COTT: Clash Of The Titles....Ellie Gustafson and The Stones

This week, <a href="http://cottbookclub.blogspot.com/">COTT's Book Club</a> is taking a further look at <em>The Stones</em> by Eleanor (Ellie) Gustafson!
Much of it is narrative, but when Ellie pens dialog, she does it with expertise. The things her characters say either crack me up or sober me with their depth of wisdom. Ellie is indeed a master at crafting compelling dialog.
The event that stood out to me the most during the second quarter of the book was David’s move from Hebron to Jebus (which he renamed Jerusalem). I’m not sure if I just glanced over it every time I’ve read it in Scripture or if there just isn’t much there, but it was practically new information for me.
Ellie wrote a nail-biting account of the take-over of the city from the Jebusites. I never thought about who occupied Jerusalem before David or for how long. For those who haven’t read the book, the Jebusites had control of the city for hundreds of years before David decided he wanted it for his capitol. But that’s all I’m saying! You’ll have to buy the book if you want to find out exactly how David entered the highly-defended and, up to this point, unconquerable fortress.
Before the battle David addressed the troops. This is what he said:
“Look up, all of you, to the hill above Jebus. Mt. Moriah, Abraham brought his son Isaac from Beersheba to this place to sacrifice him in obedience to God’s command. He stood right where you’re standing now. He looked up in dread, yet set food to the mountain, confident that God—somehow, in some way—would provide. And he did. As Abraham raised his knife, the angel of the Lord stayed his hand. So shaken he could hardly stand, Abraham looked around, and there in the thicket, caught by its horns, was the sacrifice God provided in place of Isaac.
“Abraham called the mountain, ‘The Lord will provide,’” David continued, “and we’ll hold to that word today. We’ll climb Mt. Moriah, and there Yaweh will provide. Here, in the name of the Lord, we claim that miserable shelf called Zion. It shall be cleansed of Jebusites and be forever known as Jerusalem, Mt. Zion, the Holy City of God.”
That passage deeply impacted me. Having grown up on the Thoene’s work, I’ve always been fascinated with Jerusalem, but Ellie took me back to the beginning and drew a thread through the centuries, through David and to Christ. Although you didn’t mention it, the reader easily draws the thread the rest of the way through to present-day and the ongoing struggle for God’s Holy City.
Our God is an awesome God! History is already written and he sees the big picture with perfect clarity. We can only hope to catch a glimpse.
Head over to <a href="http://cottbookclub.blogspot.com/">COTT's Bookclub Blog</a>, or join us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/COTTbookclub">Facebook</a>, to hear what the author has to say!
<strong>Have any of you visited Israel? If so, share your favorite part of the experience. If not, tell us the first place you’d want to see if you were told you’d be flying there tomorrow.</strong>
I hope you'll join us over at our <a href="http://cottbookclub.blogspot.com/">Book Club headquarters</a> for more conversations on this wonderful book And if you'd like to read along with us next month, make sure you pick up your copy of COTT champ, Delia Latham's, <em>Destiny's Dream</em>. We'll be discussing this fun romance in August!
~April Gardner is the Senior Editor of COTT and author of Wounded Spirits.

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For His glory,Michelle Massaro, COTT Assistant EditorAdventures In WritingClash of the Titles 

Broken Wings {#4 in Second Chances} by Terri Blackstock

Book Description:  Among the 151 people who died in the crash of Flight 94 was Mick Hammon, the plane's captain and Erin Russell's close friend.

 

A pilot herself, Erin now struggles with the shattering losses both of her friend and of her own confidence in the cockpit. With pilot error speculated as the cause of the accident, Erin fights to save Mick's reputation for the sake of the family he left behind. But that fight pits her against Addison Lowe, the crash investigator. Like Erin, he is determined to get at the truth of the disaster. But his conclusions could ruin Mick's good name and the future of Mick's family. Clashing over the details of the disaster, Erin and Addison discover an unexpected, mutual attraction for each other. But it could go down in flames as the investigation spins out of control. Broken Wings is part of the Second Chances series by award-winning suspense novelist Terri Blackstock. Combining fast-paced reading with realistic characters and situations, Second Chances takes readers to where the conflict between good and evil becomes the proving grounds of faith.

My Review:  After reading Blind Trust by Terri Blackstock which is #3 in the Second Chance Series, I decided to go back and read this great series that I somehow missed.  

