Back Cover Review: The Last Christian by David Gregory

In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?

A.D. 2088.

Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

David Gregory is the best-selling author of Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, A Day with a Perfect Stranger, The Next Level, and the coauthor of the nonfiction The Rest of the Gospel. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning master's degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and the University of North Texas. A native of Texas, he now lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Back Cover Reviews:

...The first several chapters, I wasn’t sure if I was going to really be interested in the book. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with the writing, in fact it is excellent – it just included technical and very necessary backstory/setup information…info. that raised questions like it was supposed to.

...Wow, the style of this is very different from Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, A Day with a Perfect Stranger, not to mention The Next Level, but no less compelling. Something…the style or theme reminded me of Michael Creighton at first. I was also a little confused in the opening couple of chapters when there was a change of time or place, but after that they were well-marked.

...This is an amazing story in a genre all its own. It didn’t take long for me to not want to put it down. His view of our faith in Christ is completely Bible-based and yet, it presented a paradigm shift that I’m still working to get a handle on…and like his strong, authentic characters - it may take me a little while. I like, no LOVE, books like this – books that force me to think and deepen my relationship with Jesus. His plot also kept me guessing until the last page and that is just pure writing brilliance!

To read the first chapter:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400074976&view=excerpt

To read more:
http://www.davidgregorybooks.com/
http://www.stevepettitmessages.com/
http://www.christinyou.net/



This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Broken by Travis Thrasher

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Broken


FaithWords (May 25, 2010)


by


Travis Thrasher





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

It was during third grade after a teacher encouraged him in his writing and as he read through The Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis that Travis decided he wanted to be a writer. The dream never left him, and allowed him to fulfill that dream of writing fulltime in 2007.



Travis Thrasher is the author of numerous works of fiction, including his most personal and perhaps his deepest work, Sky Blue, that was published in summer of 2007. This year he has to novels published, Out of the Devil’s Mouth, and a supernatural thriller, Isolation.



Travis is married to Sharon and they are the proud parents of Kylie, born in November, 2006, and Hailey, a Shih-Tzu that looks like an Ewok. They live in suburban Chicago.



Stop by and visit Travis at his Blog where you can sign up to follow him on Facebook and Twitter!



ABOUT THE BOOK

Laila had it all--love, family, wealth, and faith. But when her faith crumbles, her world falls apart and Laila finds herself living an empty, dangerous life as a call girl in Chicago.



When she is threatened, Laila shoots and kills a client in self-defense, sending herself into a spiral of guilt and emptiness. Six months later, she is trying to move on, but she's haunted by the past. She hasn't told anyone about the man she killed, and she's still estranged from her family.



When she is approached by a stranger who says he knows what she did, Laila has no choice but to run. But the stranger stays close behind, and Laila begins having visions of the man she killed. Little does she know she's being hounded by something not of this world, something that knows her deepest, darkest secret.

Scared and wandering, will Laila regain her trust in God to protect her from these demons? Or will her plea for salvation come too late?





If you would like to read the first chapter of Broken, go HERE.

Frenzy by Robert Liparulo

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Frenzy


Thomas Nelson (May 18, 2010)


by


Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted in 2008 with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January 2009, and number four, Timescape, in July 2009, and number five, Whirlwind in December 2009. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

He is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans

ABOUT THE BOOK

Their destiny is to fix history. Their dream is to get home.

When you live in a house that's really a gateway between past and present, you have to be ready for anything. It's a painful fact the Kings have faced since moving to Pinedale eight days ago. Desperately trying to rescue their mother from an unknown time and place, brothers Xander and David have lunged headlong into the chaos of history's greatest--and most volatile--events. But their goal has continually escaped their grasp.

And worse: Finding Mom is only a small part of what they must do, thanks to the barbaric Taksidian. His ruthless quest to sieze their house and its power from them has put not only the family, but all of mankind, in grave danger.

Somehow, the key to it all hinges on Uncle Jesse's words to the boys: "Fixing time is what our family was made to do." But how can they fix a world that has been turned updisde down--much less ever find their way home?

At long last, the secrets of the house and the King family are revealed in the stunning conclusion to this epic series.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Frenzy, go HERE.

Sign up for the Frenzy Newsletter HERE.

Predator by Terri Blackstock

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


PredatorZondervan (May 25, 2010)


by


Terri Blackstock

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.

