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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: Wake the Dead by Victoria Buck

Wakulla Book Review
Wake the Dead, by Victoria Buck


Let me begin with a warning—this book ends with lots of unresolved issues, so I don’t know if there’s a sequel coming, or this book is part of a series (it was published in 2014), but be prepared to be left hanging when you finish reading this book.

Remember the thought of cyborgs and a “super human” from “The Terminator”, or robots running the world, as in “I Robot”? Well, in Wake the Dead Chase Sterling, formerly known as Charles Redding, is a host of a game show in the future called “Change Your Life.” With his producer’s help (Kerstin) the show changes peoples’ lives with unimaginable wealth, health, or jobs.

As the story progresses, the government wants to “better” the citizenry through techno-medical advancements. Oh, by the way, a major side effect to these changes would be to be able to monitor and possibly control the lives of anyone who has the technology in his or her body. Who better to introduce society to the greatness of this technology than the trusted game show host Chase Sterling, who has already changed so many lives for the better? Except all doesn’t go according to plan, Chase isn’t exactly the perfect patient, and much like today, some in society are resisting “Big Brother’s” encroachment in their lives. 

As the book progresses, Christians are seen to be part this movement, and a good connection with today’s Underground Church is made. All the latest technology in the headlines is prominent in the book, making for fast paced, exciting reading.

It seems the author is trying to advance a couple themes—one person can make a difference, we always have choices in life, there’s always hope, and good will conquer evil. The author writes for a young adult audience with an underlying caution toward blindly embracing all of the latest technology. It seems that the author also tries to get people to fight for what they know is right.

The thesis of the book appears to be no matter what happens in life, Christ can save us and believers will have eternal life with Him in Heaven. The only somewhat controversial issue addressed in this book is that of genetic engineering and “playing God”” with techno-medical advancements. Ms. Buck’s response it to take caution and let God be God.


I enjoyed the book (although see the first paragraph about the ending). It got me thinking of whom I really trust in the world, my right to privacy, and whether the government has by best interest in mind (I’d say no). I’m with Ms. Buck—I’ll embrace new technology with much caution.

Wake the Dead reviewed by: J. Cupp, Wakulla Book Review



*~*~*~*

A WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW


 I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 

Their insights and comments mean a lot. Steve said I (Lorilyn Roberts) could visit the prison and I hope to do that sometime in the near future. I ultimately look forward to the day when we are free in the Lord's presence to worship together our Risen King!

Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Friday, May 15, 2015

John 3:16 Book Review: Highly Sensitive by Carol A. Brown

Highly Sensitive by Carol A. Brown 




July, 2011
$9.99 eBook
$11.50 Print
Buy on US Amazon
Canada Amazon
Australia Amazon
UK Amazon

God Created Some People To Be Highly Sensitive 
Discover why you are the way you are and enjoy your gift!!
Highly Sensitive: Understanding Your Gift of Spiritual Sensitivity is a valuable companion piece to Carol Brown's previous book, The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity. This volume not only provides a precise summary of the topics covered in the prequel (true identity, burden bearing, aspects of high sensitivity, healing), but counsels you on the steps and spiritual practices that will help you-the "highly sensitive burden bearer" to shine in your gifting.

Highly Sensitive propels you forward into a healing and maturing process that involves a steep but exhilarating learning curve-well worth the journey.

"This book is in response to many readers asking me, 'Now what? Where do I do from here?'" writes author Carol Brown. Highly Sensitive examines and frankly discusses five growth areas most burden bearers have in common:
  • 1. Having confidence that you hear from God.
  • 2.Trusting God, self, and others.
  • 3. Discerning between burdens and "my own stuff."
  • 4. Making and keeping boundaries.
  • 5. Identity (sense of worth and belonging).
All of the dots are connected through personal testimonies, biblical support, and spiritual insight-you will clearly see God's bigger picture for your life!
This book looks at how empathetic burden bearing affects the individual and how you can recover and repair damage from negative responses to high sensitivity on emotional, spiritual, and psychological levels.

Review:
Have you ever wondered why you seem so different from everyone else around you? If so, this book just might be for you! I’ve been a “different-from-the-rest-of-the-pack” intercessor for 30 years, and all I can say is this book puts into concise, easy to understand words the things I’ve had to process all these years without really understanding why! If this sounds like you, too, then I highly recommend this book. Highly Sensitive has the “real stuff” to keep you out of trouble and on the right track! You will enjoy it!


L. Shoshana Rhodes, Author
One Lamb Redeemed
(Shoshana Goldberg)
Coming soon: The Quest for the Lost Foundation
http://messianicpropheticintercessor.com/

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: The Coptic Martyr of Cairo by Martin Roth



Wakulla Book Review

“The Coptic Martyr of Cairo” by Martin Roth

The persecuted Christian church in Al-Harawi is about to be the center of attention. The cause of this is Rafa Harel, a spiritual art professor who is conducting an archaeological dig in the church’s basement. He and his team discover the body of a retired priest during their dig. This starts off a cascade of events that go beyond Rafa’s understanding of the differences of religious views in Egypt.

The author seems to be pointing out how even members of the same religion may view their faith differently.