Since I didn't begin with the first book I decided to read #4 Broken Wings.  And I found out that each book stands-a-lone so reading them out of number order doesn't take away from the story line, at all!

Broken Wings takes us on a journey with Erin.  Erin's mentor and good friend, Mick is killed in a plane crash.  A crash where is was the pilot.  Erin cannot understand how Mick who taught her to b ever so careful when flying...following all the rules....could crash a plane and kill 151 people!

Addison is on the case to prove that Mick was not an irresponsible pilot.  Erin decides that she will help Addison discover the truth.  

Loved this exciting read!  The sweet romance between Erin and Addison plus the mystery of Mick's "accident" makes for a grand read!

This is a great series and I'm so glad I've had a chance to read these "oldies" but ever so "goodies!"

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

And the Winner is . . .

CONGRATULATIONS 

TO
Linda Kish!

**random.org number 2**

(winner has been contacted by email)

Under A Desert Sky by DiAnn Mills

Book Description:  When Eva Fortier's grandfather is murdered, her attorney urges her to leave New York and take refuge in the high desert area of New Mexico. Leaving her life of wealth behind, Eva attempts to make sense of the tragedies in her life. Navajo David Benally has his hands full taking care of his people's medical needs. But when his father asks him to help fulfill a vow made to Eva's father, he has no choice but to oblige. He views Eva as a spoiled rich girl...until he sees her strength in the midst of life-threatening danger.

My Review:  After reading DiAnn Mills Call To Duty Series I was excited to read another book authored by her.

I wasn't disappointed.  Now, if you've read the the Call To Duty Series you know there is a lot of action and heart pounding suspense.  But Under A Desert Sky is more sedate but just as intriguing and mysterious.

Eva Fortier lives with her very wealthy grandfather since both her parents were killed.  Eva loves her grandfather even though he seems rather gruff and rough.  He seems to want Eva to be such a strong person. 

Then one evening as Eva and her grandfather are out for a stroll Eva's grandfather is shot point blank.  The gunman turns the gun to Eva but at the last minute, as he looks at her, he tells her to run and not look back.  She is warned not to even go back to the house.

Eva runs.  But decides she must tell her nanny and the others at the house for they may be in grave danger. 

Mr. Murdock, executor of grandfather's will, sends Eva to a remote ranch on the Navajo reservation....Ghost Ranch.

Eva learns much!  Even how to wash dishes!

I love reading about the Navajo's and the mystery behind all the murders/deaths is intriguing as well as the love story!

A great-tastic 5 star read!

About the Author:

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over fifty books in print and has sold over 1.5 million copies.
DiAnn believes her readers should "Expect an Adventure." She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA Bestseller Lists. Her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Awards 2003 - 2008 and a Carol Award finalist in 2010. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader's Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010, a Christy Awards finalist in 2008, a finalist for the RITA Award in 2010, and winner of the Christy Award in 2010.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also a member of the Christian Writer's Guild, Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is the Craftsman Mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.
She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

A Wedding Blunder In the Black Hills by Kim O'Brien

Book Description:  David and Millie both have big problems. A widowed dentist with an almost-teen son, he’s being stalked by an amorous patient. Millie’s mom keeps sending her on blind dates, even though the café owner has trust issues. So when a lost filling lands Millie in David’s office, the two of them find a solution—a faux relationship. No one gets hurt and no one gets nagged. It’s a great plan—until they really start to care. Now what will they do?

My Review:  A Wedding Blunder In the Black Hills is a fun, light read about people who truly care.  

A somewhat predictable read, this read is also brings out the "fun side" of life.  David, a widowed man who is also the local dentist is plagued with patients who hope to become the next Mrs. 

Millie is plagued with well intentioned relatives, especially her mom who keeps insisting she "attend" these blind dates.

Millie and David meet when Millie must have a tooth fixed and the funny thing is they get together to "solve" their plagued problems.  Never realizing that sometimes an easy "fix" leads to more problems.  

Then there's Millie's secret...will this help her understand her life or hinder her relationship with David?  

Escapades, funny family and friend issues and romance!

A fun, light read that will make you laugh and just may increase you faith.

*This ebook was provided for review by Barbour Books and NetGalley*

About the Author

Kim O’Brien grew up in Bronxville, New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a master’s degree in fine arts from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She worked for many years as a writer, editor, and speechwriter for IBM.  She is the author of eight romance novels and seven nonfiction children’s books. She’s happily married to Michael, has two fabulous daughters, Beth and Maggie. She is active in the Loft Church in The Woodlands, Texas.  Kim loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her Facebook author’s page.

