Book Review - That Certain Spark

This newest book by Cathy Marie Hake is an entertaining, well-written work of fiction. The main character is a female doctor who faces and overcomes the prejudices common against females in traditionally male-dominated professions in the 19th century.

The author, Cathy Marie Hake, gives us a glimpse into late nineteenth century medicinal practices by including accurate and interesting historical details as the protagonist practices medicine in a Texas frontier town where the overwhelming sentiment is that women are not capable of being physicians. Not only her abilities but the appropriateness of her chosen profession is questioned by the town's citizens

The overarching romantic story is well-developed and believable as the characters learn more about each others beliefs and motivations for making the decisions they do.

As a female who chose to enter a male-dominated profession I appreciate the very real look this fiction book takes at the struggle our female antecedents faced to break through the "glass ceilings" of so many male-dominated professions and the equally valid appeal that being a Christian and pushing the envelope of society's standards are not mutually exclusive activities.

Yes, this book is a Christian historical romance. But it is also much more than that. It touches on topics that were volatile during the period this book was set and reminds us that Christian women play many roles in our society.

Book Review - Voices of the Faithful Book 2

I was excited to read this new book of devotions written and compiled by missionaries around the world. Even with sources like the Internet, Christians in America are incredibly insulated from the realities of life for Christians in many parts of the world as they share Christ's love. Through these daily devotional readings I have become more aware of the both the joys missionaries experience and the difficulties that are a part of daily life for many of them. It has made me more aware of how I can pray more effectively for missions work as well as giving me the ability to pray for the work of many Christians on an individual basis.

I enjoy the way this devotional book is organized. Each month of devotions is introduced by Kim Davis, who lived for many years in South Asia and each month is grouped by themes. My favorites included Lessons from the Young (September) and From Adversity to Triumph (October). Each devotion consists of a Bible verse corresponding to a short story written by a missionary. Following is a short prayer pertaining to the story as well.

This book is an excellent resource to help make us more aware of the work of Christ followers around the world. It is different from many devotional guides in that it takes the focus off of me (and how I can better myself) and places it on Christ (His work around the world and how we can join that work where we are). And as far as I'm concerned, that's the way it should be.

Book Review - Fields of Grace

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of faith embarked on by the main characters of Kim Vogel Sawyer's latest work of fiction, Fields of Grace. In this book Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt as well as Reinhardt's brother Eli journey from the steppes of Russia to a new life in America - a decision made so that they won't have to compromise their Mennonite faith. Along the way, tragedy strikes the family and difficult decisions must be made.

The faith of the family is solidly interwoven into the fabric of their lives, and when a crisis of faith comes for Lillian, the story remains believable and true to the character created. Although this is a work of fiction I learned a bit more about religious and cultural heritage of a segment of immigrants to the midwest. Although the book has a firm conclusion I hope the author is planning a sequel to this story so that we can learn more of son Henrik's journey into adulthood and whether he will choose to remain true to his religious roots.

Book Review - Love Has a Face

As a strong advocate of missions and missionaries I was excited to begin reading Love Has a Face by Michele Perry. Unfortunately, by the time I was a few chapters into the book I realized how disappointing this book is. This poorly written book has no real direction, jumping from random glimpses of Michele's life in Sudan (which were interesting) to experiences in which she speaks with Christ incarnate in her room (which quite frankly were disturbing to someone who was raised in the Christian faith and who believes that the next time Christ returns to Earth will be at its ending).

Michele Perry truly seems to adhere to a social gospel with all hatred, pain and suffering being eliminated on earth by those who follow His direction to love our neighbor. As Christians we are called to help our brother who is suffering but with the intent of introducing him to One who can remove suffering for eternity if our faith is placed in Him - whether He heals our earthly sickness or not. God never intended His kingdom to be established on Earth except in the hearts of His followers - not as a physical place. This book does not clearly communicate that Michele Perry believes this tenet of Christian faith. She relies heavily on "faith-healing" as a purpose of knowing God - not as a way of being introduced to His power.

To be fair, Michele Perry truly has a heart for the people of Sudan. Overall, though, this book is both poorly written (with no real direction or conclusions) and distinctly disturbing as it seems to confuse and combine mysticism and Christianity. More Christian missionaries are desperately needed in Sudan and around the world to help the suffering in the name of Christ, but don't rely on this book to give you a glimpse into a missionary's life - the information just isn't there.