Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis

Good old fashion love story.

Remember those stories about love going the distance? About how two people made their love last? This book will rekindle something in everyone even if you consider yourself a tough guy who doesn't understand the romance stuff.

Lewis takes us on a fantastic story from the past as it comes clear during the present.

When a collection of postcards and poems are found - one man will gain help in understanding commitment, and devotion from a time when they actually meant something. Reeling from a divorce, Adam certainly needs the help that he finds in Gabe's writings.

This story had  a sort of Nicholas Sparks quality to it but it still had enough originality to keep even me interested.

If nothing else, may the ideas behind this book cause you to begin writing love letters to your spouse!

It's simple. It's love. It's a great read for a lazy weekend.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by WaterBrook Press.

Olympus Has Fallen

What if North Korean terrorists assaulted The White House and actually took it over?

This is the premise of the film. All through the making-of special feature, the filmmakers and actors were talking about "how this could happen". Of this I was dubious.

First of all, the Koreans were able to get a C130 into White House airspace. They actually took out the fighter jets flying interference. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could help me figure it out.

After the C130 scene, with the high body count, I needed to remind myself that this was a movie in the vein of Die Hard. In fact, I keep seeing reviews comparing the two and how this should have been the latest version of Die Hard.

The body count is high and very bloody. The graphic violence may be movie-realistic I have no clue. I grew more uneasy as I watched the fatal shots over and over.

The actors are good. Butler, Eckhart, Freeman all do quality jobs.

I just couldn't get past the graphic violence, the high "f-bombs" tossed,  and how the film-makers were going on and on about how realistic their film was.

The Wedding Party by Timothy Keller

Volume four of Keller's e-book series was such a breath of fresh air!

Keller provides some wonderful insights to the first miracle performed by Jesus in the Gospel of John. I've heard so many stories and sermons on this story; Jesus turns water to wine after the alcohol runs out. I've heard the focus on the cleansing rituals and how Jesus foreshadows the great banquet but Keller provides a little extra here.

One of the major points in this essay was, while everyone else was celebrating the wonderful wedding party, Jesus was thinking about his death. (Woman ... my time has not yet come)

There is so much more to this book. Keller has a way of providing some good meaty study while whetting the appetite for more. If only we could attend his church!

It is an uplifting read. Whether you're married or single, this book (especially the end!) will encourage you to pursue the God who pursues you!

This is another winner of a short e-book from Keller. They provide some great teaching for a mid-week study or a morning jolt of godly praise.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Dutton Publishing.

The Two Advocates by Timothy Keller

Volume seven of Keller's e-book series discusses the role of The Holy Spirit.

I connected completely to this short book. Unlike The First Christian this endeavor kept me reading until I finished it. It's not long but there was so much good stuff inside.

When Jesus talks about God sending another counselor, to whom is he speaking of? And if this counselor is "another" one, who was the first? These are the questions that kept me flipping through.

Keller talks about Jesus and The Holy Spirit as our defense attorney team. I wanted to keep reading about how Jesus stands in our place, making the case for us as to why Christians should be acquitted. Then when he highlighted the Holy Spirit as reminding us and teaching us like a defense attorney would at the table - I wanted to keep reading his thoughts on this topic but it actually felt complete as short as it was.

I see that a complete book is coming out that will probably include these short books but I would love to see an expansion of these thoughts.

Great stuff Pastor Keller.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Dutton Publishing.

Unveiling Grace by Lynn Wilder

An inside look at the workings and behavior of Mormons.

Lynn Wilder is no longer a Mormon. Her son played a large role in her and her family's conversion.

This book pulls the curtain back from a very secretive religion. Make no mistake, there is plenty to be said about the positive family life and community culture of Mormonism. Lynn helps the reader understand exactly what things are like and why they believe what they believe.

She also does well at expressing her turmoil when conflicting beliefs entered her family circle. When her son comes in direct conflict with her church and leadership, you can't stop reading. The way this saga plays out over the chapters is like decent reality tv mixed with the better After-School specials.

While the Mormon church was incredibly hospitable to the Wilder family to the point of giving them leadership roles, when the doctrine is questioned all sorts of problems ensue.

I was intrigued at some of the details of a Mormon service. I couldn't believe they sing songs about their founder. I was trying to think if Christians sing hymns about Moody or Wesley or Luthor or even Paul or the disciples. If they do, please leave a comment with the proof.

This book is a wonderful eye-opener. A terrific read for the grace of God.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Zondervan.

The King by Steven James

The next to last novel in the Patrick Bowers series is just as good as the rest of them.

Let's talk about the good stuff first. Steven James knows how to tell a story. (Makes sense as he has a Master's in storytelling) The pacing of this story is perfect. The characters continue to grow - even after six books - in realistic fashion. The plot follows along most detective/criminal thrillers. There is so much to this book, but James knows how to keep you reading.

When I finished this story, it felt satisfying. This is how it feels to finish a Steven James novel. He tells big stories with intimate characters all while leaving the reader wanting more. After so many books in one series, this is an incredible accomplishment.

Now the bad stuff.

Before diving into the prequel, Opening Moves, James wrote that he did not want to glamorize evil. It seems as if he's doing exactly what he doesn't want to do. Opening Moves was hard for me to read. Now with The King, I was repeatedly brought out of the story due to the brutal nature of the villain.

