Southern Fiber Reads: March 2011

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Resurrection Day 2: Miracles

Mike covers a lot of ground in the supernatural category The Resurrection - especially ecstatic spiritual gifts. From visions to miracles to demons to healing to ghosts to resurrections, Mike presents these as literally existing in the world of the story. He even asks at the end whether these occurrences exist in our world today. I plan on covering some of these topics today, and a few more of them tomorrow in my final post. I am going to attempt to illustrate these with passages from the Bible, and my personal reaction to them. If you want to know how Duran himself feels about these topics - read the book and find out! I would be spoiling too much to give away how these supernatural instances work inside this story.

1. Miracles and Healing Jesus performed many miracles during his time here on Earth. His first recorded miracle occurs when he changes the water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). In this passage, Jesus is asked by his mother to do something about the shortage of wine. Everyone knows that when you take the drinks away from festive revelers, things can get ugly. Mary knew this, as it can be presumed Jesus did, also, and he orders the jugs filled with water and served to the head of the banquet. When the master took a drink, he found that the water had been turned to wine!

Another miracle Jesus performed is when he healed the lame man (Mark 2:1-12). Here, Jesus is teaching to a houseful (and I mean a house full of people). During his time at this house, a paralytic man is sent through the roof for Jesus to heal him. Jesus forgives him for his sins, and when he is confronted by others at the house, he asks whether it's easier to forgive sins or tell someone to get up and walk. Jesus then tells the man to get up, pick up his mat, and walk - and the man does.

These two miracles are wonderful instances that show us God's love, and also part of Jesus' ministry here on Earth. I don't believe that miracles stopped when Jesus ascended to Heaven. There are some Biblical accounts of his disciples performing miracles after Jesus went to Heaven (Acts 3 and Acts 9 being good examples). How do I feel about miracles? I believe miracles still occur today, though I have not seen any that have the likeness of what happened in these passages mentioned. I do believe that people can be miraculously healed from cancer, or a person may "defy the odds" and start to walk again after they were told by one doctor they wouldn't. I believe that in these cases, God works through doctors and medicine in order to bring healing to a person.

I don't believe that Benny Hinn heals all the people in wheelchairs that come to his crusades. His is a clear case of healing and miracles being abused for the sake of vanity, and it hurts my heart. There are many true cases of miraculous healing, yet many times the healing is falsified or used to glorify the self. If one heals - or asked to be healed - for selfish reasons, I wouldn't believe that a true miracle took place. However, if a healing or other unexplainable occurrence takes place, I believe that God has worked a miracle. While I have never seen someone actually touch another and declare them healed in the name of God, I will not say that it doesn't happen. It may very well, but I have nothing to back up whether or not it is true. Since this is a lesser issue for me (my salvation does not depend on it), I simply don't argue for it or against it. I believe that miracles do happen, yes - I have seen them happen myself! Just not at the hand of another human being instantly declaring another healed, and to have the person get up and walk off. Not seen it for myself, so I can't argue one way or the other.

I also think that this is one area where Satan can manipulate and twist God's truth to make others think that a miracle has occurred. When I spent some time with the Northern Cheyenne in Eastern Montana, I found that they have a "prayer tree" on their Reservation. This tree was used for them to make prayers and supplications to their ancestors. Someone would pray to their ancestors, and tie a piece of fabric or string on a branch of the tree. When the prayer was answered, either for good or bad, the branch for that person's prayer would die. Here is the catcher - when you see the tree, the only parts of the tree that are dead are the branches that have fabric and string tied to them. All of the other branches, and the branches that have only recently been used, are still alive. I even saw some that died during the week. If you talk to the people, they will give you first hand accounts of their prayers being answered. They are not praying to God, though - they are praying to the gods they have created out of their ancestors. I have seen this tree and seen that the branches do what everyone says - they die when the prayers are answered. This is a clear example of Satan manipulating God's work in order to keep others from Him.

