Under the Cover of Light by Carole Engle Avriett

No matter how you or I might feel about the Vietnam War, so many patriotic Americans served during that time.  USAF COL Thomas "Jerry" Curtis's story of being a prisoner of war for 7-1/2 years in Vietnam was one that I was glad that was told. 

I have never read a POW account before and found it hard to put down.  I was amazed at how these men communicated, tried to keep their spirits up through "American humor" that their captors could not understand, and later shared skills or knowledge with each other in their "university". 

Although Col. Curtis faced incredible hardship, his faith saw him though, as so with so many other POW's.  His testimony makes our troubles seem so small and insignificant. 


My only criticism, if you will, is that for such an incredibly horrific experience, I really didn't "feel" that in his memoir.  Col. Curtis seems like such a matter-of-fact kind of guy, that most of the emotion that you might expect from a book of this nature was missing, whether that is just from his strong faith or just who he is as a person, or both. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

Hope for the Same-Sex Attracted by Ron Citlau

I found "Hope for the Same-Sex Attracted" by Ron Citlau to be an enlightening and encouraging book about what many churches look at as a taboo subject.  I've often heard in churches to love the sinner but hate the sin, but in reality, it often doesn't look that way.  Not knowing how to respond to people who are struggling with homosexuality and how it relates to their faith can cause a lot of hurt for everyone.

I appreciated the author's insight from working through his own like challenges, and found that although his recommendations would be very controversial in our current liberal culture, he is working from Biblical perspective not cultural perspective. 

This book would be beneficial for those struggling with same-sex attraction (and their families and friends), but only if that person desires change.  

I received this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

Tranquility - A Prayer an Reflection Coloring Journal

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to review my first coloring journal, "Gratitude - A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal" by the same publisher.  I was so impressed with that book that when I was given the chance to review "Tranquility" I did not hesitate.

"Tranquility" is a beautiful book with a hard cardboard cover that makes it easy to color while meditating on the reading.  Words like "You are never alone" and "Trust God's Perfect Guidance and You Will Receive a Crown" fill this book and do truly give a place of calm reassurance that the Creator of the Universe knows us.

I highly recommend this book not only as a gift, but for yourself as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.