TALE OF THE PENITENT THIEF by Don Willis

 

Tale of the Penitent Thief  is a compelling concept. However, the book itself proved a disappointment. 

Writing historic fiction gives an author liberty to fill in gaps in the historic record, not the license to rewrite known facts. I was led to conclude that either the author is unfamiliar with Biblical history or deliberately chose to ignore it. For example, he has Joseph and Mary escaping to Nazareth with their newborn, Jesus. Doesn’t everyone know they escaped to Egypt?
 

In this book the Magi warn Joseph to flee rather than an angel as the Bible says…and they leave the same night Jesus is born! According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the Law of Moses.
 

He later names Herod Archelaus as the father of his full brother, Herod Antipas. Are we to assume Archelaus slept with his own mother? The historical inaccuracies continue right up to the crucifixion. Death by crucifixion occurs by suffocation. A crucified individual does not have sufficient breath for the long, extended dialog the author places in their mouths.
 

In reality, Jesus also died before either thief, but not in this book. Recall they broke their legs to hasten death, but not the legs of Jesus? This verified scripture that “none of his bones were broken.” In this novel, Jesus receives the sword wound and continues talking. He was actually pierced after his death to verify he was dead.
 

As for the character twist at the end, it came as a surprise, but I found it too fantastic to be believable.
 

From an authorial standpoint Mr. Willis violates the prime directive of writing — Show, don’t Tell. The book is nearly all telling. The author has an active imagination and perhaps needs to study fiction writing and then find a genre without the constraints of Historical Fiction. I wish him well, but cannot recommend this novel. —Gail Lewis

I received a free Kindle copy for review from BookSneeze.
 

Product Details:
Source ISBN: 1449791956
Publisher: WestBowPress (April 29, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English

BETHLEHEM'S BABY by SHEILA DEETH

 

If you've read any of Sheila Deeth's Five-Minute Bible Stories, you know how enchanting and enjoyable they can be. Up to now she's concentrated on the Old Testament. Her Genesis People, Exodus Tales, Joshua's Journeys, and two volumes of Psalm Stories established her credentials as a story teller par excellence.

 

With the introduction of Bethlehem's Baby, Biblical author, Sheila Deeth, turns her prodigious writing talents to familiar tales from the New Testament. This Sixth Volume in the ever-popular Five Minute Bible Story Series looks at the characters and events leading up to and immediately following the birth of the Christ Child...from Caesar Augustus and Herod to John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and many more.

This series of 40 linked short stories is aimed at the Middle Grade Reader. This eBook is fully illustrated and chocked full of insights, information, and her trademarked quirky humor, which makes them a joy for youngsters. Each story also begins with a Biblical references and ends with a prayer. They work equally well for reading to younger children at bedtime or naptime. Like all books in the Five-Minute Bible Stories Series they'll leave your children, or grandchildren, begging for “just one more.” Also contain Author’s Notes.

 

We encourage you to get Bethlehem's Baby today. Also be sure to watch for the coming release of its companion volumes Nazareth Neighbors, Galilee's Gift and Jerusalem Journey over the next months. They're a great way to acquaint your children with the people and stories of the Bible.

 

You'll find the Kindle version of Bethlehem's Baby HERE.

ON HEAVEN and EARTH by Jorges Mario Bergoglio & Abraham Skora

 



Pope Frances, it seems, is like none before him and both the print and broadcast media appear captivated by his unique and highly personal approach to problem solving. But so much of the media’s coverage tends to consist of pithy sound bites, leaving us with the feeling that we really don’t know the man behind the image.

 

Enter On Heaven and Earth. This books details a long-running and free-wheeling discussion on between Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who became Pope Frances, and Rabbi Abraham Skorka. Through 29 chapters these two religious leaders off their views and insights on a variety of topics ranging from God, the Devil, and Religion to widely debated issues such as Abortion, Euthanasia, and Same-Sex Marriage.

 

It’s tantalizing to imagine participating in such an frank and probing discussion with the Pope. Unfortunately, that is impossible. Through Heaven and Earth we get the next best thing. Be the proverbial fly on the wall and listen-in as the current Pope opens his mind and heart on multiple issues.

 

Highly recommended!

 

For Additional Information go HERE

 

To read the First Chapter go HERE

 

For Jorge Bergoglio's Biography go HERE

 

Note: Summit Book Reviews received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Product Details:

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: Image (April 19, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0770435068

ISBN-13: 978-0770435066

 

DEATH BE NOT PROUD, The Secret of the Journal, Book 2, by C.F. Dunn

 

I read Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn and enjoyed it except for the cliffhanger ending. I like novels that conclude with all questions answered, tidied up, and that leave me satisfied. This book isn’t exactly like that.

When offered an opportunity by Kregel Publications to receive a complimentary copy of Death Be Not Proud by C.F. Dunn in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance. I expected to find answers to the questions left unsettled in Mortal Fire.

