Sunday Salon: Week In Review (November 22 - 28)

This week

I finished 1 Chronicles in the ESV Study Bible.

I read 2 Chronicles 1-25 in the ESV Study Bible.

I read Isaiah 11-20 in the 1599 Geneva Bible.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week In Review (November 15-21)

This week

I finished 2 Kings in the ESV Study Bible.

I read 1 Chronicles 1-18 in the ESV Study Bible.

I read Isaiah 1-10 in the 1599 Geneva Bible.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Biblical Fiction Challenge 2010

The Twiga Blog is hosting the Biblical Fiction reading challenge for all of 2010. The goal is to read SIX books. (6 fiction books based on stories or characters from the Bible)

I don't know which six I'll be reading *for sure*. But this is what I'm considering:

Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin (#1 in Chronicles of the Kings)

Song of Redemption by Lynn Austin (#2 in Chronicles of the Kings)

The Strength of His Hands by Lynn Austin (#3 in Chronicles of the Kings)

Faith of My Fathers by Lynn Austin (#4 in the Chronicles of the Kings)

Among the Gods by Lynn Austin (#5 in the Chronicles of the Kings)

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers (#1 in the Mark of the Lion)

An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers (#2 in the Mark of the Lion)

As Sure As The Dawn by Francine Rivers (#3 in the Mark of the Lion)

The Priest by Francine Rivers (#1 in Sons of Encouragement)

The Warrior by Francine Rivers (#2 in Sons of Encouragement)

The Prince by Francine Rivers (#3 in Sons of Encouragement)

The Prophet by Francine Rivers (#4 in Sons of Encouragement)

The Scribe by Francine Rivers (#5 in Sons of Encouragement)

Unveiled by Francine Rivers (#1 in The Lineage of Grace Series)

Unashamed by Francine Rivers (#2 in The Lineage of Grace)

Unshaken by Francine Rivers (#3 in The Lineage of Grace)

Unspoken by Francine Rivers (#4 in The Lineage of Grace)

Unafraid by Francine Rivers (#5 in The Lineage of Grace)

The Gate of Heaven by Gilbert Morris (#3 in Lions of Judah Series)

Till Shiloh Comes by Gilbert Morris (#4 in the Lions of Judah)

By Way of the Wilderness by Gilbert Morris (#5 in the Lions of Judah)

Daughter of Deliverance by Gilbert Morris (#6 in the Lions of Judah)

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith (#2 The Wives of King David)

It will depend on what I can find at my library for some of these. But I'll keep my eyes open for other titles/authors as well.

The six I read:

1. Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith

2. The Centurion's Wife. Davis Bunn. Janette Oke.

3. Ruth: Under the Wings of God. John Piper.

4. Simon's Crossing. Charles William Asher. Dennis Patrick Slattery.

5. Magdalene. Angela Hunt

6.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2010 100+ Reading Challenge

J. Kaye is hosting the 100+ Reading Challenge again for 2010. Though I failed to meet that goal in 2009--well, unless something miraculous happens between now and New Year's Eve--I want to try to meet it in 2010.

1. The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

2. The Oak Inside the Acorn by Max Ludado

3. The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

4. The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

5. A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

6. The Gospel in Genesis by Martyn Lloyd Jones

7. the Moment Between by Nicole Baart

8. A Small Child's Book of Prayers. Illustrated by Cyndy Szekeres

9. Sunday Is For God. By Michael McGowan.

10. Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson

11. Your God Is Too Small. By J.B. Phillips.

12. A Sweet and Bitter Providence: Sex, Race, and The Sovereignty of God. John Piper.

13. We're All In The Same Boat by Zachary Shapiro

14. Noah's Bark. Stephen Krensky.

15. Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith

16. Out with the In Crowd by Stephanie Morrill

17. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

18. Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller

19. The Secret Providence of God by John Calvin

20. Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

21. The Centurion's Wife. Davis Bunn. Janette Oke.

22. A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin.

23. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Deluxe Edition. Sally Lloyd-Jones.