Whatever your school of thought on miracles, you cannot deny the miracles performed in God's Word. I am interested to hear what everyone else has to say about miracles and healing. Happy Reading, everyone, and see you tomorrow!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Lucky Leprechaun!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my blog's giveaway for the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop! Congratulations to BK Walker! You have won the three books I have chosen to giveaway! Again, thanks to everyone who participated - come back in May for the Spring Blog Giveaway Hop! Happy Reading, everyone!

Book Review: Resurrection Day 1

Summary from Charisma House Publishers: When Ruby Case raises a boy from the dead, she creates uproar in the quiet coastal town of Stonetree. Some brand her a witch; others, a godsend. But the controversy is just the beginning. For this resurrection has awakened more than just a dead boy…

Reverend Ian Clark does not believe in miracles. Haunted by demons, both past and present, he is resigning from the ministry and has no interest in the city's spiritual climate, much less its urban legends. But he is about to get a wake-up call…

As Ruby and Reverend Clark are thrust into a desperate search for answers, they quickly realize that the forces unleashed by Ruby now threaten to destroy them. Can they overcome their own brokenness before they—and the entire town—become victims of this insidious evil?

My Take On the Book: Wow! I thought that last month's CSFF Tour of The God Hater was controversial. Now, after reading this book, I'm thinking The Resurrection by Mike Duran may be even more controversial. This book is well researched on many levels - Biblically, anthropologically, and supernaturally. I could tell throughout the book that Duran knows what he's talking about when it comes to the Word of God. I could also see his interest in the Supernatural, namely ghosts and demons. A possible love for other cultures is evident through the pages as well.

The characters battle with demons both real, and some imaginary, too - those "demons" mentioned in the above paragraphs that Reverend Clark deals with? Yeah, some of those demons manifest themselves physically, and the detail Duran gives to these specters leaves little to the imagination. Ruby's visions of a tree growing near the town are vivid indeed, and the tree's role in the story keeps the plot chugging along as it affects the lives of those in the nearby town. Both Ruby and Reverend Clark must learn to deal with their faith, and choose whether or not to rely on God's strength as they battle demons - physical and spiritual - that threaten to destroy them.

This story is both gripping and frightening. I am still wrapping my own mind around this story, with all of its speculation about death, ghosts, and resurrection. I plan on discussing some of the controversial elements of this book in the next two posts. I do recommend this book, but I must note that this is not a book for the spiritually faint at heart. If you are easily offended by controversial and speculative religious topics, do not read this book. If you can take controversial topics with a grain of salt, and find God's truth while reading such topics, then you may really enjoy this book. I have always enjoyed Halloween-y topics, so I enjoyed this book. If you think you can handle it and can get your hands on a copy - read this book! Happy Reading!!!

Legal Necessities: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with CSFF Blog Tour.

Blog Tour Links:

Noah Arsenault
Brandon Barr
Red Bissell
Book Reviews By Molly
Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Melissa Carswell
Jeff Chapman
Christian Fiction Book Reviews
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Wanda Costinak
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Janey DeMeo
Cynthia Dyer
Tori Greene
Nikole Hahn
Katie Hart
Joleen Howell
Bruce Hennigan
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Carol Keen
Emily LaVigne
Shannon McNear
Matt Mikalatos
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
John W. Otte
Gavin Patchett
Sarah Sawyer
Andrea Schultz
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Jessica Thomas
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Dave Wilson

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!

Thanks for stopping by my blog on your way through the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop! I am giving away my review copies of these books: The God Hater, Tender Vow, and A Celebration of The Simple Life. One lucky follower will win all THREE of these books! How to enter: Follow my blog and fill out the form below. The only requirements are: First and last name, email, and follow my blog. If you follow me on Twitter and Networked Blogs, these will be counted as extra entries. Good luck to all of you lucky leprechauns, and don't forget to click one of the links below to continue on the hop!

