In Pursuit of Love - Rebecca Bender - Book Review

In Pursuit of Love: One Woman's Journey from Being Trafficked to Triumph by Rebecca Bender

Zondervan 2020

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This is the tragic true story of a young lady who got caught up in prostitution and drugs.  Eventually, through the help of family and friends and Jesus and Christian ministries and churches, she finds a way out of this life style.  Finally her eyes were open to the trap she was caught up in and she began to work out an exit strategy.  It was a long journey out, and a few times she fell back into the trap because it was what she knew best.  As her faith in Jesus grew she was able to make better decisions.  And then she found a man who really loved her (in spite of her past) and they were married and started a family.  She continues to work to help free more women from this prison of sex trafficking.  

Audiobook is read by the author.

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock - Book Review

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock

Audiobook is well narrated by Sarah Zimmerman

Thomas Nelson 2021

Reviewed by Diane Busch

The plot keeps you listening/reading as you want to find out who caused the terrible explosion that injured and killed many, and to find out if Dustin is innocent or not. Terri always finds a way to weave faith and the gospel into the plots of her books.

The Unexpected Adventure by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg - Book Review

The Unexpected Adventure: Taking Everyday Risks to Talk to People About Jesus

By Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg (audiobook read by the authors)

Zondervan 2009

They share some amazing stories of sharing their faith with others and how God may work to bring about change in others and acceptance of Christ. They are knowledgeable and bold for Christ. And some of the stories of how God has used them, sometimes planting a seed that doesn’t bear fruit for years. So inspiring to us that we may not always see results but we must continue to share the good news and ask for opportunities to do so. And ask for Holy Spirit guiding as to what to say and when. Each section (Day 1, Day 2, etc) ends with a challenge. 

This is for the Christian audience. It is very inspiring and challenging.

Well written. Well narrated. 

Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock - Book Review

Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock

Zondervan 2002

Reviewed by Diane Busch

You might think this is just a typical Murder mystery until you notice that the author weaves themes of faith into the story and practically shared the gospel in the end. Really good Christian fiction. 

Takes place on an island (Cape Refuge) near Tybee Island off the coast of Savannah, GA. 

It's Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford - Book Review

It's Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford

Thomas Nelson 2020

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Insightful look into her life. She is honest and open about her faith, and her friends, and her work and her family. 

Forward by David Jeremiah - Book Review

Forward: Discovering God's Presence and Power in Your Tomorrow by David Jeremiah

Thomas Nelson 2020

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This is a motivational book about moving forward in life and leaving the past behind.  It was more business/motivational and less preachy than I expected.

Includes lots of practical advice and wisdom from a life well lived and devoted to Christ. 

This Side of Heaven - Book Review

This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury

Center Street 2008

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This is a touching story with moral and Christian values and strong family currents .  Redemption is a running theme throughout.   Some of the other themes included are: car accident caused by drunk driver, use of prescription pain medication, law suit and settlement, having a child out of wedlock, paternity test, heroes, downs syndrome adults, sibling friendship, acts of kindness, neighborliness, and God's grace, mercy and love.

Chasing Vines by Beth Moore - book review

Chasing Vines : Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore

Tyndale Momentum 2020

Reviewed by Diane Busch

 This book is honest and personal and she also encourages others in their christian journey.  She isn’t too “preachy” and she uses raw examples from her life to develop points.  Her style is inspirational and motivational while also being your friend.

Book Review: The Colson Way - by Owen Strachan

The Colson Way: Loving Your Neighbor and Living With Faith In a Hostile World

by Owen Strachan

Thomas Nelson, 2015

Reviewed by Diane Busch

The author, Owen Strachan, takes specifics from Colson’s life and writings to use as examples, but also uses the generalities of concepts that Colson wrote about, spoke about, and lived by to continue to teach us the same principles.  I could have underlined the whole book. Chuck Colson had an articulate way of writing and speaking about the culture, Christianity, world view, the Bible, etc that is so on point and outlives him, that it is all noteworthy.  

