The Chance

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good book, same as most of her writing. I enjoy her Christian fiction. This particular story lacked some suspense, since you knew what was going to happen. The only question was how and when. Overall a good read. This story is about two teenagers who are best friends on the verge of more when they are separated by tragedy and time. Good story on forgiveness and faith, although slightly predictable.

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Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book, but definitely too short! Not sure where I would recommend reading this. Maybe a prequel to the O'Malley series? Good to have some back story to Jennifer O'Malley. Great Christian fiction read. Highly recommend the entire series and any books by Dee Henderson.

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Our Lady of Kibeho

Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa by Immaculee Ilibagiza
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is Immaculee's 3rd book, it is the first one of hers that I have read. I had the opportunity to hear her at a conference earlier this month, and it was amazing. She has an incredible story to tell, which is detailed in her first book, "Left to Tell". I am told that once you start, you can't put it down. Our Lady of Kibeho gave some insight into the story she shared at the conference. If you have any interest in current (or more recent) Marian apparitions, this is worth reading. Our Lady loves each of her children, regardless of faith/religion, and she wants to spread a message of love and peace. That is something that I want to emulate.

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Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

Rediscovering Catholicism: Journeying Toward Our Spiritual North Star by Matthew Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Highly recommend for a variety of reasons. It may not always be easy to read (in the sense of taking a look at ourselves, habits, etc) but it is worth it. It is not going to be perfect for everyone, but it has so much good content that I hope everyone gives it a chance. Great tool for Catholics who may have lapsed or have gotten into a rut with their faith. Great analogies for today, and the general expectation of 'entertain me'. If we come to our churches with that approach, no wonder we wander, unfulfilled. Good insight for non-Catholics as well, to help them understand Catholicism a little better. This most certainly will aid those who don't want to be lukewarm anymore (Revelation 3:16), and it has rekindled my faith to be stronger. Blessings!

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Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fabulous story from Mr. Albom. While the story requires some acceptance of non-linear story-telling, it has an amazing moral to share. The entire message of our attempts to order time. The reality is, time is in control, not us. Not one of us can add a minute to our life by worry, power, guilt, money, prestige, or fame. Nor should we discount our existence as too small, unnoticed, immaterial, or ineffective. This story does a superb job of reminding us about what matters more than worrying about time. "When you are measuring life, you are not living it."

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Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz

Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting connections to her other books. Enough history to tie things together, and plenty of possibilities for new books. Overall, it has the usual storyline with a few dfferent characters. Really like the cat, Max. Kept the story going to the last page, and leaves you wanting to know what's next.

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A Winter Dream

A Winter Dream by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book, as always. I enjoy his writing. This is a modern telling of the Biblical story of Joseph. Having been a recent (and huge) fan of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, I especially enjoyed the various references and re-telling of the story. Well done, believable as a modern story, and fitting for the holidays. I think it would also be a worth-while read for someone who is not familiar with the story of Joseph.

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