Book Review: Tender Vow

Tender Vow on Amazon.com

Sharlene MacLaren

Here is a summary from Sharlene MacLaren's Website: Michigan-born brothers John and Jason Evans take a ski trip to the Colorado Rockies, but only one comes home alive—John was tragically killed on a daring descent down Devil's Ridge, an infamously dangerous slope. In an attempt to soothe his guilt and grief, Jason sets out to make amends with his widowed sister-in-law, Rachel, by offering to help with her two small children, doing odd jobs around her house, and trying to ease her own heavy burden of grief. A new Christian, he is bent on growing his faith and helping Rachel see her way through the fog of pain and confusion.

Left to raise her three-year-old daughter and newborn son on her own, Rachel Evans is anything but willing to become her brother-in-law's charity case, particularly since they have a history she'd rather forget. She's determined to make it on her own but soon finds that God has other plans for her--and for Jason. Can she accept the Lord's leading and still honor her late husband's memory?

Here's my reaction to the book: This is a very good book! I have never read Sharlene MacLaren's work before, and this was a wonderful introduction to me. I enjoyed MacLaren's beautiful descriptions of the setting (around Lake Michigan), and her verbal illustrations of the settings made it easy to visualize the part of the Midwest in which these characters live. I also found her portrayal of Rachel's grief very believable. I have not lost my husband, but in the even that I did, I can imagine that I probably would react in the way that Rachel dealt with her husband's death. This illustration of grief is very believable, thanks to MacLaren's ability to dive deep into the heart of a grieving widow. MacLaren's writing helps make this story believable, and the characters are so true to people you know that you want to hang out with them after the book ends.

I enjoyed the relationship - and banter! - between Jason and Rachel. Rachel, believing she can make out just fine on her own, does not really know how to respond to the changes in Jason's life, and she really can't handle the fact that he wants to help her. Discovering through the story what really happened to these two was something I enjoyed in this story. I found myself looking forward to finding out the different ways Jason changed his life, and how his changes affect those around him. I also appreciated the evident changes in Rachel's life during the book. Seeing not one, but two people changed by Christ was exciting for me - I love seeing characters change for the better in a book!

In closing, if you love a good book, and you love a good romance, read this book. It's fulfilling - and spiritually fulfilling, above everything else, which is a definite plus. I highly recommend this book, and I think you will enjoy this one as much as I did! Happy reading!!!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Book Review: Love Finds You in Calico, California

Love Finds You in Calico, California on Amazon

Elizabeth Ludwig

Goodreads Summary:

A young seamstress weaves her own story in a world run by men. After hearing news of a silver strike in Calico, California, Abigail Watts packs up her needles and thread and follows her beloved father out West. But when she’s suddenly left alone in the rough mining town, Abigail finds herself pressed into a marriage of convenience with the local livery owner, Nathan Hawk. Determined to uncover the mystery surrounding her father’s death in the mines, Abigail agrees to stay in Calico. But when the truth sets her free, she must decide whether to leave the town - and Nathan - for good.

My Take On The Book:

This was a very good read! Abigail shows strength of character throughout this entire story. I really liked Abigail's independence, as it reminded me of myself, and maybe what I would do were I in her situation. Elizabeth Ludwig does a great job of illustrating life in an 1800's mining town, right down to the Chinese immigrants that are used to work in the mines. I learned a lot about what life would have been like living as a lowly immigrant in a mining town. The parts of the story that involved the Chinese immigrants I especially enjoyed. And, of course, I enjoyed the scenes with Nathan and Abigail - these were fun! The story is suspenseful, believable, and romantic - all the makings of a good book. This book is part of the "Love Finds You..." series, so I am looking forward to reading more books from this series in the future. I highly recommend reading this one! Happy Reading!!

Legal Necessities: I received a free copy of this book from the author.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Book Review: Adventures In Nowhere

Synopsis from Pineapple Press:

ADVENTURES IN NOWHERE A boy in 1950s Florida wrestles with adult problems and enjoys the last days of his boyhood in a place called Nowhere.