I highly recommend this book, partly as an autobiography of an amazing human being, but also for the teaching of the basics of our faith and how to live out that faith in our world/culture today. 

Book Review: Refocus by Jim Daly

ReFocus : Living a Life That Reflects God's Heart

By Jim Daly with Paul Batura
Zondervan, 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I really enjoyed this book by a man of faith and virtue. He looks to God for guidance in all aspects of his life. He is transparent and honest, admitting his failures and mistakes and asking for forgiveness. He is able to speak truth without backing down and explains the scriptural and Christian perspective on issues in our culture today.

Book Review: Another Gospel? - Alisa Childers

Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity  - Alisa Childers

2020, Tyndale Momentum

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This book is so necessary!  Alisa discusses the progressive movement within the church that tried to take down her long-held beliefs of God, Jesus, the Bible, etc.  I will keep this book as a reference book to refer to when I am asked some of the same hard questions that she answers.  Sometimes we have doubts or need information to back up our faith.  She references writings by many great apologists such as Lee Strobel, Norman Geisler, and Tim Keller.  The lists of credits at the end of the book suggest many more great books to read to support your faith.

In this book Alisa discusses progressive Christianity vs historical Christianity.  And how her faith was at first rocked by the progressives’ questions. This was a catalyst for her to do extensive reading and research to gain the knowledge and proof for what she always knew in her heart was true. 

Book Review: That Sounds Fun - Annie F. Downs

That Sounds Fun : The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby  

by Annie F. Downs 

Revell, 2021

Reviewed by Diane Busch

    Annie is open and honest and, of course, full of fun, life and energy.  She reads her own audiobook, which makes sense because so many listeners are used to her voice from her podcast by the same title.  The audiobook includes extra content, such as snippets of podcast interviews with some of the fun people in her life.

    In this book, Annie uses experiences from her own life to spur you on to joy-filled living.  She champions friendship, and emboldens you to connect with others in positive and meaningful ways.  She inspires you to pursue God’s will for your life with joy.  Her energy and happiness is contagious.  But she is also very real and discusses her struggles.  She dispels any negative stereotypes of getting counseling to better yourself and work through issues.

    Above all, the author wants you to find ways to have fun and enjoy life!

Book Review - 7 Days of Christmas by Jen Hatmaker

7 Days of Christmas : a season of generosity 

by Jen Hatmaker 

Abingdon Press 2019

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I listened to the audiobook, and this one was not read by the author as her other books have been, so it was a little hard for me to get used to the voice.

As a fan of Jen's book “7” it was nice to revisit the principles we learned in her earlier book, but this time adapted to the holidays.  We American women are often overwhelmed during the holidays because we try to do too much and spend too much and eat too much, etc.  What if we could simply Christmas, spend more quality time with family, and replace excess with generosity?

Book Review - Love Anyway by Jeremy Courtney

Love Anyway: an invitation beyond a world that’s scary as hell 

by Jeremy Courtney 

Zondervan 2019 

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This narrative is so inspiring and challenging!  I feel unworthy to be called a Christ follower when compared to people like Jeremy and his wife who sacrifice so much for the Kingdom.  They have spent years living in the Middle East to share the gospel of Jesus.  They have been betrayed, their lives have been threatened, and they have seen and experienced much evil and sadness.  And through it all they have loved anyway.  

Book Review - Defying Jihad by Esther Ahmad & Craig Borlase

Defying Jihad : the dramatic true story of a woman who volunteered to kill infidels - and then faced death for becoming one 

by Esther Ahmad & Craig Borlase 

Tyndale House 2018

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Amazing true story of Esther's calling by Jesus, her conversion to Christianity, her faith in God, her bravery, her persecution, her salvation, her evangelism, and her courage. 