24. Ruth: Under the Wings of God. John Piper.

25. Here Burns My Candle. Liz Curtis Higgs.

26. Heart of Stone. Jill Marie Landis

27. All Things Bright and Beautiful by Ashley Bryan

28. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

29. Be Still My Soul edited by Nancy Guthrie

30. God's Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh

31. As Young As We Feel by Melody Carlson

32. My First Read-Aloud Bible. Retold by Mary Batchelor & Penny Boshoff.

33. She Walks In Beauty by Siri Mitchell

34. Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

35. Raised With Christ by Adrian Warnock

36. What Does God Want Of Us Anyway? by Mark Dever

37. Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God's Word. By Nigel Beynon and Andrew Sach.

38. Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus by D.A. Carson

39. The Bookends of the Christian Life. Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington. 2009. March 2009. Crossway Publishers. 160 pages.

40. Scarlet Letter. Nathaniel Hawthorne

41. Mighty Acts of God: A Family Bible Story Book. Written by Starr Meade.

42. Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes.

43. Rise and Shine. Illustrated by Tim Warnes.

44. Jesus. Illustrated by Gennady Spirin.

45. Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After A Fatal Choice. Kristen Jane Anderson. Tricia Goyer.

46. Christian Encounters: Jane Austen. Peter Leithart.

47. The Last Christian. David Gregory.

48. A Matter of Character. Robin Lee Hatcher.

49. The Sword. Bryan M. Litfin

50. A Hopeful Heart. Kim Vogel Sawyer.

51. Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment. Lydia Brownback.

52. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Lena Nelson Dooley

53. A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

54. Unburdened: The Secret to Letting God Carry The Things That Weigh You Down. Chris Tiegreen.

55. Maid to Match. Deeanne Gist.

56. What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert

57. Simon's Crossing. Charles William Asher. Dennis Patrick Slattery.

58. Magdalene. Angela Hunt

59. All God's Creatures. Karen Hill.

60. A Morning Like This by Deborah Bedford

61. When You Believe. Deborah Bedford

62. Perfectly Dateless: A Universally Misunderstood Novel. Kristin Billerbeck.

63. Touching the Clouds. Bonnie Leon.

64. The Sister Wife. Diane Noble

65. The Church History ABCs: Augustine and Twenty-Five Other Heroes of the Faith. Stephen J. Nichols

66. Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

67. Fancy Pants. Cathy Marie Hake.

68. The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment. Tim Challies.

69. Masquerade by Nancy Moser.

70. George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century. Arnold A. Dallimore.

71. The Devil in Pew Number Seven: A True Story. Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss.

72. The Vigilante's Bride. Yvonne Harris.

73. Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope. Mary Beth Chapman. With Ellen Vaughn.

74. Wildflowers of Terezin. Robert Elmer.

75. The Thorn. Beverly Lewis.

76. More Than Words by Judith Miller.

77. In Every Heartbeat. Kim Vogel Sawyer.

78. Love's First Bloom. Delia Parr.

79. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

80. A Girl Named Mister by Nikki Grimes

81. God's Mighty Acts in Creation by Starr Meade.

82. God's Mighty Acts in Salvation. Starr Meade. 

83. Dark Sons. Nikki Grimes. 

84. The Road to Paris. Nikki Grimes.

85. I Will Rejoice. Karma Wilson.

86. Mortimer's Christmas Manger. Karma Wilson.

87. Mortimer's First Garden. Karma Wilson

88. Embers of Love (Striking a Match #1) Tracie Peterson.

89. The Evangelicals: What They Believe, Where They Are, And Their Politics. Christopher Catherwood

90. While We're Far Apart. Lynn Austin.

91. Snow Day. Billy Coffey.

92. Cottonwood Whispers. Jennifer Erin Valent.

93. The First Christmas: A Changing-Picture Book. Illustrated by Sophy Williams

94. Fahrenheit 451. Ray Bradbury.

95. Story of Christmas. Vivian French.

96. We Believe in Christmas. Karen Kingsbury.

97. Silent Night: A Christmas Carol is Born. Maureen Brett Hooper.

98. Music From Our Lord's Holy Heaven. Gathered and Sung by Gloria Jean Pinkney.

99. A Baby Born in Bethlehem. Martha Whitmore Hickman.

100. This Is The Stable. Cynthia Cotten.
101. One Wintry Night. Ruth Bell Graham.
102. What Good is God? In Search of A Faith That Matters. Philip Yancey.