In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.

In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.

Blackstock has won the Retailer’s Choice Award and has appeared on national television programs such as The 700 Club, Home Life, and At Home Live with Chuck and Jenny. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country and the subject of countless articles. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The murder of Krista Carmichael's fourteen-year-old sister by an online predator has shaken her faith and made her question God's justice and protection. Desperate to find the killer, she creates an online persona to bait the predator. But when the stalker turns his sights on her, will Krista be able to control the outcome?

Ryan Adkins started the social network GrapeVyne in his college dorm and has grown it into a billion-dollar corporation. But he never expected it to become a stalking ground for online Predators. One of them lives in his town and has killed two girls and attacked a third. When Ryan meets Krista, the murders become more than a news story to him, and everything is on the line.

Joining forces, he and Krista set out to stop the killer. But when hunters pursue a hunter, the tables can easily turn. Only God can protect them now.

Enter the Terri Blackstock iPad CONTEST: http://www.terriblackstock.com/contests/

If you would like to read the first chapter of Predator, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer video!

Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice

To enter to win a copy of this powerful book, leave a comment about you, God and hope on this blog post or on the Back Cover Reviews Facebook page by June 18, 2010.

I'm sorry, no overseas entrants please.

This year, two people committed suicide that were part of our lives in different ways. When this happened, it deeply affected us and many people that we know – one of them was a senior at our school and the other person was an auctioneer that my husband Chet worked with. It is shocking, painful and so difficult to come to terms with – the loss and the regret for what we could have said…what we should have done.

Being a teenager is such a difficult time: learning who you are, discovering so much about the realities of life, reaching for independence and dealing with the consequences of what you do during that time or the things that happen to you. For so many, it’s a time full of tears and depression. I know it was for me. I cried almost every day, I felt stuck between who I was and who I wanted to be. I hated myself. And yes, there were times I thought about suicide. My guess is that more teenagers consider this than we realize. It’s a time when we act like we don’t want support, but desperately need people around us to care for and encourage us much more than it seems.

Kristen Jane Anderson was 17-years old when she laid down on the train tracks and waited to die. Even when she made that split second choice, she wasn’t one-hundred percent sure that it was what she wanted – but she was hurt and wounded and caught in a sliding current of painful experiences.

This is the story of a person on the other side, a person who saw no reason to keep on living. And her miraculous second chance at life despite herself. It is a powerful testimony to the grace of God at work in her life – and in all of ours. This is the story of the Lord taking a devastated life and filling it with His hope – a story that could change you…and perhaps change the course of someone that you love. This is a journey that needs to be heard. A testimony that it wouldn’t hurt any teenager to read!

Tricia Goyer has a strong testimony herself and a gift for speaking life and hope and direction into teenagers. This book is no exception. She’s written Life, In Spite of Me with Kristen Jane Anderson’s in a story form that for the most part flows well. It was one of only a few non-fiction books that I have found difficult to put down…definitely well-told.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Giveaway: Life, In Spite of Me written by Kristen Jane Anderson as told to Tricia Goyer

To enter to win a copy of this powerful book, leave a comment about you, God and hope on this blog post or on the Back Cover Reviews Facebook page by June 18, 2010.

I'm sorry, no overseas entrants please.

Tomorrow: my review of this book about Kristen Jane Anderson's powerful story!

She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Why does my life have to be so painful?

What’s wrong with me?

It’s not going to get better.

It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

Includes notes of encouragement Kristen wishes she had received when she was struggling most.

“Life, In Spite of Me is a remarkable story of life beyond despair and hope that triumphs over tragedy.”
—Louie Giglio, pastor, Passion City Church/The Passion Movement

“Suicide is a liar and a thief. It promises peace to those who are escaping but delivers unimaginable pain and rejection to those left behind. Kristen Jane Anderson’s riveting story unmasks the thief and gives hope a face.”
—Dr. Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife Ministries

“When I first met Kristen, I was overwhelmed with her smile, and then I saw her wheelchair. It was a defining moment for me. I had not heard her story or why she’d ended up at Moody. But it was her smile—and it is still her smile—that dismantles me. Kristen has something. It is something otherworldly. She had every reason to die, but now she has every reason to live. I hope you’ll read her story, see her smile, and know why she lives.”
—Michael Easley, former president, Moody Bible Institute

To read Chapter One, click here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422521&view=excerpt

Watch Kristen Jane Anderson's video:


This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Deadly Disclosure by Julie Cave

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Deadly DisclosureNew Leaf Publishing Group/Master Books (February 15, 2010)by


Julie Cave

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie first heard a creation science speaker at her church when she was just 15, igniting her interest in creation science and sparking an enthusiasm for defending the Bible’s account of creation. She has obtained a degree in health science, and is currently completing a degree in law. Julie is married with one daughter and lives on the east coast of Australia.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A Suspense-filled mystery which answers an ominous question: How far will some go to silence an influential Christian voice?

