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Book Review 020410
WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS
By Christa Allan
Abington, 978-1-426-70227-3, PB, 340 pages, $13.99

   Leah Thorton's makes a journey from alcoholism to sobriety. Set in Texas, this story deals with themes of loneliness, loss, abuse, and addiction. Written in a conversational style that makes Leah's narrative seem like the confession of a friend, it is slow at times, but the plot's honest examination of life and pain make it unique and intimate. Though she's pampered, Leah's life is less than idyllic. Burdened by her husband Carl's sexual demands and critical spirit, Leah numbs her emotions with alcohol. A slightly heavier woman, Leah escapes the archetype of the beautiful and feisty fictional female and, instead, seems truly human. Initially, Leah's spiritual standing is a bit uncertain, but her movement toward God eventually grows clearer.
   Alongside Leah, the author sets a host of quirky co-characters, each of whom is vividly depicted. The inclusion of such creative and diverse characters adds vitality to the novel. Allan also specializes in clever word pictures and witty turns-of-phrase, making this book convey its message while staying readable.

Book Review 020210
A BETTER FREEDOM: Finding Life as Slaves of Christ
by Michael Card
IVP Books, 978-0-8308-3714-4, PB, 166 pages, $15.00

   Freedom can only be found in slavery, Christian singer-songwriter Michael Card says in this book. He explains that everyone is a slave to something, but Christ's chains are the only ones that liberate. Card explores the hopelessness and humiliation of being a slave, as well as the purpose and identity found in having a master. He then explains that Christianity has always been a slave's religion, and Christ frequently talked about and acted as both slave and master. What would our lives look like, Card asks, if we lived as slaves of Christ?
   Personal illustrations make this book understandable, and thorough research gives it a solid foundation. Card brings to life slavery in Rome and America, and from that he draws theologically sound conclusions.
   This book challenges mature Christians in their walk with God, while teaching truths young Christians can understand. It will be an asset to any church library.

Book Review 012810
NEVER BLAME THE UMPIRE
By Gene Fehler
Zondervan, 978-0-310-71941-0, PB, 192 pages, $12.99

   Eleven-year-old Kate loves three things: sports, poetry, and her family. But what do the first two matter when tragedy strikes? The novel reveals how God loves and protects us even during our darkest hours. Being written by an experienced storyteller and poet, this book is appropriate for its juvenile readers, in spite of the heavy themes. Illness and death are explored through the eyes of Kate, as she gives a first-person account of her feelings regarding her mother's cancer. The lesson she learns, though somewhat rushed and convoluted, shines through strong by the end.
   This simple, quick story gets at the heart of the never-ending dilemma, how a good God can allow bad things to happen. The result is a book that young readers, especially baseball players or writers, are sure to enjoy.

Book Review 012610
THIRSTY
by Tracey Bateman
WaterBrook Press, 978-0-307-45715-8, PB, 376 Pages, $17.99

   Thirsty, by Tracey Bateman, is a refreshing twist on the recently popular vampire craze. Rather than focus on dramatic teenage romance or violent warfare, as seems to be the trend within the genre, Thirsty is centered on a story of redemption.
The protagonist, Nina, is a recovering alcoholic whose family has all but disowned her. She's been in and out of rehab, and she moves to her hometown to live with her sister (the local sheriff) and start a new life. She also aims to spend time with her teenage daughter, who despises her. As Nina struggles to confront aspects of her own past, an evil force settles over the town, manifested by a series of grotesque murders. In order for her and her loved ones to survive, Nina must finally come to terms with her addiction, reconcile with the ones she has hurt, and uncover an age old mystery that could threaten the town itself.
Thirsty is definitely an young adult/adult novel. It deals with some pretty heavy subject matter, including nightmarish addiction, grisly violence, and rape. None of these things are glorified in the least, however; and good and evil are clearly defined. The story is fast-paced, the characters well rounded, and the finale unpredictable. An entertaining story with strong Christian themes, it will leave both new Bateman readers and existing thirsty for more.

Book Review 012110
EMBRACING YOUR FREEDOM: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice
by Susie Larson
Moody, 978-0-8024-5280-1, PB, 288 pages, $13.99

   Larson demonstrates the necessity of freedom in the life of a Christian. She uses personal illustrations to emphasize awareness of our own spiritual freedom and a yearning for the freedom of those still bound by physical and spiritual slavery today.
   Larson offers insightful biblical references to freedom in combination with daily prayers and study questions that guide the female reader through an intense personal examination and urge her to seize freedom for her soul. Susie Larson has authored several books and many articles and consistently supports the International Justice Mission (IJM), an organization she champions throughout the book. This powerful and practical guide would be an excellent study book for a church women's group intending to reach out to communities or countries in need, and also to women who have been victims of spiritual or physical slavery.