103.  The Mystery of the Holy Spirit by R.C. Sproul 

104. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
105. To Whom the Angel Spoke: A Story of the Christmas. Terry Kay.
106. Miracle of Christmas: God With Us. John MacArthur.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Thirsty

Thirsty. Tracey Bateman. 2009. Waterbrook Press. 376 pages.

Thick bass blared through amped-up speakers and drew Markus from his slumber.

Meet Nina Parker. She'd be the first to admit her mistakes. Her life has been full of mistakes. And it's cost her. Her husband has divorced her. He has full custody of both of her children. Her daughter, Meg, doesn't want anything to do with her. She's been arrested several times. She doesn't have a job or a place to live. At the start, anyway. But Nina Parker is being given a second chance. She's moving in with her sister (who is a sheriff) and returning to her hometown of Abbey Hills, a small town in the Ozarks. She'll be waitressing at Barney's, the local diner. And for this first week back, she'll have her daughter, Meg, with her. Can this week start the two on a new path. Can this relationship begin to heal? Can they learn from each other and begin to understand one another?

Unfortunately, this week isn't going to be easy on either of them. In fact, they may not survive the week. You see, there's a murderer on the loose in Abbey Hills. And victims (both human and animal) are being discovered: their bodies drained of blood, their hearts cut out. Who is the murderer, the monster, in their midst?

Thirsty--in case you couldn't tell by the cover alone--is a vampire novel. A so-called Christian vampire novel. You can read an interview with Tracey Bateman here.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: Touched By A Vampire

Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga by Beth Felker Jones. 2009. Multnomah. 180 pages.

Have you read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer? Have you read all the Twilight books? (New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn) What did you think of them? Beth Felker offers a critical analysis of all four books in Touched By A Vampire. What messages (if any) are biblical? And which messages (if any) contradict christian values?

The purpose of the book isn't to stop people from reading the books. It isn't a strong impassioned plea to ban the books or any such nonsense. What Jones does is argue that the book has strengths and weaknesses. That the books may not be as harmless as they first appear. That there may just be messages about gender, romance, family, etc. that are at odds with the christian faith.

For example, one of the issues Jones addresses is that of romance and gender. Is Edward and Bella's love healthy? Is this a good relationship model? Should girls be encouraged to be more Bella-like? This is something that has bothered me about the books. How her whole entire world becomes centered on Edward. How he is her everything. How she is nothing without him. How lost she is in him. How much of a person is she? It's only, always, ever Edward.

Jones also mentions how she feels this relationship meets all the guidelines for an abusive one, an unhealthy one. And looking at her list of key signs of an abusive relationship--except for one or two--he does show all the signs. He's possessive and jealous. He does try to control what Bella does, who she sees, who she talks to, where she goes, etc. He does tend to isolate her from her family and friends. (Part of this is on Bella. Once Edward is in her life, she begins closing out everyone else.) He does constantly try to check up on her, wanting to know where she is every moment of the day. And both Bella and Edward become suicidal without each other. Overall, if you take away the fact that he's a vampire, if you were to look at him as being a guy minus all the super powers and minus the perfect oh-so-dreamy looks, he's weird and creepy. He sneaks into his girlfriend's house and watches her sleep.

The book is written to help readers think critically about the popular fiction they're reading.

Each chapter has discussion questions. And the book is designed to be used by groups. Again the goal isn't to stop readers from picking up Meyer's books. The goal seems to be to encourage them to think about what they're reading.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week In Review (November 8-14)

This week

I finished Job in the 1599 Geneva Bible.

I read 2 Kings 3-16 in the ESV Study Bible.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Christian Nonfiction Challenge 2010

The Twiga Blog is hosting the Christian Non-Fiction Challenge for 2010. The goal of this one is "to read at least 10 Nonfiction books in the Christian genre - Christian Living, Inspiration, or Christian biography/autobiography."

What I actually read for the challenge:

1. The Gospel in Genesis by Martyn LLoyd-Jones

2. Your God Is Too Small. By J.B. Phillips.

3. A Sweet and Bitter Providence by John Piper

4. The Secret Providence of God by John Calvin

5. Be Still My Soul edited by Nancy Guthrie

6. Raised with Christ by Adrian Warnock

7. What Does God Want Of Us Anyway? by Mark Dever

8. Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God's Word. By Nigel Beynon and Andrew Sach.

9. Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus by D.A. Carson

10. The Bookends of the Christian Life by Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington

11. Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment. Lydia Brownback

12. What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert.

13. Unburdened: The Secret to Letting God Carry The Things That Weigh You Down. Chris Tiegreen.

14. The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment. Tim Challies.

15. The Devil in Pew Number Seven: A True Story. Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss.
16. Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope. Mary Beth Chapman. With Ellen Vaughn.
17. The Evangelicals: What They Believe, Where They Are, And Their Politics. Christopher Catherwood.

18. What Good is God? In Search of A Faith That Matters. Philip Yancey.

My list of potential books, my Christian non-fiction pool:

The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. Edited by Jonathan Edwards. With a Biographical Sketch of the Life and Work of Jonathan Edwards by Philip E. Howard, Jr.

David Brainerd (1718-1747) was an early American missionary whose selfless life of prayer and devotion continues to inspire Christians today. Jonathan Edwards (1703 - 1758) was an American Puritan theologian, preacher, and prolific author.

George Whitefield: Supreme Among Preachers by J.P. Gledstone.

George Whitefield (1714-1770) was born in Gloucester, England and educated at Oxford, where he associated with those who formed the 'Holy Club' and who would later become known as the first Methodists. It was also at Oxford that he was converted. His first sermon was of such fervor that a complaint was made that he had driven fifteen people mad. He preached in several London churches and then accepted an invitation from the Wesley brothers to go to Georgia.

On his return to England he preached in the open-air, a practice he was to continue to the end of his life delivering up to twenty sermons a week. He preached throughout the British Isles and made seven journeys to America, where he died shortly after preaching his last sermon

.

Your God Is Too Small by J.B. Phillips

In Your God Is Too Small, J. B. Phillips explains that the trouble facing many of us today is that we have not found a God big enough for our modern needs. In a world where our experience of life has grown in myriad directions, and our mental horizons have been expanded to the point of bewilderment by world events and scientific discoveries, our ideas of God have remained largely static. It is nearly impossible, Phillips argues, for an adult to worship the conception of God that exists in the mind of a child of Sunday-school age, the "God-in-a-box" notion, limiting God to such inadequate conceptions as "Resident Policeman," "Grand Old Man," "Meek-and-Mild," and "Managing Director." As a result of these insufficient ideas of God, many people live with an inner dissatisfaction, without any faith at all.
Your God Is Too Small explores the ways in which we can find a truly meaningful and constructive God for ourselves, big enough to account for our current experience of life and big enough to command our highest admiration and respect.

Desiring God by John Piper

Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering classic, newly revised and expanded, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delight is our duty. Readers will embark on a dramatically different and joyful experience of their faith

The pursuit of pleasure is not optional. It is essential.

Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering work, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn’t truly exist: Delight is our duty. Join him as he unveils stunning, life-impacting truths you saw in the Bible but never dared to believe.

The Pleasures of God by John Piper

In this rerelease of a classic, you will find satisfaction in God by knowing why God himself is most satisfied in God. Essential, life-changing truths are presented in a delightful, easy-to-grasp manner.

About the Author:
Beginning where the foundational truth of Desiring God left off, that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him," this expanded rerelease of another classic by John Piper will further explore a life-changing essential "We will be most satisfied in God when we know why God himself is most satisfied in God." Fully understanding the joy of God will draw the reader into an encounter with His overflowing, self-replenishing, all-encompassing grace(the source of living water that all Christians desire to drink. The Pleasures of God will again put God at the center of Creation and leave the reader very satisfied in Him.

The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink

Who's in control of the world-God or the devil? In this best-selling classic, A. W. Pink answers such profound questions in a language the average Christian layperson will find not only understandable but totally engaging. Pink, one of the most influential evangelical authors of the last century, writes with fiery passion and brilliant clarity, giving biblical answers to our deepest questions regarding the "sadly neglected and little understood" doctrine of the sovereignty of God.