Thomas Whitfield, proud Secretary of the Smithsonian and its extensive scientific influence, has disappeared from his office with foul play suspected. Dinah Harris, an FBI agent struggling with alcohol and depression, is seeking answers amidst the fallout of her own personal issues.

Whitfield's body is eventually found, and other people connected to him begin dying as well, ultimately exposing a broader conspiracy connected to Whitfield's recent conversion to Christ and promotion of a biblical worldview in an academic world of financial gain hostile to this concept.

Will Dinah be able to experience the redemptive power of Christ before it's too late? Or will the ominous danger stalking her investigation claim another victim?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Deadly Disclosure, go HERE.

Watch the Video Book Trailer:

Back Cover Review: Bible Jumble for Kids by Christopher Hudson with Megan Chrans

The classic favorite Jumble puzzles are now available with Bible-based content just for kids! Each Jumble relates to a Scripture passage listed on the Jumble page so that kids can read and learn about the Bible verse or story. This book includes a mix of six different types of Jumbles:

•Traditional Jumbles
•Mystery Person Jumbles
•Jumble Detective
•Jumble Criss-Cross
•Find the Jumbles
•Bible Passage Jumbles

Kids and their parents will have fun solving all 200 puzzles while learning more about the Bible.
 
ABOUT Christopher Hudson:
 
Christopher D. Hudson has contributed to many Bible reference and novelty books, including Bible Brain Busters, Mysteries of the Bible, and the What the Bible Says About series. He lives in northern Illinois with his wife and three children.


Back Cover Review:
This book is our new best friend! After using coloring pages with our third and fourth-grade Sunday School class for several years, the kids don’t find them too exciting anymore). =)

Last week, I flipped through Bible Jumble for Kids and found a Jumble Criss-Cross (very much like a crossword puzzle) that went with our overview of the Bible that focused specifically Genesis. We saved it for the end because we had plenty of material this time, but we still ended up using it.

I think we could use this in class - or at home - as the main activity for a Bible Lesson or as an optional activity if you have time at the end (like we did). The cover says that the activities are geared for kids eight and older.

We spent five minutes working on the Jumble and then ran out of time, so we looked up the missing answers (there is an answer key if you get stuck). I felt like the puzzle was at the kids level and not so easy that they figured out all of the answers in five minutes. I think this activity could have lasted for ten minutes. I do recommend this as an easy activity reference tool. The index/list in the back makes it easy to find what you are looking for – and each kind of puzzle is indexed in Biblical-chronological order for quick reference also. This book is made up of six different types of jumbles: Traditional Jumbles, Mystery Person Jumbles, Jumble Detective (the Traditional Jumbles, Mystery Person Jumbles and Jumble Detective all look very similar to each other. The primary difference appears to be their content.), Jumble Criss-Cross, Find the Jumbles and Bible Passage Jumbles. In case you don't know what a Jumble is (I didn't)...Jumbles are basically scrambled words and you have to unscramble them to spell the word. Each of these jumbles have clues on the page. A Jumble Criss-Cross is basically a crossword puzzle. Find The Jumbles combines scrambled words and word searches, Bible Passage Jumbles are scrambled words with Bible passages printed below containing the answers – that one looks very cool…maybe we can use that one the next time we teach!

This book was provided for review by Tyndale House Publishers.

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes with a Back Cover Review

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Crossing OceansTyndale House Publishers, Inc. (May 1, 2010)


byGina Holmes
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her husband and children in southern Virginia. To learn more about her, visit May 2010's issue of CFOM at Interview with Gina Holmes or Novel Journey.