The theme or themes I see are all based on the difference in faith. There is the Muslim vs Christian issue. The fight vs martyr issue. The whole timeline issue comes into play as well.

The author seems to want to get across the importance of the persecution of Christians around the world. To also understand that there are many ways to see faith.

This book was enjoyable. I had to rethink the way I see my faith according to a large view of what it is to be a Christian.


- William K



A WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW


 I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 

Their insights, comments, and encouragement mean a lot. Steve said I (Lorilyn Roberts) could visit the prison and I hope to do that sometime in the near future. I ultimately look forward to the day when we are free in the Lord's presence to worship together our Risen King!

Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Friday, May 8, 2015

John 3:16 Book Review: Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull


Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull is a Christian Gothic historical novel set in a haunting mansion in the north of England where Ian Colquhoun and Shannon Aimee battle a Frenchman with dark secrets--spiritual warfare vs. the occult.  Will they learn enough about God’s words to defend themselves and others or will evil overcome them?

February 2015
$15.99 Print
$2.99 Ebook
Buy on US Amazon
UK Amazon
Canada Amazon
Australia Amazon

Review:
I’m not usually much for fiction, but this novel was a real hard-to-put-down cliff-hanger! It had a little bit of everything- history, romance, Christian principles, and lots of suspense. The main character is a rebellious teenager who manages to get herself in so much trouble that only God can rescue her! I highly recommend this story to both teens AND their parents (actually to anyone who wants to read a really good story).


L. Shoshana Rhodes, Author
One Lamb Redeemed
(Shoshana Goldberg)
Coming soon: The Quest for the Lost Foundation
http://messianicpropheticintercessor.com/

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: Brother Half Angel by Martin Roth




Wakulla Book Review
“Brother Half Angel” by Martin Roth


This book is about an American husband and wife who go to China to work at an underground church under the pretence of being English teachers. While there, the church comes under attack by a group called the Boxers who kill a Christian and cut off his hands and throw him over the wall of the church.

Uncle Ling, the leader of the church, has a dark past and many secrets. The hero of the story is Brother Half Angel, who gets his name because of a tattoo of an angel on his forearm that was cut in half, along with his arm. He is a soldier in a secret army for the church sent to help. There are lies, deceit, murder and plenty of action.

Uncle Ling in this story does not trust God to fix all things and pays the ultimate price – his life. Because of the content it is for mature readers. Leave your troubles with God – He will take care of all things.

Like most Christian writing – obey and trust in God and He will provide.
The hero in this book is a soldier and has had to kill for the church. The question is, does a Christian kill to protect the innocent? Do you kill to protect someone when there is no other way?
I liked it very much and being this is a five-book collection I am looking forward to how some issues play out.

Thank you.




A WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW


 I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 

Their insights, comments, and encouragement mean a lot. Steve said I (Lorilyn Roberts) could visit the prison and I hope to do that sometime in the near future. I ultimately look forward to the day when we are free in the Lord's presence to worship together our Risen King!

Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Friday, May 1, 2015

John 3:16 Book Review: Jordan's Shadow by Robin Johns Grant

Jordan’s Shadow
Robin Johns Grant

Jordan's Shadow 
February 2015
Print 12.99
E book: 2.99
Buy on Amazon

From the Publisher:
The Crosby family has a frightening problem. Is it psychological? Supernatural? Or something entirely unexpected?

In 1984, seventeen-year-old Rose and her fiancé discover an injured girl with no memory. The girl, Jordan, is in Rose’s life for a brief time but leaves her world shattered.

Years later, Rose Crosby’s fifteen-year-old daughter Ginny can’t understand why her relationship with her mother has fallen apart. Ginny could swear that Rose is terrified of her lately.

Then one terrible day, Ginny overhears Rose confessing that she truly is terrified of Ginny—because to her, every day Ginny grows more and more like Jordan, the girl who's been dead many years. In fact, she swears that somehow, Ginny is turning into Jordan.

Is Ginny’s mom insane? Is there a ghost in their house, threatening to possess Ginny? Or is the demon in Rose's past, forcing her to confront what happened on that horrible day in 1984 when Jordan was killed? 

My review:
A must-know page turner.
It hurt when I had to set this book down. It’s not a quick read...just a heads up.

Jordan’s Shadow is a YA mystery paranormal thriller that will glue readers of all ages to their favorite reading chairs. I thought I had the mystery pretty well sewn up—and then Grant would take me back in time and prove me wrong. I’m the kind of reader who normally reads the end when I think I’m right, but this is one book where I didn’t skip and I was glad I didn’t.

This multi-generational dysfunctional family drama will make you cheer and boo until the last curtain. The lingering question of mental illness keeps the reader on her toes with the question of who do you trust when the story of deaths in the family begin to appear. I loved the paranormal aspect of moving through time and I got a kick out of mulling the questions that remain.


Well-done sophomore book from talented author Robin Johns Grant. Great characterization, terrific setting and dialog. Told from the viewpoints of Ginny and her mother back and forth between twenty-five years, Jordan’s Shadow will keep you reading. Recommended for those who like family dramas, teen angst, faith-based YA with a twist of fantasy.