BookSnips
Seeking the Face of God
Author, Gary Thomas
Reviewer, Kim Winters
I received Seeking the Face of God by Gary Thomas from a dear friend as a Christmas gift in 1995. I first read it was because the friend who gave it to me had a great deal of suffering in her life, and yet maintained a profound joy in the Lord. On the inside front cover she wrote, “I delight in you my sweet, sweet sister! I pray the King of the Universe will use us together to bring Him great glory!” There was something so compelling about her love for Christ and for others. I wanted to know everything she knew so that I could enjoy that same love. I read every book she ever gave me, and this was one of them.
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 BookSnips
THE PENNY, A Novel
Authors, Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford
Reviewer, Mary Beth Palmer
I found this book at the WSEFC library and am delighted to share with you what I've learned.
The Authors… Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford. First, I’d probably read any Joyce Meyer book. I’m sure not everyone feels this way, especially my husband. You either love or hate Joyce Meyers’ books and materials. But allow me to share a secret that changed that for my husband. While on a trip together, I decided to read a novel by Joyce Meyer rather than listen to her CDs because, well, with a voice like hers, it would probably grate on my nerves. So what did I do? Yes, I read the entire book aloud to my husband. He usually likes the sound of my voice (I hope) and besides, we’re in the car, and he was kind of trapped (don’t tell me you’ve never done that!). And the result? I loved the book, and my husband is now a Meyer fan.
The second reason I picked-up The Penny was the title. It made me think of a "penny richer, penniless, a penny toss (heads or tails), penny candy and a penny bank" or was that a "piggy bank.?" Oh well, the title and the author made me pick up this book and take it home. So here’s my review of The Penny. |
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BookSnips
Face of Betrayal
Author, Lis Wiehl with April Henry
Reviewer, Sally Steele
From Amazon.com: Take hold of this sizzling political thriller, the first in a series by Lis Wiehl, legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel, and April Henry, bestseller author and mystery novelist. The plot centers on seventeen-year-old Senate page Katie Converse who mysteriously disappears while walking her dog. Reporter Cassidy Shaw is the first to break the story. The resulting media firestorm quickly ensnares Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges. The three unique women are life-long friends who call themselves The Triple Threat--a nickname derived from their favorite dessert and their uncanny ability to crack cases via their three positions of power.
Wiehl's expertise in law, politics, and criminal investigation merges with April Henry's narrative genius to create a gripping mystery filled with rich characters, real danger, and a shocking yet satisfying final twist.
From Sally: I’d give this book three of four stars. The fact that three very different ladies with unrelated careers could come together and not only form a good friendship, but also use their resources to fight crime, I think is what gives this book a different twist from your average mystery.
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 BookSnips
Swope’s Ridge
Author, Ace Collins
Reviewer, Sally Steele
From Amazon:
Four members of the Klasser family are found dead outside Dallas, Texas. In the wake of 9/11, the Klassers' neighbor, Omar Jones---an American citizen of Arab descent---is convicted of their murder. A month before Jones' execution, attorney Lije Evans searches for evidence that will prove the man innocent. But Evans' quest goes deeper than solving one crime. He is determined to find the secret behind the dark history of sleepy Swope's Ridge---and how it ties into his wife's murder. Interlocking mysteries lead Evans and his team to the battlegrounds of former Nazi Germany, the dirt roads of Kansas, and a rusty cargo ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, they discover a secret that offers the promise of great power---and the greatest temptation they've ever faced. In the second book of the Lije Evans Mysteries series, bestselling author Ace Collins immerses readers in an intricate and deadly international plot. Racism, betrayal, and death-defying escapes compound an adventure that knows no bounds in this harrowing novel for suspense lovers everywhere.
From Sally:
If you like mysteries, this book is for you. It grabs your attention from page one and never lets go. This story has more ups, downs, twists, and turns than a roller coaster ride. Every clue creates another mystery. You’ll close the book wanting more, and you can find it in our library!
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 So many books, so little time
Church volunteer lends her passion for reading to library
E-Free library volunteer Sally Steele has 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren; serves a host of ministries, and has still found time to read more than 250 books in the last five years. One could say her passion for reading is insatiable.
“There are so many books, and so little time,” says Sally, 70, who has volunteered at the church library since 2005. “I probably read about two to three books a week, just to keep up, and now keep a journal to catalog what I’ve read.”
Sally’s favorite book genre includes mysteries, especially those written by authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, Randy Singer, Terri Blackstock, and Francine Rivers. She enjoys historical Christian novels as well. “Good readers expect a book to have some kind of religious significance. A point for the Lord,” she says. “Yet not all authors are equal, so I’m always on the lookout for new writers.”
During off-hours—that is, when she’s not attending twice-weekly Bible studies, preparing for E-Free’s Caring Closet ministry, or even working as the secretary of her homeowner’s association—Sally lends a dutiful hand to the E-Free library, as she has done for the past six years.
“Well, I’d like to say it’s hard work, but for me, it’s a joy,” says Sally. “I am the person that helps to get the book on the shelf by labeling and covering, etc. I’ll basically do anything that Lisa needs.”
Lisa Gregory is the church’s library coordinator, a friendly, committed individual who tirelessly cares for more than 10,000 books, CDs, DVDs, and other reference materials. Lisa claims Sally is a blessing not only to the library’s efforts, but also to the entire congregation of West Shore E-free.
“She is a wonderful friend and advisor, bringing her life experience, her gentleness, her love for Christ, to all she does here at E-free. Sally is never afraid to share her experiences, both good and bad, for the benefit of others. I am so grateful for her servant’s heart,” says Lisa.
Humbly, Sally, standing within earshot of Lisa, waves her friend’s comment into the skies, picks up two more books “to review before we accept them into the collection” and smiles. “Well, I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say I get a few perks out of volunteering.” Then whispers, “I get first dibs on new releases!” |
Staying Behind to Serve
One Sunday not long ago, Tamara Hutchison checked out Inside Afghanistan from the church library; by Monday evening, she had finished reading it.
John Weaver, whom former broadcaster Peter Jennings called "quite a remarkable young man," wrote Inside Afghanistan (Franklin Graham contributed the Foreword) to describe his experience after 9/11 helping the worn-torn Afghan people.
Says Tamara, "it is an excellent primer to explain some of the country's past, as well as the Taliban and Al Qaeda. It left me wanting to know even more. Most important, the book reminded me how very blessed I am to live in the U.S., and how much the Lord wants us to show compassion and give to those who have so little." Consider picking up a copy in the library. |
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