ABOUT THE BOOK

Jenny Lucas swore she’d never go home again. But being told you’re dying has a way of changing things. Years after she left, she and her five-year-old daughter, Isabella, must return to her sleepy North Carolina town to face the ghosts she left behind. They welcome her in the form of her oxygen tank–toting grandmother, her stoic and distant father, and David, Isabella’s dad . . . who doesn’t yet know he has a daughter. As Jenny navigates the rough and unknown waters of her new reality, the unforgettable story that unfolds is a testament to the power of love and its ability to change everything—to heal old hurts, bring new beginnings . . . even overcome the impossible. A stunning debut about love and loss from a talented new voice.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Crossing Oceans, go HERE.





Watch the Video Book Trailer:


BACK COVER REVIEW:
I loved, loved, LOVED this book! I don’t think a book has emotionally moved me this much since The Shack – its impact crashed over me like the waves and it carried with it the healing roar of the Almighty’s touch. It paid tribute to the LORD’s work in our lives despite – or as part of - the consequences of our own brokenness and mistakes. It also spoke to the strength of motherhood, the innocent perception of children and the pain of life – and death. What a profound story of one woman’s choice to go back and lay down everything for the sake of her daughter – and in that choice the discovery of the love her heart longed for.

Back Cover Review: Extreme Devotion Series by Kathi Macias

This Extreme Devotion series rivals one of my favorite series’ of books – Ted Dekker’s The Martyr's Song series – maybe not at quite the same accelerated speed, but suspenseful nonetheless and passionate stories full of heart-wrenching, redemptive plots – her insight into a variety of cultures and their climates gives a fascinating glimpse into the vastly different countries that each novel of this set focuses on.

Kathi Macias has done something highly effective I haven’t seen in a book before (except for in a television series…you know when they show a picture or a video clip of something that’s going to happen after the commercial break?) – a one-sentence excerpt from the following segment is printed on the facing page at the beginning of each chapter…heart-stopping, question-raising lines – I loved it!

I really enjoyed the start of this series and have a feeling that I will be reading all of them!!!

These book were provided for review through the CFBA.

The Extreme Devotion series: No Greater Love & More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Extreme Devotion series
No Greater Love

More Than ConquerorsNew Hope Publishers (April 5, 2010)
by
Kathi Macias

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathi Macias is an award-winning author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. She has also ghostwritten and collaborated on books for a number of well-known individuals. She is a staff member for The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and a member of The Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Authors Network, American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Fellowship International, Advanced Writers/Speakers Association, for who she serves as membership chair, and orange County Christian Writers Fellowship. She is the 2008 winner of AWSA’s Golden Scroll Award.

A Former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Macias is a credentialed minister and served as an associate pastor at a large church in Southern California, where she did biblical counseling, trained small group leaders, and oversaw support/recovery ministries. She is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and has appeared on several radio and TV programs.


ABOUT THE BOOKS

...(set in South Africa in 1989, during the violence and turmoil just prior to Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the overthrow of Apartheid.

Forbidden romance, an unlikely martyr and an even more unlikely hero. Orphaned four years earlier when their parents, active in the African National Congress ANC movement against apartheid, were murdered16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner familys farm. When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owners son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join an ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revengeor forgiveness and selfless love. Loosely based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, in the violent upheaval prior to ANC leader Nelson Mandelas release from prison in 1990 and his ascendance to the presidency of South Africa, this story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of No Greater Love, go HERE.

Watch the video trailer:




...(set in Tijuana, Mexico, and also in San Juan Chamula, Mexico, which is deep in the heart of Mayan country)

True love ignites their passionate pursuit of His call With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout certain parts of Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness, particularly in some areas of Chiapas State, is rapidly decreasing. Hector Rodriguez pastors a small church in the tourist-popular border town of Tijuana. He also routinely carries Bibles deeper into the hostile areas of Mexico, where he ministers despite increasing difficulty and persecution. Hectors mother accompanied him on one of those trips and felt God called her to stay in the little village of San Juan Chamula, where she uses the Scriptures to teach reading to the families who are open to it. In retaliation for Hectors bringing the Bibles into areas hostile to Christians and in an effort to dissuade him from continuing to expand his ministry there, Hectors mother is murdered. Hector must decide if he will continue his work despite his worries about protecting his wife and children.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of More Than Conquerors, go HERE.

Watch the book video:



If you'd like to buy a copy...
No Greater Love: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1596692774
More than Conquerors: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1596692839