Category: Christian

Christian, memoir

Learning to Breathe Again

Bergers Book Reviews

Learning to Breathe Again
Author: Tammy Trent
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Memoir / Christian
ISBN: 0-8499-0954-6
Pages: 240
Price: $13.99

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Tammy Hill met Trent Lenderink when they were both fifteen. Although they went through the normal teenage and young adult turbulent years, they finally married. Life was good as Tammy followed her calling into the world of Christian music with Trent at her side. But God’s plans are often very different from our own, and Tammy never thought her world would come crashing down around her only eighteen years after meeting Trent.

Learning to Breathe Again is Tammy and Trent’s love story, detailing their relationship from its early years until Trent’s diving accident in Jamaica. She also shares her joys and struggles in the Christian music industry.

Tammy Trent is amazingly honest in this touching memoir. Putting her husband on a pedestal at times, she shares her own shortcomings and weaknesses in their relationship. But most of all, she shares her vulnerability, faith and deep love of God with us. I highly recommend Learning to Breathe Again.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian

Cross Roads

Bergers Book Reviews

Cross Roads
Author: Wm. Paul Young
Publisher: FaithWords
Genre: Christian Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-4555-1604-9
Pages: 304
Price: $24.99

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We meet Anthony Spencer on his final day before becoming critically ill. He is an intensely dislikable man – paranoid, mean, and vindictive. But things are about to change when he wakes up in a very unusual place.

Now in a coma, Tony is living an alternate existence. Somewhere “in-between,” he converses with Jesus, the Holy Spirit (disguised as a native American woman), and the Father (who appears as a little girl). He visits earth by inhabiting the bodies of people who are fully conscious of his presence. And he’s given the chance to perform one miracle while there.

Tony’s personality is so abrasive early on that it makes it hard for the reader to even care about his well-being. But as the story progresses, he changes dramatically for the better. Tony’s journey reminded me of a pre-death purgatory, as he makes amends for the mistakes he made in his life, preparing for an eternity in heaven.

Cross Roads is Christian fiction, and shouldn’t be treated as a theological discussion of the afterlife. But it does provide a good opportunity for reflection on what might happen to us if we were suddenly called to account for the way we’ve lived our lives. Book clubs will find that this story leads to some interesting discussions.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Catholic, Christian

Chosen to Heal

Bergers Book Reviews

Chosen to Heal
Author: Laura Wright
Publisher: Immaculate Heart Press
Genre: Christian / Catholic
ISBN: 9780991086405
Pages: 130
Price: $11.99

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Many incredible stories of healing are recorded in the Bible, but one may wonder if God is still working miracles among us now. In Chosen to Heal: Gifted Catholics Share Stories of God’s Miraculous Healing Power, Laura Wright presents six healers who are active in the world today.

These six individuals – Domingo Setien, Tom Naemi, Father Jose Maniyangat, Stella Davis, Father Richard McAlear, and Father Dan Leary – did not ask to be given the gift of healing. In fact, they were all surprised when they discovered that they had received this gift. But after the miracles started to occur, they opened themselves to being a channel for God’s healing work. Just as Jesus used healing miracles to draw people closer to him, these individuals also use their healing ministry to the glory of God and the opportunity for evangelization.

Chosen to Heal offers a glimpse into the life and ministry of each of these gifted people. Each chapter focuses on one healer’s story, with numerous examples of people healed at their touch or command. Information on how to reach them is also provided, for those in search of their own miracle.

It’s easy to look around at our broken and hurting society and doubt that God is still active among his people, but seeing miracles such as the ones presented in this book reminds us he’s still very involved in our lives. Not only is he with us, but he cares enough about us to continue to provide us with many much-needed miracles. I highly recommend Chosen to Heal as a source of inspiration for God’s people today.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, Christian, holiday

Little Star

Bergers Book Reviews

Little Star
Author: Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator: Mark Elliott
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-0736958592
Pages: 36
Price: $14.99

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An announcement is made in the heavens that a king will soon be born. The stars anticipate this wondrous event, preparing to shine brightly in celebration. But only the littlest star realizes this baby boy born in such humble and poor circumstances is the long-awaited king.