 

In Death Be Not Proud, historical researcher Emma D’Eresby is recovering in England from the almost fatal attack she experienced in Mortal Fire. She’s still in love with Dr. Matthew Lynes, who frightened her away with questions like: Why is he super strong? Why do his wounds heal so quickly, and just how old is he? She begins to search out information about him by investigating his ancestors, and Emma isn’t prepared for what she finds.

 

Again, C.F. Dunn’s writing brings you right into the story and captures your imagination. I enjoyed every page…right up to another abrupt ending. Matthew and Emma are reunited, sort of, but their future is left uncertain.  

I suppose Ms. Dunn intends to write a third novel and allow Emma to possibly integrate into Dr. Lynes’s family. Some of the mysteries surrounding him are yet to be revealed, and at the very end Emma witnesses something odd as she’s about to enter Matthew’s home. One more cliffhanger.

If you don’t mind leaving a book with more questions than it answers, then you will enjoy this one. I suppose I’ll gravitate to her third novel in the hope that all will eventually be revealed.  — Gail Lewis

Product Details
Series: The Secret of the Journal (Book 2)
Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Lion Fiction (July 1, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1782640347

ISBN-13: 978-1782640349

 

OLD BEFORE MY TIME WITH PROGERIA, by Hayley and Kerry Okines with Alison Stokes

 

I forget where I saw this book advertised, but bought it for my Kindle. I’m glad I did. It is one of those books that keeps you engrossed.

 

Old Before My Time is a fascinating account of this family’s challenges and joys. Alternating chapters are from the perspective of Hayley Okines’ mother and then from Hayley’s point of view. It is very well done.

 

As a writer myself, I want to send out kudos to Alison Stokes for assembling their story in an entertaining and enlightening way. The events are the Okines’, but the skilled writing of Ms. Stokes makes the book definitely readable.

 

I highly recommend this tale of a little girl’s journey through a devastating illness by putting a positive spin on it. Currently 13 years of age, she lost her best friend when Hayley was only 8 and her friend only 11. As devastating as aging eight times faster than normal is, Progeria has opened doors for Hayley and her family that are shut for most of us. Follow her fascinating trips to meet famous people and the overwhelming medical procedures she endures to find a cure for this painful illness.

 

An annual event for Progeria children and their families provides them all with encouragement and helps promote research for a cure. May it advance quickly. — Gail Lewis

 

Here are  links to Hayley Okines’ pages:

Hayley Okines Website

 To Buy From Amazon.com

Product Details

 

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Accent Press Ltd (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1908192550
ISBN-13: 978-1908192554

THE BARE NAKED TRUTH by Bekah Hamrick Martin

  



Enter Today - 6/1 - 6/20!    

SUMMIT BOOK REVIEW:  The Bare Naked Truth is about sex, but not what the title might evoke. Written primarily for teen girls, this non-fiction book is filled with first person stories, humorous quizzes and questions with blank lines that invite the reader to pen personal insights. It assumes most young women who read it are already Christian and promotes abstinence in factual, thought provoking ways.

As a grandmother with five granddaughters, the oldest 15, I was intrigued to learn what approach this author would employ.

She uses numerous first person stories that are sometimes humorous, and often touching.

Here is possibly my favorite quote from the book, from a chapter that spotlights Allison. "I wish I had waited. I thought it would be cool to lose my virginity because everyone around me had. Now I realize the girls who are holding on are not prudes or weird, but are special and strong. It takes courage and guts to save yourself--and guys admire that about a girl."

Teens who do not attend a church and don't think about Christian values may be turned off by this openly Christian book. However, if they read it with an open mind, they'll learn and can benefit greatly from it. I recommend it and am grateful to Zonderman and LitFuse for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. -- Gail Lewis

BUY THE BOOK HERE

Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Zondervan (May 7, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310734029

ISBN-13: 978-0310734024

 

HOME TONIGHT by HENRI NOUWEN

Have you ever wished you could take a class or workshop with one of the great spiritual teachers and then lamented that they have all passed on?

Never mind that Henri Nouwen died in 1996. Thanks to the hard work of a small group of Nouwen enthusiasts, it’s now possible to participate in one of his retreats. His conferences and workshops were never professionally recorded during his lifetime, but a dedicated group has drawn together the contents of a three-day workshop Nouwen gave at a L’Arche community.

Home Tonight focuses on a topic close to Nouwen’s heart, the parable of the Prodigal Son. The chapters of this book proceed as expected. They open with an examination of a particular facet of the parable. From there you’re led to prayerful review, journaling, communing and, finally an assigned spiritual practice. Approach this intentionally. Clear your weekend schedule, gather your materials, and be prepared for an immersion in the wisdom of Henri Nouwen. It's a wonderful opportunity that you won’t regret it. — E G Lewis

Product Details

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Image
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0385524445

Available at Amazon, CLICK HERE.