She grew up in a Muslim family and was an excellent student. And she studied the Quran religiously. It refers to 4 books that are books in the Holy Bible so she sought out a Bible to read. At the medical lab at the hospital where her mother was going due to an illness, she met John who was a Christian. He let her come by every week day in the afternoon after her college classes to read his Bible (but it wasn’t safe to give her a Bible). She became a Christian and shared the gospel with her mother and siblings who eventually became saved as well. Due to her Christianity, her father arranged for her to be killed, so she fled in the middle of the night with the help of John. On a whim she asked him to marry her and he did. They had to flee the city and later Pakistan altogether (they lived in Malaysia for several years before becoming refugees to America).  They had one daughter during this time. Esther's testimony is so inspirational because of her strong faith and the miracles God bestowed upon her and her family in answer to her prayers.

Book Review: Harbinger II : The Return by Jonathan Cahn

 

Harbinger II : The Return - Jonathan Cahn

Frontline 2020 

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This is a sequel to "The Harbinger" that was released in 2012.  Same characters meet up again.  Even though it is a work of fiction, I learned a lot about Bible prophesy.  

The author lays down a foundation of warnings (or signs) that judgment may be coming to us in America.

I found it truly amazing that New York City was founded on September 11 and the enemy tried to take down NYC centuries later on same date of September 11.  Babylon also was founded and destroyed on the same date in history centuries apart.

He uncovers 7 ancient mysteries - prophecy mostly from Babylon that has also come true for America.

Book Review - Uncommon Ground - Tim Keller & John Inazu

Uncommon Ground: Living faithfully in a world of difference - Timothy Keller  & John Inazu 

Thomas Nelson 2020

Reviewed by Diane Busch

I would categorize the subject of the book as Christianity and culture.  Tim and John act as editors who have compiled a collection of writings by multiple Christian authors sharing their thoughts and viewpoints on topics such as politics and social justice.  Their goal is to show Christians how to live together in harmony in our American culture with people whose beliefs and perspectives differ. 

Tim and John also write their own chapters as well.  I especially liked Tim's teaching on Christians being the salt of the earth and what that really means.  

I listened to the audiobook.

Book Review - Laughing Through The Ugly Cry

Laughing Through the Ugly Cry and finding unstoppable joy

Thomas Nelson; Illustrated Edition May 26, 2020

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Beautiful presentation from cover to cover, including crisp white pages with decorative border and large font, to colorful photographs that break up the chapters and compliment the text.  All of the above plus the short chapters, makes it not intimidating for a non-reader which the author confesses to be herself.

Dawn has a delightful, fun and honest writing style that keeps you engaged and entertained.  She is down to earth, relatable, funny and encouraging all at the same time.  What makes her story so inspiring, is that even as she shares her pain and struggles she also brings joy and humor.  And through it all her faith has become deeper and stronger.

Book Review

The Dead Sea Squirrels : Squirreled Away by Mike Nawrocki, 

Illustrated by Luke Seguin Magee

Tyndale 2019

Reviewed by Diane Busch

This story is engaging and fun while also teaching some history and a few Bible facts. It is full of adventure, humor and surprises, while purporting right behavior. It also introduces children to different personality traits in the characters. 

The short pages and short chapters help keep young readers interested and not overwhelmed. Illustrations are humorous and delightful.

We recommend this book for children ages 7-11, especially boys.  

Book Review - Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

 

Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

Tyndale House, 2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

     Very well written Christian fiction, with well-developed characters and interesting story line.  The audiobook was well narrated.  Includes drama, mystery, and romance.

    The main characters Ashford and Megan are members of the secret service team who are hired to guard the President's daughter, Lindsey, who needs to recover from drug and alcohol addiction on a ranch owned by the Vice President.  Ash is the team leader and he is not a fan of female agents.  But he soon sees that Megan is good at her job and also is beautiful.  A friendship develops.  

    As Lindsey slowly gets better, several suspicious deaths occur on the ranch which puts everyone on high alert.  Who is behind the murders?  Can Lindsey stay sober or will she slide back into a life of drugs and alcohol?  Will Ash and Megan become an item?