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

Book Description:  Is this the day I die? Li Quan asks himself this question daily, knowing that he might be killed for practicing his faith. American businessman Ben Fielding has no idea what his brilliant former college roommate is facing in China. He expects his old friend has fulfilled his dream of becoming a university professor. But when they are reunited in China after twenty years, both men are shocked at what they discover about each other. Thrown together in an hour of encroaching darkness, both must make choices that will determine not only the destinies of two men, but two families, two nations, and two worlds.

My Review:  Rarely have I read a book that impacts me beyond the last page.  But Safely Home not only made me cry, at times even smile but it made me think!  Think about the christians who freely (yes! freely) give not only their time and energies but their very lives for Christ!

And ALL because they truly believe in the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Li Quan is brilliant!  A young person with knowledge that can take him places.  Yet, Li loves God and is determined to tell others about God's love and saving grace....simply incredible!

Now, Ben is more like "the normal" college student.  He has been given so much and he truly loves the Lord.  But until he's reunited with Li he doesn't understand the cost of giving one's ALL!  I don't want to give spoilers SO you really need to read this book if you are a Believer!  

As an American with many freedoms I've heard about the tortures, the people who want to stop the Gospel of Christ but after reading this book I couldn't help wonder, "Is this a true story?  Hidden under the auspicious of Christian fiction?"  

If you only read one book this summer then this is the book you should read!  Again, I state....Simply Incredible!

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*
This book will be available next month, August 2011!

BUY BOOK HERE!

About the Author:

Randy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM). Prior to starting EPM, he served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has spoken around the world and taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah University and Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon.

Randy is the best-selling author of over 40 books. His seven fiction books include the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home.  His nonfiction works include The Treasure Principle; Heaven; and If God is Good. Randy has written for many magazines and has been a guest on hundreds of radio and television programs.

The father of two married daughters, Randy lives in Oregon, with his wife and best friend, Nanci. They are the proud grandparents of four grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.

The Family Illustrated BIBLE

Book Description:  An inspiring, insightful, and exquisitely rendered retelling of the Bible for the whole family!

Filled with vivid, full-color photos and illustrations 

Easy-to-read text that describes biblical history clearly for all ages 

Discover exciting facts about the people of the Old and New Testaments.

See the people, culture, and events of the Bible come to vibrant life through images and detailed biblical accounts. Examine a comprehensive map of the lands of the Bible, clear timelines, and other fascinating information found within the pages of Scripture, along with a thorough index. The Family Illustrated Bible is a treasure, beautifully inspiring generations to come.

My Review:  We're one of those families who enjoys reading together, especially the Word of God.  Every evening my husband reads a portion of Scripture out loud to our family as we prepare for evening prayer time.  So, I was excited to review The Family Illustrated Bible.

Our son loves pictures to go with a story or lesson....actually I think we never out grow the pictures....for pictures enhance the story!  This illustrated Bible has beautiful pictures.  Sometimes the pictures are in vivid color and then there are the more black and white pictures that are more muted but tell a story all their own.  

On page 222, "When Jesus Calls his Disciples" there is a black and white illustration at the bottom of the page that depicts Jesus with all twelve of his disciples.  Under the top heading it reads, "Jesus returned to Galilee and went to live in Capernaum, a little town on the shore of the big freshwater lake known as the Sea of Galilee."  This lesson is taken from Matthew 4,9, 10; Mark 1, 2, 3; Luke 5, 6.  The lessons are not like Scripture after Scripture in a "regular" Bible but instead are the true lessons taken from the Bible and put into everyday language.  Even so no truth or words are detracted from the Word of God.

One of my favorite lessons from this incredible Bible is on pages 242-243 in "The Feeding of the Five Thousand."  The picture is depicts how I would imagine the Feeding to have taken place. Under the lesson is a short "summary" that reads, "There was more than enough for everyone."

There is SO much in this incredible Bible!  My family absolutely loves to read it! And that makes it worth it's weight in gold!  

I, also, plan to use this Bible when I teach Sunday School or Children's Church.  This is one of those not.to.missed. great assets for any home!

*This book was provided for review by New Leaf Press/MasterBooks*

Can buy HERE!

About the Author:

Sally Tagholm is an award-winning author who has written numerous children's books on history and animals.