Before Disney and far from the palm-lined Florida beaches, ten-year-old Danny Ryan is transplanted to a tiny community on the hyacinth-choked Hillsborough River outside Tampa, a place his older sister calls Nowhere. But for Danny and his best friend, the irrepressible Alfred Bagley, whose fondest desire is to grow up to be a junk dealer, Nowhere is where adventures lurk and lure them into more trouble than they can handle. More trouble is not what Danny needs as he copes with a family that includes a father sinking into schizophrenia; two sisters, one very ill and the other ready to run away with a shady boyfriend; and a mother trying her best to hold it all together. Adventures in Nowhere paints a compelling, imaginative, and often humorous vision of a time, a place, and a way of growing up, allowing a reader to live for a while in the mind of a remarkably thoughtful and intense boy caught at the final edge of childhood.

My reaction to this book:

I enjoyed this book very much. I was able to catch a glimpse at life in a different time period from that which I grew up, as well as a different place from where I grew up. Danny's character is endearing and very well developed, and I felt as though I was experiencing his childhood right with him. John Ames paints a beautiful picture of the early 1950's, and even though some of the families are far from "functional", there are many characters that I would enjoy meeting in person. This book captured my attention from the first page, and although it is not always a happy tale, there is much to learn from Ames' book, and I even found some hints of my own childhood in this book as well. Written for adults, this book is a well-written account of a young boy in the final days of his childhood. Highly recommended!

Legal Necessities: I received a free copy of this book from Pump Up Your Book Promotions.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Vlog Review: A Moveable Feast

A Moveable Feast on Amazon
Lonely Planet Shop

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Book Review: Final Vector by Alan Leverone

Final Vector on Amazon.com

Final Vector on Alan Leverone's Site

Here is the plot outline from Medallion Press:

Atlas flight #317 is in trouble and needs to land immediately. Air traffic controller Nick Jensen is working the Final Vector position at Boston’s Logan International Airport and must bring the plane in safely—but that’s not his only problem.

Unbeknownst to Nick, his wife, a Pentagon auditor, has just discovered potentially treasonous material on a fellow employee’s computer. On her way home to Nick, she is followed . . . by an assassin.

During another midnight shift, while returning to the Ops Room from a break, Nick sees three heavily armed men dressed head to toe in black fatigues patrolling the corridors of the supposedly secure FAA facility.

Meanwhile, the president of the United States is on his way to Logan’s International Airport.
To rescue a friend and dismantle the terrorists’ assassination plot, Nick must risk everything.

The clock is ticking as Air Force One approaches its Final Vector.

Here is my take on the book:

I am really enjoying reading this book! I finished up a tour last week, and I am about 3/4 of the way through Final Vector, to be honest. This is a great read, though! This feels like I am watching an episode of 24. There is not a dull moment, and absolutely no lag time. There is something always going on, and Leverone keeps you on the edge of your seat with Nick's character and the action-packed plotline of this story. Even though the copy I received was an early reviewer copy, and contained errors, I find the book very well written and easy to follow. The characters are well developed, and I find the plot easily believable and very easy to get absorbed in. This book certainly puts an interesting twist on the traditional mystery story! Full of suspense, mystery, action, and even a bit of romance, this book is sure to not disappoint. If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, do it! I think you will find this book as thrilling as I am.

Legal Necessities: I received a free copy of this eBook from Pump Up Your Books Promotions and Alan Leverone.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Teaser Tuesday!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week comes from Michael Phillips' book Angel Harp:

Its owner turned to face me, then scrambled up over the steep grass and rock and jumped onto the level where I sat watching him in amazement. He was slightly taller than average with fair skin and a full head of bushy red thatch, of stocky though well-proportioned build, probably in his early forties and dressed in blue slacks, a blue plaid wool shirt, and walking boots. --p. 45

Head on over to MizB's site to see what she and others are reading this week! Happy Reading!!!

Southern Fiber Reads

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