Shining with all the love Little Star can muster, he bathes the baby Jesus in warmth and light. But showing such love and devotion has consequences, and he fades from existence, never to be seen again.

Little Star is a great Christmas story with multiple layers of meaning. It provides a fairy-tale explanation of why the Christmas star was shining so brightly at the time Jesus was born, and is now no longer visible. But it also shows us how important Jesus is in our lives, and that we should never be afraid to give ourselves up in love for him. This littlest star knew who Jesus was, and was determined to let the whole world know. I highly recommend adding Little Star to your annual Christmas reading list.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, Christian

A Travel Guide to Heaven for Kids

Bergers Book Reviews

A Travel Guide to Heaven for Kids
Author: Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator: Erwin Madrid
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Genre: Children / Christian
ISBN: 978-0-7369-5509-6
Pages: 32
Price: $14.99

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Joey is curious what happens to people when they die, and his mom explains that they go to heaven. As he lays in bed thinking about it, his guardian angel appears and offers him the opportunity to visit heaven. He jumps at the chance, and off they go. Heaven is a beautiful place, with gorgeous colors, cities paved with gold, and every animal that ever lived on earth. The best part is where God lives, but Joey isn’t allowed to visit God until he’s ready to be there forever.

The Bible presents many metaphors for what heaven will be like, but is lacking in any definite picture. But Jesus makes it clear that heaven is a wonderful place, and is where we want to go after we die. A Travel Guide to Heaven for Kids presents the concept of heaven in a simplified way kids can relate to. Although amusement parks might not exist in heaven, Joey is excited by the thought that he will enjoy his time there. No mention is made of hell, and a prayer for children to invite Jesus as their personal savior is offered at the end.

If you’re looking for a true Biblical picture of heaven, you’re best resource would be your family Bible. But if you’re looking for a gentle way of introducing the subject to your kids, with the goal of inspiring them to want to live there forever, this book would be a great addition to your library.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian

Concordia’s Complete Bible Handbook (2nd edition)

Bergers Book Reviews

Bible Handbook
Author/Editor: Edward A. Engelbrecht
Publisher: Concordia Publishing
Genre: Christian / Bible
ISBN: 978-07586-4357-5
Pages: 688
Price: $24.99

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Any serious student of the Bible needs a good quality handbook. When trying to understand the historical background or underlying message, it’s helpful to have some guidance. Whether you are a youth or adult, this handbook is a perfect complement to your studies.

Written from a Lutheran (Missouri Synod) perspective, Concordia’s Complete Bible Handbook offers a book by book summary of the Bible. The editor’s intent is to show how the whole Old Testament points toward Jesus, and how He is fully present in the New Testament.

This is a wonderfully readable handbook that doesn’t attempt to pull the Bible apart verse by verse. Instead, it focuses on themes and key points in each book. It doesn’t attempt to sugar-coat the message into something more palatable for society, but stays true to God’s word. A detailed dictionary of people, places, events and important facts is also included.

I highly recommend Concordia’s Complete Bible Handbook for all who are serious about studying the Bible.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, self improvement

Little Black Sheep

Bergers Book Reviews

Little Black Sheep
Author:  Ashley Cleveland
Publisher: David C. Cook
Genre: Christian / Addiction
ISBN: 978-1-4347-0529-7
Pages: 200
Price: $17.99

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Ashley Cleveland’s early years were traumatic due to her parents’ drinking and divorce. A cross-country move and her mother’s remarriage added to her struggles, and she soon developed an addiction to food. But once she discovered alcohol and drugs, her life took a radical turn for the worse.

Music was Cleveland’s saving grace, and her talents were noticed and appreciated in the churches she attended. However, her interest in salvation was inconsistent, at best. But, God was invested in saving his “little black sheep,” and she finally found recovery and hope.

