Uncompromising: A Heart Claimed by a Radical Love by Hannah Farver

What is a young, unmarried woman supposed to do?  Does she live like so very many in this world, focused on guys, college and/or career, and making herself happy?  Or does she make her Cause something greater?

Author Hannah Farver challenges women (really of all ages) to view their purpose in life through different "glasses" in "Uncompromising: A Heart Called by a Radical Love".

Miss Farver covers a common theme regarding purity, but also dives head-first into topics like feminism, modesty, and the possibility of turning the want for a relationship (or the relationship itself) into an idol.  She calls women to seek the Kingdom of God first, asking questions of what would God want us to do vs. (for example) should I date or should I court?

I have read many books written for young women as I prayerfully try to mentor my daughter through her teen years and beyond.  This book has some different insights I found worthwhile and would recommend this book for older teens and beyond.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Samson by Shawn Hoffman

How does one review a book that was so emotionally exhausting and give the experience of reading it the justice it deserves?   How do you "recommend" a book that is so frighteningly riveting because of the horrors told that you know aren't truly a work of fiction?

I chose to read this book because I believe that we must remember historical events, such as the Holocaust, or we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.  This is not a fun, feel-good read.  But the story of Samson Abrams, his family, Dr. Mengele, and others is one of a Jewish Olympic boxer's fight with what he truly believes and how he tries to use his gift to better the lives of his family while in Auschwitz.

I really appreciated the level of Shawn Hoffman's research he did for this book and was morbidly mesmerized by the tale.  I read the book in one day, partly because I couldn't put the book down and partly because I really wanted to finish the book so the heaviness in my heart to go away.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

How to Talk to a Skeptic by Donald J. Johnson

If you feel uncomfortable talking with someone who is skeptical about your faith, "How to Talk to a Skeptic" by Donald J. Johnson may be a good place to start.

The author gives some sound advice about how to approach someone who doesn't believe the same way you do and to do it in a way that is informative and non-confrontational.  We are not supposed to be pushy sales-people when it comes to our faith, but instead to listen and find out the real reason the other person doesn't either accept our faith as valid or has questions.  How we handle those discussions can alienate or positively influence that other person.

Although I personally do not enjoy debating, I do feel this book gave practical instructions how to address another's concerns.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sex and the Single Christian Girl by Marian Jordan Ellis

I wish books like this were available when I was a young woman, but I am so glad they are now.

What makes "Sex and the Single Christian Girl" by Marian Jordan Ellis different from the other books like this that I have read are:

1.  Mrs. Ellis regularly affirms the reader with terms of endearment.  While reading the book I felt special.  She reminds us that we are cherished daughters of the King, a priceless treasure, and that we are worth waiting for.
2. She gives you a game plan.  Most books don't really discuss a way to remain pure until marriage other than to "hang tough".  I think her perspective is unique because she was in her 30's when she met and married her husband.  She gives practical suggestions, like"laying ground rules" at the beginning of the relationship.  During a make-out session is not the time to do that.
3. She puts it into perspective.  If he isn't willing to wait and ends up leaving, thank the good Lord that he protected you from such a creep!
4. She puts blame where it belongs.  No temptation becomes sin without permission.  Don't allow yourself to be in situations where those temptations can lead to what you wish to wait for.

I am adding this book to the list that I will encourage my daughter to read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mansfield's Book of Manly Men by Stephen Mansfield

What is a manly man?  Stephen Mansfield give you his thoughts in his book, "Mansfield's Book of Manly Men".

After reading the thought-provoking forward by retired Lt. General William G. Boykin, I was faced with the author's words that this book is "Not for girls!" 

Being the compliant that I am, I immediately put the book down.  But, I had promised to review this book, so here it is.

Ladies, this book is not for us.  It is definitely for our men.  I appreciated the author's thoughts about what a manly man "looks like", and I believe that we need to be encouraging help-meets and let our men be just that.  Mr. Mansfield does not point the blame at anything or anyone that may be causing this era of weak men (my opinion... and mind you that is certainly not all men).  Instead I found this book to be a call to action for guys to look to the manly, noble role models in the Bible and elsewhere, and to take personal responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Frame 232 by Wil Mara

Any of us who have been around any length of time have wondered who really was behind the
Kennedy assassination.  Did Lee Harvey Oswald truly act alone? 50 years later, there are still so many questions.

Wil Mara's new book titled "Frame 232" dives into that topic in a fictional story about how the film taken that awful day in Dallas by the "Babushka Lady" surfaces, exposing that Oswald was not the only gunman.

Truth-seeker and millionaire, Jason Hammond, is contacted by the Babushka Lady's daughter (Sheila Baker) after finding the carefully stored film in her mother's safe deposit box.  Sheila's mother, Margaret Baker, was too afraid to turn the film over to the authorities while she was still alive, leaving Sheila the burden of deciding what to do with it.

And Margaret had good cause to be afraid.

Although the author truly believes Oswald was the only gunman that day (as he states in the Author's Notes and Afterward), he tells a fascinating story about "What if...?"  The level of corruption and accountability in the assassination plot is beyond scary as almost "everyone" was part of the conspiracy.  And that level of power has access to those who can keep their secrets.

Will we ever find out the complete truth about JFK's assassination?  I personally don't think so.  Do I think Wil Mara's book is worth reading?  Absolutely.

Download Wil Mara's special Q & A here.

Watch the book trailer here:  http://youtu.be/l6ABg4osMog

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis

As newly divorced Adam Colby is sorting through estate sale items, he finds an unusual treasure in "Forever Friday" by Timothy Lewis.

A photo album containing 60 years worth of weekly postcards, some dating even back to the late 20's, catch his attention.  On each postcard is written a romantic poem and signed, "Forever, Gabe".   As Adam reads these postcards, his wounded heart wonders if there can ever be such a thing as an enduring, romantic, married-love.  This spurs his quest to find out more about the writer and recipient of this weekly ritual.

As the story of Gabe and Huck unfolds, Adam realizes that there are no perfect relationships, but that the secret to true love is the art of "unselfishness".  As the story ends, Adam has the opportunity to try at love again.

I found this book to be a reminder that our marriages are what we make them.  Yes, it does take two and people are not perfect, but if we all put our own selfish desires on the back-burner and thought about our life's mate first, even just some of the time, what a difference that could make.

• Book trailer
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion.