Tough Guys and Drama Queens by Mark Gregston

Kids today are so different from when I was young. Why? According to Mark Gregston, it's a changed world and kids are reacting to it. In a positive world, kids react positively, but with all of the negativity on television, at school, and even in the home, kids are reacting in kind. As a middle school teacher, I agree 100% with Mark Gregston. His comment on parents being in a tough spot when even choosing clothing (buy into the seductive dressing for girls or have their child be shunned by peers?), hit home. I see so many girls in middle school dressing for Project Runway. Are young teens ready for that? No. Puberty is kicking in and girls don't need the added boy stress. The tips that Gregston gives parents are great! One might say they are common sense, but with overworked parents and busy children's schedules, sometimes common sense takes a back seat. Gregston's reminders are timely and should be heeded. Parents and teachers should read this book and learn how to help our children grow up, but not so fast that their childhood is nonexistent.

Heckel Casey by James Hoch

Using a dystopian world setting, Heckel Casey takes the good versus evil plot to a new level. Why did the world as we know it end? In the viewpoint of Heckel Casey, it was the decrease of moral values which openned the door to immense evil. Heckel Casey, the main character, reminds one of Nick Prescott in the classic "Walking Tall" movies. Heckel is one of the few who is still "good" and morally upright. He walks across America observing evil's chaos. He wants to end the evil that is overtaking society. This evil is Madeline. Madeline is characterizes evil with her use of manipulation. From enchantress to witch, Madeline is a force with which to be reckoned. James Hoch's writing style is simplistic and easy to read. His characters are believable, even the supernatural ones. One suggestion would be chapter titles (subtitles). Hoch changes perspective numerous times (first person, third person) and one needs to read a few paragraphs to discern who is telling the tale. The story, in itself, was pretty good. Readers who enjoy the "good versus evil" plot, will most definately like Heckel Casey.

The Scarlet Cord by Joan Wolf

This is the story of Rahab. The unknown story, that is, due to the reason that the bible says so very little about this important woman. Why is she important? She, as a Canaanite, helped the Isrealites destroy Jericho. In return, Rahab's family was spared. This story fills in the gaps of Rahab's life. Yes, it is historical fiction which means that the story is based on Rahab while the author weaves a tale to explain Rahab's life. Using much research on the time period, the author's tale is very plausible. I applaud her efforts. The heroine is believable, the story time period is accurate and the plot flows so well one can hardly put the book down. Joan Wolf shows Rahab as a strong girl and even stronger woman. The bible considered Rahab a prostitute, Joan Wolf reminds us that Rahab was brilliant.

Arms of Love by Kelly Long

Arms of Love was, in my opinion, disappointing. As a fan of historical fiction and Amish plotlines, I was excited as one author had combined my two favorites. As I read the story, I was more disappointed after every page. The first disappointment was the plot: it was extremely slow. The first few chapters held promise as the conflicts were stated, but the solutions were slow in coming. It isn't that the author gave too much information about the conflicts and solutions, the author was too wordy, too much filler with zero substance. The next disappointment was the characters. I didn't have a strong feeling for either main character. The author didn't describe the characters in enough detail for me to visualize them nor enough depth of emotion for me actually care. The final disappointment was the plot. The entire story could have been told in ten pages or less. Again, the author's use of wordiness was more filler than substance. Because I like to finish what I begin, I forced myself to finish the book. The ending was trite. This is my opinion.

Through the Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Through the Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond is inspiring! Have you ever wondered why your plan and God's plan aren't necessarily the same? Sophia, the heroine, wonders, too. As a school teacher at an elite woman's college, Sophia believes her calling to be a congressman's wife. When he chooses another (her roommate, no less), she is so dismayed that SHE creates a new calling: missionary to China. Sophia doesn't realize, until she winds up in Dakota, that China is not God's plan at all. Will, the hero, is a God loving carpenter, builder, and all around Mr. Fix Everything. He is a missionary, too, giving strength and showing God's love to the Ponta Indian tribe. When Sophia arrives in the Ponta village, he wonders why she is there and how long she will last. What is inspiring? Sophia works very hard to give the Ponta tribe the best education possible and along the way learns what God's plan REALLY is (thanks to Will). If you are wondering what God's plan is for you and how to accomplish His plan, this novel, even though it is fiction, will guide you. You will learn HOW to ask, WHY to ask and HOW to LISTEN to God. It is a great read.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

What heppens when the world gets you down? You fill up on faith! Hope Springs is a story of a family whose faith knows few boundaries. First, we have the matriarch, Grandma Geri. Grandma Geri is filled with faith. Faith that God will heal her, her family and guide her grandaughters. Next we have Stephani. She has been questioning her faith. She visits Hope Springs and finds not only her faith, but what is God's will for her life. Becca, another character, learns that through faith, all is possible, but one must be humble. Finally, there is Janelle. Her life hasn't turned out quite like she had hoped, but when he puts her total faith in God, great things happen. As the characters struggle with real life issues, the reader learns how faith can help one survive. A great book with great lessons to be learned. I recommend reading it.

Brush with Angel's Wings

Brush of Angel's Wings combines the themes of Amish and Angelic intervention. As the story begins two characters who are extremely different, meet on the road. It's a meeting of destiny. One is an Englisher who is part Amish, but wants to leave the community and the other is an older Amish girl past her marriagable age. She is 20 years old (imagine!). A buggy incident joins them together as the angels (one from each side of the heavenly divide) try to keep them on or off the straight and narrow path of goodness. As the story unfolds these two folks have their hardships including a horrible farm accident of the girl's father. Along the way the angels are fighting over their souls using the hardships to teach either strength or anger (dependent upon the angel). As far as Amish books go, this is a really good one. The author uses much of Amish language and mannerisms. Adding the angels is a perfect fit for the reader to understand that even those whom we think are better, still question God's decisions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------