Book Review 011910
KATY'S NEW WORLD
The Katy Lambright Series #1
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Zondervan, 978-0-310-71924-3, PB, 201 pages, $9.99

   Torn between her Mennonite faith and a thirst for knowledge that can only be satisfied outside of the Old Order, sophomore Katie Lambright faces rejection when her efforts toward higher education are haunted by her deceased mother's decision to leave the community. As internal and external conflicts intensify, Katy finds hope in the example of Christ as she discovers who she is and what values she must stand for, even if she must stand alone.
   Although Katy's life as a Mennonite may be difficult for girls of other religious sects to understand, the struggles she faces are universal. Katy's character is age-appropriate and three-dimensional. Although the last chapter provides a sense of closure, unresolved conflicts are sure to keep readers coming back for more. A great novel for middle and high school girls, Katy's New World is an inspiring story that addresses the issue of conformity in teen culture.

011410 Book Review
COWBOY CHRISTMAS
by Mary Connealy
Barbour, 978-1-60260-145-1, 304 pgs.

   Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy asks readers, which is more important: telling the truth or protecting loved ones? And, can a beautiful woman really be trusted? These themes of truth and trust dominate Connealy's story of Elijah Walker and Annette Talbot. Running away from a couple with evil designs, Annette returns home to her father's ranch only to find it deserted. She meets Elijah, a man whose past makes him cynical toward all women, and the result is a chaotic ride of strong emotions, dastardly plots, and lessons of learning to trust again.
   With prods from his strong-willed mother, Elijah determines to help Annette survive on the Western frontier. She is running from more than he knows, however, and the details she leaves out only heighten his distrust. At the same time, Annette fears that telling the truth will bring more harm to those she cares about. Ultimately, they both must choose between trust and distrust, truth and falsehood.
   Through her humorous transitions and gentle pokes at gender differences, Mary Connealy keeps readers turning pages in an otherwise predictable plot. Some of the frustrations with each other that Annette and Elijah face are entertaining, but others may cause readers to pause and reflect on their own lives. Elijah's struggle to trust Annette stands out, as does Annette's battle to understand the Matthew 16:24 concept of bearing crosses for the Lord.
   This is a fairly typical "cowboy romance," although a few plot twists will keep readers interested. Connealy's writing style is amusing, and she offers a satisfying story. Lovers of historical romances will especially enjoy this book.

011210 Book Review
ALWAYS WATCHING
Rayne Tour Series #1
by Brandilyn Collins and Amberly Collins
Zondervan, 978-0-310-71539-9, PB, 215 pages, $9.99

   Who killed Tom Hutchens? And why? Shaley, the daughter of a pop star, goes on a mission to avenge her friend's death and find out if her unknown father played a part in the murder. Bloodshed, secrecy, and tension mark the pages of the book. While searching for the murderer, she also struggles with the idea that there is a God who comforts in times like these.
   The thrilling mystery keeps the reader turning the pages. Although some of the youthful dialogue seems unnatural at time, the plot flows quickly and holds the reader's interest. Development of the characters provides enough description, yet leaves room for the reader's own assumptions. Since the novel only deals with a shallow level of faith, I would recommend this to young adults who are searching or are in the early stages of faith development.

Book Review 010710
ESCAPING THE VAMPIRE: Desperate for the Immortal Hero
By Kimberly Powers
Cook, 978-1-4347-0061-2, PB, 192 pages, $12.99

   The Twilight series has become many teen girls' fascination. Kimberly Powers, a popular teen conference speaker, attempts to share with girls what it is about this series that they find so compelling, as well as why and how they can channel those aspects of every girl's heart to her relationship with Christ. Powers relates well to teen girls, providing points to think on in her "Just Breathe" segments. She also hits on some key areas that contribute to the Twilight fanaticism; however, Twilight and the associated obsession aren't discussed except basically in the first chapter. After that the book deals more with common teen girl issues than anything else (dating, shopping, school, families). Powers has excellent things to say to teen girls, but the title focus of her book isn't hit on well. I recommend this book to church and school libraries whose teen girls are more interested in self-understanding and improvement than in Twilight.

CD-Music Review 010510
ALIVE AGAIN
by Matt Maher
A & R Blaine Barcus, 83061-09062

   The title track to Matt Maher's "Alive Again" album was awarded the "best Christian & Gospel Single of 2009" by Itunes music. And although some of the tracks on the album become musically repetitive, hardly seeming to separate themselves from other artists in the genre, there are a number of tracks that redeem the album as they contain fresh musical harmonies and creative instrumental ensembles. Maher's voice is soothing and easy to listen to, and when he teams with a female vocalist on the track "Garden" the result is heavenly. This album makes a statement beyond the music and beats; it contains deeper lyrical meanings and is filled with fresh ideas with theological implications. It speaks of man's desperation for the Godhead, as well as His desperation for us. Maher sings of grace, and how unworthy of it we truly are. This album attempts to put humanity into perspective as we were once in darkness, but now have the light of a Savior.