BOOK REVIEW: Help for the Fractured Soul, by Candyce Roberts

Thinking I was about to read a typical book on emotional healing, I picked up Help for the Fractured Soul: Experiencing Healing and Deliverance from Deep Trauma, by Candyce Roberts.  I couldn’t have been more wrong.  The book is a gutsy advocate for therapeutic intervention of those who have experienced trauma at the hands of others – often thru ritual and repeated abuse.  It speaks to those dealing with multiple personalities, and related disorders caused by such abuse.  This book is not for the faint of heart, although I thought the author’s portrayal of such true scenarios was gracious and tender.  A simple approach of prayer, coupled with quiet compassion and the expression of trust, are key elements of this author’s healing process. I ended the book in respect for the humility and love this author has shown to some really tough patients/clients.  I would highly recommend it to any pastor seeking knowledge and hope in this area of ministry to a small but tortured (and often hidden) set of members of any congregation.

This review was in return for my receipt of an advance copy of this book from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group, thru Bethany House Publishers. My thoughts are my own.

 

Resources:

Candyce Roberts

BOOK REVIEW: Up, Down, or Sideways by Mark Sanborn

If you are looking for a gift-book on the subject of success despite circumstances, summarizing a number of better resources, then Up, Down or Sideways was written by Mark Sanborn just for you.  If you actually want to delve deep into the subject, or need a specific method to follow, please see the list of resources at the end of this review, or your local library.  Needless to say, I was disappointed by this book’s promising title, given the economy and my own drama.  Everyone could use a little pick-me-up these days, but Mark would rather assimilate the concepts from a host of talented authors than come up with his own ideas.  From the section titles, “See”, “Think,” and “Do” you can gather the depth to which Sanborn digs.  About a quarter inch.

Save your cash and your time, buy a classic 7Habits of Highly Effective People, or the highly enjoyable and insightful Little Red Book of Wisdom, which I recently reviewed.

As always, this review thanks Tyndale House Publishers, for the advance copy in return for my opinions expressed here.

Book Review: Hidden Affections, by Delia Parr

Annabelle Tyler is rifle-butted into a marriage with the local rake, Harrison Graymoor, in this Christian Romance quick-read Hidden Affections, by Delia Parr.  Despite its rough beginning, she manages to maintain her faith, and pursue godliness within a farce of a relationship, until reality begins to change.  Although this is not my preferred fiction, Delia Parr (beautiful website, too) has quickly become my favorite author of this genre, with her pleasing blend of light romance, character development, and true Christian faith within a gripping storyline.  I loved Annabelle, with her spunky speech and caring actions, while Harrison slowly won me over, and the gritty housekeeper Irene ‘had me at hello’.  Even minor characters found depth, and the story concludes delightfully.  I was left wanting more of Parr’s fiction, if not more of these characters.  If you have read Janette Oke, or Francine Rivers, (my ultimate contemporary favorites), you will find a favorite here.

I received a beautiful copy I will be keeping for myself, in exchange for this review completed for Bethany House Publishers.  You may join also! click here.

Book Review: The Skin Map, A Bright Empires Novel, by Stephen R. Lawhead

Breaking into sci-fi layers of history, with gripping action and a web of characters, Stephen R. Lawhead‘s first book of the Bright Empires series, The Skin Map, promises a fast read.  Young Kit Livingstone is astounded when his great-grandfather appears alive before him, and draws him into a tightening race-against-time for the Skin Map – fantastic symbols marking pathways to alternate histories- before the evil Burley Men discover it.  Several story-lines, and time-elements intermingle the characters of Kit, his great-grandfather, his girlfriend Wilhelmina (my favorite), and the instigator of the Skin Map himself, Arthur.  Action, intrigue, and gripping layers of historical events are each woven into a race to the finish.

Stephen Lawhead’s site has a gripping trailer about the book, here.

Having read former works of Lawhead’s, I was pleased to find the intermingling of history, faith and action I expected.
One drawback was the flatness of the individuals – I simply could not drudge up emotion for them (which would have made this more of a page-turner).  The exception for me was Wilhelmina, who is drawn into this astounding alternate history-in-progress, and manages to create her own success.  She exhibits determination and cheerful gumption, while Kit seems to simply float between events.  In all, I give it 3 stars for readability, plot and creativity, but dock it for dull characterization.

Thanks to Booksneeze, for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this new book.  You can too!  Click the link to your right.

Video is worth 10,ooo words, isn’t it?

Watching this made a slow smile spread across my face, and reminded me of a recent talk I had heard on my way to work, by Alistair Begg.  In it, he drew the conclusion that praise is what we were designed to do; it is natural, and fulfills our purpose.  When you know that, your day becomes clearer, cleaner, full of hope.  Even on bleak days, it brings to mind the praiseworthy elements of your day, and before long, you cannot help but join in the choir!

Another site, (one of my favorites), A Beautiful Ripple Effect, has given me 16 quotes to inspire ‘that grateful feeling’.  I found her selections creative and rich.

 

So join today’s choir – your song is unique!

Image via Wikipedia