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.

Improving Intimacy: 10 Powerful Strategies; A Spiritual Approach

by Tom O'Connell (1993)

Publisher: Sanctuary Unlimited

Price: $7.00

Reviewed by: Jeff deViller

Trapped in a cycle of bad relationships? Or just looking to strengthen your current relationship? Tom O’Connell’s Improving Intimacy may be the book for you. Broken up into 30 manageable sections with a strong spiritual backbone, this book offers the common sense insight needed to take any relationship to a spiritually stronger level.

Through a spiritual lens, the first half of Improving Intimacy successfully deconstructs infatuation, intimacy, and romantic love. The second half provides 10 strategies to help the “intimacy addict” overcome the shortcomings of these relationships. The goal is to relate to one’s partner in a loving and caring way. From “learning to listen” to “becoming who you are”, these common sense strategies provide a clear direction for readers looking for insight into developing a strong foundation in their relationships.

This 40 page book was developed into a course called "Creating Healthy Relationships" at Cape Cod Community College. Tom O’Connell also offers retreats and presents lectures based on the book. With such success, Improving Intimacy is clearly a book that will strengthen any reader’s relationship.

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.

Living in the Moment: A Prescription for the Soul

by Gary Null (2008)

Publisher: North Atlantic Books

Price: $23.95

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Gary Null, PhD, has been on the radio for over two decades in addition to his work of documentary films and investigative reporting. Foremost, Null is an author who has written a number of books on self-improvement, with the frequent focus being on health and self-empowerment. He has also conquered The New York Times bestseller list and has extensively been featured in magazines.

Living in the Moment is about showing individuals that we can live our best life possible - and we all have the power to do so, says Null. Many times, we place limitations on what we can or should do with ourselves. Outside voices have placed expectations and conditioning on how we live. We start to make excuses for why can not do something or achieve our dreams. Ultimately, this heavily impacts the choices we make. By not being in tune with ourselves, we waste our time on things that don’t really matter to us because of the belief system that we are inclined to follow.

This book would be excellent for anyone looking for an educated perspective. Null gives sound advice to help individuals break free of distractions that are detrimental to our true potential.

Adventures of Faith: On Learning to Walk on Water

by Faith Annette Sand (2009)

Publisher: Hope Publishing House

Price: $15.00

Reviewed by: Margaret Reid

...beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord save me" (Matthew 14:30).

Our lives are often dominated by worries and fears - whether they be health fears, money worries, marital problems, etc. - and we want to cry out "Lord save me".

This author, a mother of ten children, four stepchildren and seventeen grandchildren, spent many years living in Brazil before returning to the U.S.

In spite of her experiences, and because of her walk with the Lord, she is able to give the reader some insight into the faith needed to shun fears and learn to "walk on water".

Grace for Every Trial: A Women's Bible Study

by Betty Henderson (2008)

Publisher: BJU Press

Price: $7.95

Reviewed by: Margaret Reid

Many Christians find reading the book of Job depressing as they read of a God-fearing man experiencing great suffering and sorrow. Betty Henderson has developed a Bible Study on the book of Job that can be used individually, or by a group.

After each reading, there are questions to encourage discussion and to give more insight into the passage read.

In this book, the reader will discover many truths about God and come away with a new outlook about (1) how to be a better comforter to those who are suffering and (2) trusting the Lord more.

The List: Figuring Out Prince Charming, The Corner Office, and Happily Ever After

by Marian Jordan (2009)

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Price: $11.99

Reviewed by: Olivia Worobec

Marian Jordan writes in a style relatable to young females of this generation. In The List, she explores what every girl is after: checking off self-made goals that must be done in a chronological and definitive way. Jordan is witty and insightful, giving perspective on this concept.

Some interesting points and topics include:

-Beauty: how we often focus on exterior instead of the interior, but this is an empty way of living

-What we put our hope in: this world does not provide the security and acceptance we crave

-Our agenda vs. God’s agenda: we all have a custom personality with special gifts that we are meant to use

-Our God-given niche: there are certain passions built into us that will bring fulfilment

The author also incorporates her own experience in trying to fill a void with what the world claims is an exciting way to live. In the end, it only left her hungrier than before.

It is only when we encounter Jesus that we truly feel beautiful and at peace.

Featured quote: “Anything, and I mean anything, we place at the center of our lives except him [Jesus] will crumble. If we choose to seek first a husband or career or a perfect body, then we are putting THE CENTER OF OUR LIVES SOMETHING UNFIT TO REIGN THERE. Anything we devote ourselves to other than him will ultimately disappoint and leave us wanting and searching for another person, experience, or possession” (93-94).