Angel of Light: A Personal Journey Through Imagination to Find the Spirit

by Richard James Cook (2001)
Publisher: Fountain Publishing
Price: $16.00

Reviewed by: Brandee Musiala

Few of us can't imagine anything more tragic than the death of a child. In the face of such a tragedy, Richard James Cook managed to channel his grief into the poems and artwork that are of Angel of Light: A Personal Journey Through Imagination to Find the Spirit.

Not to be read without a box of tissues nearby, Angel of Light chronicles the short life of Cook’s daughter Laura who was diagnosed with a rare heart disease in her first year of life. The Cooks’ were then faced with the reality that Laura would need a heart transplant. Unfortunately, despite the transplant, Laura passed away when she was just four years old.

When his journaling gives way to poems, passages and paintings that helped Richard James Cook work through his loss, the spiritual closure is evident. The paintings in which Laura is depicted as living on in heaven are especially telling.

As emotionally charged as this book is, I believe it is the depictions of Laura living on that may help someone in a similar situation. All in all, bittersweet.

From Fat to Fit: Turn Yourself Into a Weapon of Mass Reduction

by Carole Carson (2007)
Publisher: Hound Press
Price: $14.95

Reviewed by: Brandee Cote

From The Biggest Loser to Village on a Diet, it seems that we can’t get enough of a great weight loss story. Not only are they inspirational, but for the subjects themselves, the shows' popularity brings accountability. For those of us who have struggled with weight loss, we know all too well that in those moments of weakness, it’s harder to give in when you have a weight loss partner to answer to.

Carole Carson’s weight loss journey is a great testament to that. Tired of the self-loathing, she courageously spoke publicly about the shame of being obese in her local newspaper. She also made a commitment to continue to be open about her weight loss. So as Carole went from 'fat to fit', she took a community with her and after two months of encouraging each other, they collectively lost 8,000 pounds!

If you’re about to start your own weight loss journey, I definitely recommend reading this book and pairing up with a friend for support and motivation.

Noah and the Ark

by K.W. McCardell and Antonella Chirco

Publisher: Bible Rhymes Publishing

Price: Become a member on BibleRhymes.com

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

This animated Biblical story comes alive with delightfully illustrated scenes of friendly-looking animals. The story is even expanded on with fun details.

The movement of the characters and animals, with sound effects and background music, adds a lot of dimension to this story, making it more tangible and real.

All in all, a very warm and uplifting read.

“The good Lord had said that he’d make it through

His family and animals, they’d make it too” (23)

The Snowflake

                                    
by Jamie Carie (2010)

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Price: $14.99

Reviewed by: Diana Worobec

In the words of Jeanette Winterson, "They say that every snowflake is different." Just like every snowflake, so is our lives: each of us has a different story to tell.

The Snowflake is a touching story of a man and woman's journey and discovery of themselves, and each other, as they face the hardship and bitter cold of surviving an Alaskan winter. In 1897, a brother and sister are looking to reach the Alaska gold rush. Meanwhile, a man is dealing with the results of his wife's death. As the three come together due to a tragedy, we see the struggles of fear and love.

It's a pleasure to have Canada addressed in the story since there does not appear to be many books with its setting in Canada featuring a romantic twist, and characters' faith in God. Dawson City is a town located in Yukon, Canada, founded and named in January 1897 after Georde M. Dawson who had explored and mapped the region in 1887.

Those who enjoy a good romance with a touch of Christmas will definitely enjoy The Snowflake.

Love’s First Light

by Jamie Carie (2009)

Publisher: B&H Publishing

Price: $14.99

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Love, hope, and forgiveness are the main themes in this novel that takes place during the French revolution. Christophe, the Count of St. Laurent, and Scarlett, a young widow carrying her deceased husband’s child, are the protagonists whose lives interweave as they move between Paris and Carcassonne, France in the story. Christophe flees to Carcassonne to live in exile from society while being haunted by his past. It is there where he meets Scarlett and her mother and sister. An unlikely connection Scarlett has with someone of Christophe’s past threatens their deepening relationship.

The supporting characters add substance, warmth, and humour to otherwise complex situations. The descriptions of society provide a very clear depiction of what life was like back at that time, a time that has shaped history. Moreover, Christophe’s fascination of science reflects his journey of faith from darkness to light.

Everything comes to a head when Scarlett’s family must find a way to survive their barely-getting-by circumstances, and when Christophe is determined to confront his past once and for all.

The Mindfulness Code: Keys for Overcoming Stress, Anxiety, Fear, and Unhappiness

by Donald Altman (2010)

Publisher: New World Library

Price: $14.95

Reviewed by: Cindy Pomeroy

This book is very mind-refreshing in view of the fact that the stresses of life can throw you off balance. As soon as you begin to feel tired and less able to handle the daily stresses you face, this is your cue to slow down.

A Mindfulness Code offers a deeper look at understanding a healthy mind and healthy body. Find out how to familiarize yourself to positive concepts that will help recharge your physical and emotional batteries by way of revamping situations in your life.

Donald Altman’s focus is to help make certain you have plenty of energy to go the distance, as well as outlining how to spend more time thinking about where to focus your attention.

Power, Freedom and Grace: Living from the Source of Lasting Happiness

by Deepak Chopra (2006)

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc.

Price: $14.00

Reviewed by: Eleanor Johnston

Power, Freedom and Grace is yet another book by Chopra, the bestselling author/motivational speaker who touches a powerful chord among North Americans alienated from their own spiritual traditions. His message speaks from the ancient Indian wisdom of the Vedanta to New Age positivism, and it intrigues, comforts and provides guidance to millions of readers.

Chopra maintains that, by focusing on our essential spiritual selves, we can tap the energy of the innate intelligence of the universe, thereby discovering power, freedom and grace and freeing ourselves from the illusions of materialism and ego. He challenges us to contemplate ideas such as these: “The world exists in us; we do not exist in the world”; “Everything in the universe is alive…When we fall in love with everything that exists, the universe speaks to us and reveals its innermost secrets”.

Although many scientists reject his claim that modern science informs his discovery of the field of pure consciousness, Chopra’s message is revered by many. A very engaging quotation is from the mystic, Rumi: “I have lived on the lip of insanity, wanting to know reasons, knocking on a door. The door opens. I have been knocking from the inside.”

Reflections of a Wyoming Shepherd on the 23rd Psalm

by Patricia McClaflin Booher (2009)

Publisher: Authorhouse

Price: $17.95

Reviewed by: Margaret Reid

The author of this book has a background of sheep farming in Wyoming.

She draws upon many of these experiences in her writing.

Each verse of the psalm is expanded upon using events in her own, her family’s and her friends’ lives. The reader can relate to many of these anecdotes.

This is another look at a very familiar psalm. It is a very readable book, and as one reflects on the various experiences described, the Good Shepherd role becomes more meaningful.

When Trouble Comes

by Jim Berg (2002)

Publisher: BJU Press

Price: $11.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

The author uses the Bible as a foundational base for giving wisdom and examples of getting through trouble in our life. For example, even in the most dire situation, it is all about attitude and looking to God, as well as shaking off selfishness because our flesh gets us in trouble.

Some messages include: It’s about our response to the situation. We can only control what we will do, and then the situation can only get better – not worse, if we were to react or act out the wrong way. If God can give us salvation and rescue our souls, then of course he can help us with the early crises.

The book is concise, yet provides enough detail to get the message across effectively.