While thinking back over the previous novels, I couldn't remember how "evil" the bad guys were written. I'm sure they were not whitewashed for the censors. The issue for me is the fact that the villain in this book is a cannibal. The way James writes his thoughts about what he wants to do sent my imagination to places I did not want it to go.

So that was a turn off for me. One more book in the Patrick Bowers series so we'll see how things conclude because I know I will absolutely purchase Check Mate when it releases.

Meg: Origins by Steve Alten

I enjoy the Meg series by Steve Alten. Even though they have gotten sillier by way of plot as they go, it's still great to sit down and read through Alten's science/adventure books.

Origins takes us back to the dive that started the nightmare for Jonas. (Main character of the MEG series) While this is a short e-book, I found the read mildly fun. (Getting it for free didn't hurt either)

This tale reveals the details around the shark that caused Jonas to flip out and be blamed for the death of the two scientists along for the ride.

There are a few subplot stories about scientist actually looking for the creature and then about subversive military man named Mac (whom you know from the later books).

All in all, this isn't the best Alten book. It doesn't have much of the shark but it does have the science that typically surfaces in his books. It does give the backstory but I wasn't sure the story needed to be revealed.

The other strike against this is that Alten has been promoting his Meg movie and sequel book for how long now? And we still have nothing. I realize making movies can be a difficult deal but my goodness. Don't give us the hope unless you have a director, script and actors all lined up!

Bottom line: You don't need to read this to enjoy the series. But nonetheless, I did because it was free.

The Great Enemy by Timothy Keller

This is the sixth book in Timothy Keller's Encounters with Jesus e-book series.

Keller takes us in depth from the baptism and temptation of Jesus and then expands on ideas about Satan.

One of the big ideas that everyone needs to know and understand comes from this book: just because you give your life to God does not mean your life will be safe. The life of Christ, someone who should have been protected, is perfect example that evil is very real and is part of everyone's life.

Unfortunately, after that insight, everything else Keller writes is common knowledge - at least it was for me. Use Scripture in battle with our enemy is something Jesus sets as the example.

This is a very short e-book. But Keller has a way with words. Maybe he and N.T. Wright could co-author a book. I'd be excited for a book like that!

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Dutton Publishing.

The First Christian by Timothy Keller

This e-book is the fifth entry for Timothy Keller. It is short but packed full of insightful information.

Keller touches on the interaction between Mary and Jesus upon his resurrection. Keller's point is that Mary was the first Christian and he extracts aspects of her encounter for us.

Keller explores what faith is in light of a relationship with Jesus. Is it reasonable? Is it complete all at once? Is faith in Jesus something we can build upon on our own or, like Mary, do we need Jesus to speak our name and open our eyes?

These questions, plus a few more, are discussed with such clarity.

It's difficult to say much more without giving the entire book away. There is a point where someone should purchase the book and read it themselves.

You will not be disappointed with this book or any of the others in this series by Timothy Keller.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Dutton Publishing.

Where Heaven Meets Earth by Timothy W. Fisher

This book will help us move the Lord's Prayer away from "vain repetition".

Pastor Fisher spends the first sixty-six pages unpacking the ideas behind the words in the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Section one answers the question, "why should we pray the Lord's Prayer?" In this section, Fisher sends us back to the time when Jesus was speaking to his followers. Ours eyes are opened to the context of the story. Then we skip ahead to the early church and see that this prayer was probably repeated often by the church as reported in Acts.

Section two pulls the veil wide open to connect the Prayer to the larger story of God's redemption of mankind. This was the section that had me engaged completely. For each phrase of the Lord's Prayer Fisher takes us on a journey of the ancient Jewish culture. It gets wide and clear before he focuses us back to the words of the prayer.

I found myself unable to put the book down while reading section two. I wish there was more. (We'll just have to pray for a new book soon) Explaining Scripture in a clear and easy-to-conprehend way is obviously a strength for this author. By combining ancient culture insights and quotes from other, various voices adds another layer and flavor to a prayer that some Evangelicals feel has grown stale.

Section three is a prayer guide for individuals and/or groups. You'll be able to go day-by-day as you pray specific segments of The Lord's Prayer. There are plenty of additional Scripture verses that help flesh out direction when you pray.

There are a couple surveys pertaining to people and their prayer life at the end of the book. These surveys speak volumes to the reality of prayer (or lack thereof) in our day-to-day lives.

This is a great book to help you learn more about a prayer taught thousands of years ago. I can't wait to see what comes next!

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by the author.

Star Trek FAQ 2.0 by Mark Clark

To set the record straight, this is not an FAQ. Instead, this book spells out behind-the-scenes activities surrounding the Star Trek movies and The Next Generation tv show.

The 2.0 signifies it being a follow-up to Star Trek FAQ by the same author.

There is a large amount of information in this book but I read alot of quotes taken from the DVDs. (Nothing real "new" from what Trek fans already know)

Just as you might have gathered from watching the special features of the Trek DVDs, there was incredible bickering and prima donna behavior surrounding the films and into the next generation. Some of the complaining and arguing seemed to be well placed but most of the time I kept thinking, "These people are babies"

The largest section of this book is a summary of each Next Generation episode. You'll read what each episode was about and any small tid bit that Clark wanted to share.

Clark includes actor/actress favorites (which, again, can be seen on the DVDs) as far as episodes and goes into interviews where people like Frakes and Burton complain about the bad movies.

This book covers a long period of time: The Motion Picture through 2009's Star Trek movie. It's a great book for mild Trek fans who like to read about behind-the-scenes.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Applause Theatre and Cinema Books.