Heaven is for Real
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Heaven is for Real: A little boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven
and back by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. Thomas Nelson, 2010 pb 162p $12.95
At not quite 4 years, old Colton Burpo has emergency surgery for a burst appendix. During the surgery he makes a brief trip to heaven and back. Over the coming months and years Colton reveals intriguing snippets of what he experienced. The detail and descriptions that he gives of Jesus, God and angels match verses in the Bible, and are beyond what a four year old would have ever heard or understood from Bible stories. The book is written by Colton’s father and is a thought provoking and faith building book. Over one million copies in print. AA
At not quite 4 years, old Colton Burpo has emergency surgery for a burst appendix. During the surgery he makes a brief trip to heaven and back. Over the coming months and years Colton reveals intriguing snippets of what he experienced. The detail and descriptions that he gives of Jesus, God and angels match verses in the Bible, and are beyond what a four year old would have ever heard or understood from Bible stories. The book is written by Colton’s father and is a thought provoking and faith building book. Over one million copies in print. AA
Heidi's October
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Heidi’s October by Penelope
McCowen. Ark
House, 2010 pb 252p $19.95
University student, Heidi Jordan is successfully pursuing her studies, and her plans for the future seem to be secure. But she has one dark secret. It leads her to make a reckless choice, and causes an accident with heartrending consequences for her best friend Annaliese.
The plot of the novel deals with the ripple effects of shattered lives and how Heidi, Annaliese and others each deal with the new reality. The plot does not just give easy answers - where there are none – but instead leads the reader to ponder the issues while the characters work through their heartache. The author’s well written and genuine dialogue makes the characters both emotive and authentic. Themes of accountability, faith, relationships, and forgiveness are well wrapped with a dose of romance. Suitable for young adult readers and older readers alike. A thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable read. AA
University student, Heidi Jordan is successfully pursuing her studies, and her plans for the future seem to be secure. But she has one dark secret. It leads her to make a reckless choice, and causes an accident with heartrending consequences for her best friend Annaliese.
The plot of the novel deals with the ripple effects of shattered lives and how Heidi, Annaliese and others each deal with the new reality. The plot does not just give easy answers - where there are none – but instead leads the reader to ponder the issues while the characters work through their heartache. The author’s well written and genuine dialogue makes the characters both emotive and authentic. Themes of accountability, faith, relationships, and forgiveness are well wrapped with a dose of romance. Suitable for young adult readers and older readers alike. A thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable read. AA
Justice at Baragula
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Justice
at Baragula by Mary Hawkins. Ark House, 2011 pb 200p $17.95
This is the final in a series of 3 romance novels from this best selling Australian writer. And it has a twist of mystery. Ben Hunter has returned to his hometown of Baragula as the local policeman. He finds his childhood sweetheart Madeline Honeysuckle to be very different from the happy teenager he once knew. It is only with Ben’s return and devotion that Madelines begin the process of dealing with her mother’s death, traumas from her past and her personal relationship with God. A good dose of apprehension is integrated into the story when a malicious criminal is intent on seeking revenge.
Themes of secrets, forgiveness and justice develop throughout the novel with the characters engaged in romance. Suspense is maintained through a series of edgy events. Questions by the author at the end of the novel invite the reader to further reflect on the themes. Although this is book 3 in the series, it is very readable as a stand-alone title. I found it hard to put down. AA
This is the final in a series of 3 romance novels from this best selling Australian writer. And it has a twist of mystery. Ben Hunter has returned to his hometown of Baragula as the local policeman. He finds his childhood sweetheart Madeline Honeysuckle to be very different from the happy teenager he once knew. It is only with Ben’s return and devotion that Madelines begin the process of dealing with her mother’s death, traumas from her past and her personal relationship with God. A good dose of apprehension is integrated into the story when a malicious criminal is intent on seeking revenge.
Themes of secrets, forgiveness and justice develop throughout the novel with the characters engaged in romance. Suspense is maintained through a series of edgy events. Questions by the author at the end of the novel invite the reader to further reflect on the themes. Although this is book 3 in the series, it is very readable as a stand-alone title. I found it hard to put down. AA
Jade and El-Sea
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Jade
and El-Sea by J.W. Dickinson. Wombat Books, 2011 pb 233p $18.95
+ $1 postage.
An environmental fantasy for young teens. A penguin princess El-Sea recruits the help of reluctant dragon guardian Jade to defeat mutant wolves controlled by dark forces. A vicious war takes place between the dark forces and the combined army of penguins, polar bears and seals. The battle unites the forces of good to compose a plan to stop the melting of the great southern ice flow. Themes of environmental insight, and dealing with complex behaviours. Teacher notes online. AA
An environmental fantasy for young teens. A penguin princess El-Sea recruits the help of reluctant dragon guardian Jade to defeat mutant wolves controlled by dark forces. A vicious war takes place between the dark forces and the combined army of penguins, polar bears and seals. The battle unites the forces of good to compose a plan to stop the melting of the great southern ice flow. Themes of environmental insight, and dealing with complex behaviours. Teacher notes online. AA
New life in the mourning
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New life in the mourning:
hope when the relationship ends by Vicky Legge. Sid Harta Publishers, 2010 pb 212p $24.95
The author lived through the experience of both her parents’ and her own marriage breakdown. A health professional, she determined to use her experiences to help others. ‘New Life’ is an all-encompassing volume that would assist readers who have experienced divorce, relationship breakdowns or the death of a spouse. The information is designed for both Christians and non-Christians. The chapter headings clearly delineate the physical, social, spiritual and emotional issues in a pick-and-mix style. And there are challenging growth assignment and questions at the end of each chapter. The appendices include some helpful contacts, books and resources and pertinent Biblical references. This practical volume that would be a useful addition to a church library or a parenting resource centre. NS
The author lived through the experience of both her parents’ and her own marriage breakdown. A health professional, she determined to use her experiences to help others. ‘New Life’ is an all-encompassing volume that would assist readers who have experienced divorce, relationship breakdowns or the death of a spouse. The information is designed for both Christians and non-Christians. The chapter headings clearly delineate the physical, social, spiritual and emotional issues in a pick-and-mix style. And there are challenging growth assignment and questions at the end of each chapter. The appendices include some helpful contacts, books and resources and pertinent Biblical references. This practical volume that would be a useful addition to a church library or a parenting resource centre. NS
Streets on a map
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Streets
on a map by Dale Harcombe. Ark
House, 2010 pb 321 $19.95
Abby marries Joel and moves from Sydney to his country town. The story follows her as she matures from a reluctant new comer, to caring member of a caring community. Along the journey Abbey deals with an unplanned pregnancy, a robbery and opens a restaurant in order to continue her singing career. Her attitudes are challenged and mature as she watches her friend Leila live out unconditional acceptance and forgiveness. A comfortable novel about our Australian lifestyle, which also encourages the reader to reflect on the way our actions impact those around us. AA
Abby marries Joel and moves from Sydney to his country town. The story follows her as she matures from a reluctant new comer, to caring member of a caring community. Along the journey Abbey deals with an unplanned pregnancy, a robbery and opens a restaurant in order to continue her singing career. Her attitudes are challenged and mature as she watches her friend Leila live out unconditional acceptance and forgiveness. A comfortable novel about our Australian lifestyle, which also encourages the reader to reflect on the way our actions impact those around us. AA