Little Black Sheep is the absorbing autobiography of Ashley Cleveland’s life and recovery. No matter what we’ve experienced in our own lives, we will relate to aspects of her struggles – with home and family growing up, a traumatic move, and maybe even promiscuity and addictions like she faced. It’s inspiring to see how Cleveland continued to fight through the relapses and finally find a sure-footed recovery. But, I would have liked to see more of how she finally found her way through the darkness to the light on the other side, as a guide to those who are still trying to get there. This would be a great read for anyone in recovery.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, music

Sunny Days

Bergers Book Reviews

Sunny Days
Artist: Tammy Trent
Label: September Day Records
Genre: Christian Music
Amazon Price: $12.10 (CD) $8.99 (MP3)

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Christian music doesn’t always have to sound serious – in fact, sometimes it can make you jump up and dance. Sunny Days is a lively compilation of feel-good songs with a great beat and strong Christian lyrics.

“Welcome Home” (my personal favorite track on this CD) has a wonderful message of forgiveness, as it reminds us we’ll always be welcomed back to our Father’s home. “Fall At Your Feet” brings us to our knees in worshiping our creator and offering our broken lives for His mercy. “I’m Running” sends us straight to the arms of the only God who can save us. Other songs are also reminders of our dependence on God for our whole lives, as we worship Him.

If there’s a storm cloud on your horizon, Sunny Days will be sure to chase it away. This uplifting music will brighten your outlook and bring you closer to God.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian

God in Slow Motion

Bergers Book Reviews

God in Slow Motion
Author: Mike Nappa
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian
ISBN: 978-1400204625
Pages: 256
Price: $15.99

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Do you ever try to slow down when studying the Bible and really absorb what you’re reading? Maybe even place yourself there in the picture and think about how you might feel? In God in Slow Motion, Mike Nappa does just that, using examples from ten well-known Biblical stories about Jesus and his ministry.

Focusing on the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman with the issue of blood, and the death and raising of Lazarus, among others, Nappa shows us some of the hidden gems we may have missed in a casual reading. Why was that Samaritan woman so willing to stop and talk to Jesus, knowing he was a Jew, and should have no interest in speaking with her? Why was the miraculous healing of the woman with non-stop bleeding not enough, and what else did she really need? And what were Mary and Martha thinking and feeling when Jesus took so long to get there when they wanted Him to save Lazarus? And how do we, personally, relate to these stories? These questions and many more are explored, with commentary and guidance to find our own answers.

With daily Bible reading plans designed to maximize the number of pages read, it’s easy to skim over some of these wonderful and personal stories of the ministry of Jesus. It’s a good idea to slow down and savor them, absorbing the deeper meanings hidden under the surface. God in Slow Motion guides us through ten of these, but encourages us to do the same in our own study, reminding us to always keep our focus on Jesus. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, teen

Perfectly Unique

Bergers Book Reviews

Perfectly Unique
Author: Annie F. Downs
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Teen / Christian
ISBN: 978-0-310-72434-6
Pages: 224
Price: $9.99

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Do you love your body? Do you use it to express your love for God? If you answered no to either or both of these questions, you’re not alone. As a teen girl, you probably have a love-hate relationship with your body. While you may love some parts, others make you inwardly cringe.

Annie F. Downs knows what you’re feeling, and in Perfectly Unique, she provides lots of reasons to love all of you. From your mind to your mouth, your shoulders to your feet, she covers the whole body. For each body part, she shares a story from her own past and then shares how God sees that part, providing Bible verses that focus on it. She also works to dismiss the lies you may believe that you’re not good enough exactly as you are.

The Bible reminds us to love others as we love ourselves. Learning how to use our bodies to the glory of God helps us love ourselves, so we can then learn to love others more. We were created in God’s image – perfectly unique. Now it’s time to start believing it!

Reviewer: Alice Berger