Devotionals

Non-Fiction
	Against All Odds: My Story by Chuck Norris, Ken Abraham “Against All Odds” is the story of the unexceptional life of a blond haired boy born in Okalahoma, and how things can happen when “God has plans for you”. Half Irish, and half native American Indian, Carlos Norris was primarily raised by his Christian mother and grandmother, until he joined the air force at eighteen. This is the life journey of Carlo “Chuck” Norris, and how he went from a military police office with $.09 in his pocket to being able to call two U.S. Presidents “friend”. His story is filled with poignant and often funny memories. Yet it touches the heart as he tells his own difficulties in over-coming his weaknesses to become a six-time world championship winner in marshal arts, an 8th degree Black Belt Grand Master in Tae Kwon Do, and a record holder in speed boat racing. This book is written in a casual style, and if you’re familiar with Chuck Norris through his movies or through Walker, Texas Ranger you can hear his voice woven through the fabric of the phrases. If you’re looking for a behind the scenes look at Walker, Texas Ranger you’ll likely be disappointed, as the one chapter that deals with it is primarily about its conception. At times this might feel like you’re reading a cross between an infomercial and a motivational speech. However, if you’re looking for an easy afternoon read, the story of an inspirational journey, and an honest look at one man’s life, than this book is for you.
	The Politically Incorrect Wife: God's Plan for Marriage Still Works Today Connie Grigsby, Nancy Cobb This excellent book goes back to the basics of being a godly wife--it boils down to our relationship with God and our understanding of what he requires of us. Nancy and Connie have peppered The Politically Incorrect Wife with lively anecdotes and end each chapter with down-to-earth practical advice. The additional study guide is a practical tool for use in classroom settings.
	Secrets of Singing Female Voice: Low & High Voice with CD (Audio) Jeffrey Allen, Sandy Feldstein (Editor), Jeannette Aquino I've owned this book for several years now. I take weekly vocal lessons, but whenever I start daily practice with the CD's everyone notices a tremendous improvement in my sing ability. The exercises are great! Regular practice helps strengthens your diaphragm muscles, the foundation of good singing, as well as increasing your range. I don't know that I would make use of everything in the book, but I would buy the book for the CD's. As one singer once said: "If I skip a day of practicing I know it. Two days, the critics know it. Three days, the audience can tell." These CD's are great for daily practicing, even if you do it in the car.

Fiction
	Ahab's Bride: Book One of Ahab's Legacy by Louise M. Gouge Quiet eighteen-year-old Hannah Rose Oldweiler turns down an offer of marriage because she is looking for travel and adventure. However, when Captain Ahab, the legendary whaler from nearby Nantucket enters her life, she is smitten from the first. Only days before his next voyage she pledges herself to him. As Hannah experiences life as a whaler’s wife she is forced to confront her own beliefs in God. Louise Gouge does a splendid job at portraying the deep love, and often misunderstandings, that occur between two people who care for each other. Hannah must learn how to deal with her own fears and sorrows, as she works to express herself to a man who is so little in her life. If you’re looking for a light feel-good book, this isn’t the book for you. If you’re looking for a story about life and love in a woman’s heart this thought provocative novel will give you something to meditate on.
	Covenant Child (Women of Faith Fiction) by Terri Blackstock Terri Blackstock does a beautiful job setting this modern day allegory on paper. When young Kara and her twin sister Lizzie lose their father in a freak accident they are left in the guardianship of the only mother they have ever known, their stepmother Amanda. After a court struggle and an unfortunate judicial decision the two girls are torn away from the women how loves them, and the rich Christian life planned for them. They are placed into the greedy arms of their maternal redneck grandparents, Eloise and Deke Krebbs, who can taste the money the young heiresses will bring them. As Kara's and Lizzie's memories fade they forget the inheritance that is rightly theirs, and they succumb to the pressures of the secular world around them--drinking, theft, promiscuity--and are taught to hate the one women who would willingly save them, their step-mother Amanda. The eve of their 18th birthday finds them choosing between two worlds--will they accept their inheritance and the responsibilities that come with it? Or will they follow their hearts' foolish desires? Despite the simplicity of the story, I found that the deeper I got into this book the more it touched me. It's not your normal "feel good" book. By the end of the book the reader sees the glorious hope of Jesus Christ, and realizes that there isn't anything she can do to save herself--she must depend only on the grace of Jesus Christ.
	Until Tomorrow (Christy and Todd: The College Years) by Robin Jones Gunn Christy Miller has high hopes for her summer adventure, touring Europe. Not only is she be able to share the time with her two best friends, Katie and Todd, she’s also looking forward to exploring Todd’s heart. Does he have feelings for her? He is her ‘forever friend’, but is he her boyfriend? Christy’s expectations for the trip quickly unravel when her two friends arrive with an unexpected guest, and plans of their own. As the story develops Christy learns how to handle the changes in her itinerary. This is reflected to a greater degree when they arrive in Amsterdam and she realizes that she must be willing to accept the changes God is making in her life. Robin Jones Gunn does an excellent job at exploring the emotions and conflicts in Christy’s heart. Vivid descriptions of the landmarks and foreign phrases add a local flavor to their various destinations.