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Over the past twenty years J.I. Packer's classic has revealed to over a million Christians around the world the wonder, the glory and the joy of knowing God. This new edition is Americanized and completely retypeset with a new preface by the author. Now more than ever, next to Scripture, this could be the most significant book you will read this year, or next.

The Gospel in Genesis by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

In these never-before-published sermons, Martyn Lloyd-Jones walks readers through the early chapters of Genesis. He examines portions of chapters 3-12, starting with the fall of man and ending with the call of Abram. Along the way, Lloyd-Jones talks of serpents and sin, of the Word of God and the Babel of man. But the destination of The Gospel of Genesis is clear: readers are moved from fig leaves in the garden to faith in the gospel.

As Lloyd-Jones preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ from the pages of Genesis, he awakens nonbelievers to their lostness and emboldens Christians to believe firmly the only gospel that offers answers to life's biggest questions.

Becoming God's True Woman, edited by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

The feminist revolution was supposed to bring women greater fulfillment and freedom. It was supposed to make us feel better about ourselves.

It didn't.

Across generational lines, inside the church and out, we have lost the wonder of our distinctive makeup and calling as women. We are realizing that what was supposed to lift us up has been tearing down all that we treasure, including our own families.

Yet there is a new movement spreading its seeds--seeds of hope, humility, obedience, and prayer. It is a call to return to godly womanhood, and it is resonating in the hearts of women everywhere through the mentors Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Susan Hunt, Mary Kassian, Carolyn Mahaney, Barbara Hughes, P. Bunny Wilson, and Dorothy Patterson.

They have found delight in God's created order, sweet purpose in his sovereign plan. And in this fresh edition with its helpful discussion guide, they invite you to join them in bringing back the beauty and restoring the truth of your godly calling.

The Jesus You Can't Ignore by John MacArthur

Best-selling author John MacArthur gives readers a fresh look at how Jesus addressed attacks against the truth.
Meek and mild. Politically correct. A great teacher. These are the popular depictions of Jesus. But they aren't the complete picture. Maybe because it's uncomfortable, or maybe because it's inconvenient, Christians and non-Christians alike are overlooking the fierceness of the Savior, His passionate mission to make the Gospel clear and bring people into the Kingdom of God. A mission that required he sometimes raise his voice and sometimes raise a whip.
In the much-needed message in The Jesus You Can't Ignore, renowned Bible teacher and best-selling author John MacArthur reintroduces the compelling and often unsettling passion of Jesus' ministry. MacArthur points to the compelling picture of the real Jesus the world is so eager to gloss over. And he calls readers to emulate Jesus' commitment to further the kingdom by confronting lies and protecting the truth of God.

A Tale of Two Sons by John MacArthur

In The Tale of Two Sons, one of America's most loved Bible teachers takes you deeper into Luke 15 than ever before, revealing insights into the culture of Jesus' day and an unforgettable ending.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) has been preached from nearly every pulpit in the world and is known by many who read and cherish the Bible. The story is so powerful because it presents, in clear and inspiring terms, our struggle with sin, the need for humble repentance, and the Father's inexhaustible mercy and love. Unfortunately, many Christians would say that they have nothing new to learn from this gem of Scripture. It has lost its luster. But in The Tale of Two Sons, John MacArthur restores the brilliance of this passage, giving engrossing historical background and unveiling a surprise ending readers have never heard before.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Faith 'n' Fiction Saturday: Warning Labels

Amy is asking this week:

Do you recommend or lend your Christian fiction books to people who don't share your faith? If you do, do you tell them in advance that the book is Christian fiction? Why do you or don't you tell them?

It depends. I don't always 'warn' for the same reason. If a book is too didactic, or too preachy, or too something-or-other, then I'll warn readers. In that instance, I'm saying this one doesn't have much crossover appeal, and it may not be for you. After all, even among Christians, didactic literature doesn't sit well. Other times, I might provide a 'warning' because the book is oh-so-good and oh-so-amazing and I want to let people know that even if Christian fiction isn't something you usually read, you should really, really consider picking this up. Because it works. It really works. And you might just be surprised that yes, this is Christian fiction. So for books that I feel have definite crossover appeal, get 'warnings' as well.

