One by one the family’s secrets begin to surface, as bonny Prince Charlie rides into Edinburgh to claim the crown. From award-winning novelist Liz Curtis Higgs comes a timeless saga of loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of 18th-century Scotland.
- Click here to see the study guide for HERE BURNS MY CANDLE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HERE BURNS MY CANDLE.
- Click here to read Liz Curtis Higgs’s bio.

BEADED HOPE Contest
We are celebrating the release of BEADED HOPE by Cathy Liggett --- a story of the AIDS epidemic in South Africa --- with a special contest. Ten readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book.

BEADED HOPE by Cathy Liggett (Fiction)
Four American women, all with their own challenges, embark on a mission trip to South Africa. Their lives are changed as they encounter a group of South African women who suffer from AIDS yet demonstrate great joy and faith in the face of overwhelming adversity. When the Americans discover the amazing beadwork that has been taught to generations of women in the community, they uncover a way to help these proud people support their families by selling their craft.
- Click here to see the study guide for BEADED HOPE.
- Click here to read more about BEADED HOPE.
- Click here to read a review of BEADED HOPE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BEADED HOPE.
- Click here to read Cathy Liggett’s bio.

NECESSARY HEARTBREAK Contest
We are celebrating the release of NECESSARY HEARTBREAK by Michael J. Sullivan --- an imaginative novel about a father who has lost his faith --- with a special contest. Twenty readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book.
NECESSARY HEARTBREAK by Michael J. Sullivan (Historical Fiction)
Michael Stewart has weathered his share of hardships: a troubled childhood, the loss of his mother, even the degradation of living on the city streets. Now he’s raising his teenaged daughter, Elizabeth, on his own and doing the best he can at work and at home. But he’s turned his back on his faith --- that is, until the morning Michael and Elizabeth volunteer for a food pantry at their local church. While storing boxes in the basement, they step through a mysterious door…and find themselves in first-century Jerusalem during the tumultuous last week of Jesus Christ’s life.
- Click here to see the study guide for NECESSARY HEARTBREAK.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NECESSARY HEARTBREAK.
- Click here to read an interview with Michael J. Sullivan.
- Click here to read Michael J. Sullivan’s bio.


Awards
The 2010 Christian Book Award Finalists
On March 29th, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced the finalists for the 2010 Christian Book Awards. Presented annually since 1978, the awards recognize books in six categories: Bibles, Bible Reference & Study, Christian Life, Fiction, Children & Youth and Inspiration & Gift. Narrowed from over 220 submissions by 33 ECPA publishers, five finalists from each category are selected based on editorial excellence, as well as category-specific criteria. The overall winners will be announced on Monday, May 3rd, during an Industry Awards Banquet at ECPA’s annual Executive Leadership Summit in Nashville, TN.


Click here to read the full newsletter.