Sometimes it depends on where I'm posting the review. If I plan to post a book review on both Becky's Book Reviews and Operation Actually Read Bible, then I'll usually mention it. If I review it just on Operation Actually Read Bible then I may not. After all, it's fairly obvious (I hope) that it is a Christian blog.

Why do I include a warning at all? It's because I want readers to know what they're getting or not getting. In the comments on Amy's post, there is some talk of whether or not it is "appropriate" to warn readers of if a book has bad language, graphic sex, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, etc. Some feel that it is very appropriate to warn readers if they're about to pick up a Christian book. A book that might suggest they need to get right with God. But very inappropriate to warn readers if they're going to encounter 102 mentions of the f-word.

On Becky's Book Reviews, I typically don't include warnings of the second type. Unless it is so over-the-top, so excessive, so offensive-to-me that it colors the way I read the book. (For example, I mentioned it in my review of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.) Instead of stating the obvious (since many young adult and adult books do include at least some of the above in varying degrees), I instead choose to mention the reverse. If a book I read happens to be clean and family-friendly or faith-friendly, I'll mention that. To me a warning isn't so much a "don't read this" or "don't read that." I don't see it always as being a judgment. You shouldn't read this or that. I see it more neutrally.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

A Constant Heart

Mitchell, Siri. 2008. A Constant Heart. Bethany House. 384 pages.

"But how could he not like you?"

I can see how this one might not be for everyone. But. Oh how I loved this book. And I think you will too. If you like historical fiction. If you like historical romance. If you like books (fiction or nonfiction) about the Tudors. This "Christian" romance is set during Elizabethan times. Elizabeth I is on the throne, and the hero of this one is one of her courtiers, a nobleman, Lord Lytham. (For the record, he is fictional. Some of the other characters are not fictional--they were real people in her court.) Down on his luck--no thanks to his brother's gambling, he marries the daughter of a knight--the beautiful Marget. Her dowry will help him--he can buy back his family's estate, for starters. But these two have different expectations from their marriage.

He married for anything but love. He didn't want a beautiful wife, a passionate wife, someone he could love and adore. He wanted a plain, practical wife. Someone he could keep in the country, hidden away most of the year. Out of sight, out of mind. The fact that his betrothed is stunningly beautiful is a big drawback for him. But it was too late. The agreement, the settlement, had been reached and there was no turning back.

She wanted a husband she could love and respect. A companion, a friend, a lover. She wanted a real marriage.

Rich in details, this book is an intimate (but not in a graphic, inappropriate way) look at court life. What life was like--the pretenses, the expenses, the vanities, the absurdities, the jealousies. Marget will (within reason) do anything to help her husband's career. Even if it means pretending she doesn't love him. But will it be enough, can anything ever be enough, to please the Queen.

Though this one is published by a Christian publishing house, there is nothing preachy or didactic about it. (I know some people avoid "Christian fiction".) I would definitely recommend this one to anyone and everyone regardless. It's just a great historical book. Well-written. Compelling. Believable.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Book Review: The Swiss Courier

Goyer, Tricia and Mike Yorkey. 2009. The Swiss Courier. Revell. 324 pages.

He hoped his accent wouldn't give him away.

There was so much to love about this one. It's historical fiction. Set during World War II. 1944 to be exact. I've read many books set during this time period, but this one was unique--at least to me. It is set in Switzerland, for the most part, and stars heroes and heroines who are spies. They are men and women going undercover in Germany and risking their lives for the Allied Cause. Our heroine is the young and attractive Gabi Mueller. She's been given a secret mission--well, one big secret mission--she must help smuggle someone out of Germany. Will she succeed? Will her contribution make a difference to the war?

I think this one has much to offer readers. It's an enjoyable read that happens to be historical. If you love this time period, you should definitely seek it out.

Available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week In Review (November 1-7)

This week I...

finished 1 Kings (ESV Study Bible)

read 2 Kings 1-2 in the ESV Study Bible

read Job 26-37 in the 1599 Geneva Bible

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Sunday Salon: Week In Review (October 25-31)

This week I read...

Job 16-25 in the 1599 Geneva Bible.

1 Kings 1-13 in the ESV Study Bible.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Challenge Updates for November

You can share your November progress below:

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible