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Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

Align Your Business with the Real You: Connect with Yourself, Create What Matters Most, and Define Your Success by Jennifer Musser PenRock Press "Know that you are more skilled and capable than you may realize." The quotation above is reminiscent of Dr. Spock's comforting line in the classic Baby and Child Care: "You know more than you think you do." Spock's book was a guide for parents of children of the Baby Boom. In contrast, Musser's words are for the "expectant parents" of small companies. The author begins with accounts of interactions with people who gave her pertinent advice to work independently. The book passes on that wisdom and encouragement, with sections that include "Connect: Listen to Yourself," "Clarify: Understand Your Role In Your Journey," "Control: Take Charge of Your Life,"... (read more)

• Alpaca Ranch Fun! by Jack Rotifer
• Beginning and the End, The by Davida Coleman - RECOMMENDED
• Bolivar’s Heart by Margaret Donnelly
• Chasing Calm by Tonya McBean
• Chasing Peace by Tonya McBean
• Coming, The by A. Ben Bacon
• COVID Wars by Ronald Gruner - RECOMMENDED
• Downriver by Ryan McDermott
• Echoes on the Wind by Helaine Mario - RECOMMENDED
• Flight to the Light by Danny Barron
• For All Eyes Only by Bunny Herschensohn
• From Trauma to Triumph by Dr. Robin Gethers
• GPS for the Soul by Dana Hayne
• Haunted Executioner, The by Sid Spurgeon - RECOMMENDED
• I Blew My Diet! Now What? by Connie Bennett - RECOMMENDED
• Inspired Poems to Inspire - Book 2 by Margaret Goh
• Invaders of the Heartland by James Bultema - RECOMMENDED
• Lucky Secrets by B.T. Polcari - RECOMMENDED
• Marcus Meets a Friend by L. Malungu
• Matters of the Soul by Sachini Stretchen - RECOMMENDED
• Men of the Bible by Woody Stieffel - RECOMMENDED
• Mental Toughness for Leaders by Claudio Chiste - RECOMMENDED
• Miausi by Karen Castellanos Vasquez
• More Than Hope for Young Children on the Autism Spectrum by Tanya Paparella and Stephanny Freeman with Laurence Lavelle
• New Life Psalms by Ronald Metz - RECOMMENDED
• Paul A Wise Master Builder Without the Tithe by Jonathan Kithcart
• Peaches and Jake and 19 Cobras, Oh My! by Paula Bailey
• Peaches and the 19 Cobras by Paula Bailey - RECOMMENDED
• Reflections by Stephen J. Herman
• Robin’s Spring Day by CAL
• Running Wild by Katherine Friese, MSN, APRN, CNP
• Sundays with Jenny and Haiku Milieu by Jenny Bienemann
• Wayfarer’s Inn, The by Pastor Peter B. Unger - RECOMMENDED
• Witnesses of God’s Redemptive Passion by Stephen J. Schafers

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Featured Book Reviews

 

Classic Who Dunnit

Highlight Review Lucky Secrets by B.T. Polcari The Wild Rose Press book review by Joslyn Vann "Since the winner of the contest will become fabulously wealthy, it would seem, everyone is here because of a potentially—lucky secret." Just before her twenty-first birthday, third-year University of Alabama student, amateur sleuth, and aspiring private investigator Sara Donovan receives a cryptic invitation to participate in a high-stakes contest with a payout that could change her life forever. But the “too good to be true” opportunity comes with sinister threats, demands of absolute secrecy, strict contest rules, and promises of dire consequences for the slightest infraction. Compelled to enter, Sara enlists the help of her faithful doggie companion, Mauzzy, and her feisty best friend, Zoe. They are pitted against a diverse cast of colorful characters in a battle of wits, requiring the participants to solve riddles, decipher combinations, and uncover clues. But as the contest heats up, it quickly becomes apparent that Sara’s co-competitors have shady pasts and treacherous secrets. Sara and Zoe suddenly find themselves in a viper’s nest where desperation breeds danger, and survival is not guaranteed. ... (read more)

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In Nature

It is 1969, and Chris Polo has taken a job as a counselor at a Christian camp, Camp Clovis, for the summer, working with boys and a few girls. Along with Polo's fellow counselors and other staff members, the book takes us through the daily activities of a camp, such as arts and crafts, ropes course, swimming in the lake, camping, hiking, skits, Camp Olympics, horse riding, and other activities. The book describes the campers and counselors, and the reader gets a nice understanding of the individuals and their relationships to one another and the camp's culture. Of course, ongoing hijinks are part of the camp culture. This is also the time of the Vietnam War, and the novel takes us through the thinking of the time as well as the beliefs and concerns of the young men who are affected by the war. ... (read more)

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Metaphysical History

In the present day, Alchemy is held in the realm of the occult and fantastical, portrayed in fiction as a Daedalian pursuit of the logically impossible. But its rich and storied history, combined with its influence on modern thinking and science, provides an unexpected roadmap that touches on some of the most influential philosophers and scientists from across time and the globe. The first section of this book deals with that history, how the traditions and legends were passed along, and how different parts of the world interpreted them differently. The second section focuses on alchemy’s links to modern psychology and the connection between alchemical principles and one’s personal experiences. The third and final portion concerns the scientific side of the things that alchemy aims to accomplish, and whether or not such things could hold truth. ... (read more)

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Altered States

Julius Hawthorne, a renowned ship’s captain in 1751 Glasgow, has faced storms, mutiny, near-starvation, and devastating personal losses in his years at sea. However, none of these experiences have prepared him for the adventure of a lifetime when Duke Thomas Pelham-Holles requests that he voyage to the Andaman Islands to expand Britain’s trading interests. Julius, his son Peter, their cat Michi, and a fifty-man crew set sail on The Heaven’s Voyager to explore this distant land. ... (read more)

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Entertaining & Introspective

At the heart of Guiaşu’s work is a free-spirited nature that is meshed with a penchant for humor en route to tackling pertinent topics. An academic through and through, the author has included works that span the spectrum of his educational journey from elementary school to his doctoral experiences and professorship. In each of the short stories, the signature humor is only complemented by the uncanny relatability that pervades the work, beginning with “A Good Day,” which is rooted in an exploration of the immense challenges that career academics have in finding a job after earning their doctoral degree. ... (read more)

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Stimulating Conversations

Set on the banks of the Euphrates in 2286 BCE, Sridhar's narrative is driven by compelling worldbuilding and character development. While the novel revolves around Enheduanna, the high priestess of the Temple of Ur, each character has a well-developed backstory that is instrumental to bringing the intricate system of government, politics, and power (and often the abuses of each) to life. Through the narrative, audiences will gain exposure to age-old questions such as the constant clash between church and state. ... (read more)

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Danger Afoot

Long-time friends Thomas Pettigrew and Flinders Petrie run a detective agency together. Lately, their business has not thrived, so they have taken on second jobs to supplement their income. Pettigrew works as a physician, while Flinders is a curator at the British Museum. E.A. Wallis Budge, the head curator of the British Museum, hires Pettigrew and Flinders to find a small statue of Aphrodite that has been stolen from the Elgin Collection. Normally, Budge would have sought out the missing artifact, but he is swamped and wants the duo to take on the task. Pettigrew and Flinders accept the job, but as they delve deeper into the investigation, the case becomes increasingly dangerous. ... (read more)

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Immersive

This is the fourth book in the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery series. It is a mix of mystery, history, and the supernatural. The story follows Natalie Seachrist, a former journalist with an unusual gift: she has visions of the past and future. When she and her partner, Keoni, attend a Buddhist temple luncheon, they expect a peaceful afternoon. Instead, they stumble into a murder mystery when a wealthy donor is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As Natalie’s visions start piecing together cryptic details of the crime, she and Keoni are pulled into an investigation that stretches beyond Hawaii, touching on Asian history, art, and politics. ... (read more)

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Believe

Bennett is a nonfiction author, freelance journalist, and health coach. After her mother died of cancer, the author struggled with her relationship with food, turning to carbs and junk food to cope. She would promise herself daily that she would return to her diet, but time and again, those attempts failed. As a certified health coach who has helped people worldwide break free from their sugar and carb habits, she felt like a hypocrite. Her weight gain negatively impacted her health, prompting her to take control of her life by focusing on proper nutrition and weight loss. Through her personal journey and research, she explored the reasons why people often sabotage their diets. ... (read more)

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Refreshing Perspective

In the late 1800s, scientists Ivanovsky and Beijerinck independently confirmed the existence of submicroscopic pathogens, which must invade a living cell to replicate. Beijerinck coined the term “virus,” which means poison in Latin. The 1918 Spanish Flu was the first known viral pandemic, killing over twenty million people in just two years. It is considered the origin of all influenza pandemics. To date, scientists have discovered seven coronaviruses, most of which primarily affected animals. However, 2002 marked a disturbing change. The SARS-CoV-1 outbreak affected humans and was particularly deadly for the elderly. Presidents Bush, Jr. and Obama attempted to ensure America’s preparedness for the next pandemic. However, their efforts were thwarted by budget deficits, political differences, and apathy. In January 2019, the Trump administration conducted an extensive pandemic simulation that predicted widespread infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Executive Order 13887 called for the development of advanced technologies in vaccine manufacturing. The fact that the COVID-19 outbreak occurred soon thereafter led to a host of conspiracy theories and mistrust of vaccination campaigns. ... (read more)

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On a Mission

Author Stretchen offers a sensitive and inclusive view of one's battles against human foibles and failings, presenting a pathway to spiritual satisfaction. Within this deft amalgamation of largely Holy Bible and Torah-based beliefs is the opportunity for those whom the author addresses as "eyes of the reader" to comprehend that the devil’s plotting may destroy the patterns that God, in his inclusive and forgiving way, offers to all who ask for it, no matter how extreme one’s failings. In the first segment of this two-part narrative, the author acknowledges that not everyone has a strong religious practice, while others may profess spiritual beliefs without being aware of certain essential, eternal truths, even within established churches. The holy figure of Jesus, primarily identified here as Yeshua, must be remembered and revered by all as one who willingly took on the suffering of humanity in order that God's love and concern may be more clearly understood and human sins forgiven. ... (read more)

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Take Action

This book compiles a series of blog posts and essays written by the author during the Obama administration that parallel many situations and conflicts that are prevalent even today. Expertly tackling issues of free speech, racial tensions, national morality, and the capitalist economic structure of America, each one of these sections searches for the answers to the questions of “How did we arrive at this point?” and “What can we do to correct the course.” Although the specifics of each essay refer to the moment in the previous decade when they were written, the book was compiled with a post-COVID-19 world in mind, and the essays are selected specifically to address persistent and relevant issues that either remain unresolved or have escalated since then. ... (read more)

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People Are Fun

Three specialists in the understanding, investigation, and treatment of autism have effectively combined resources to offer this valuable guide for the parent whose child has received an autism (ASD) diagnosis or who has reason to believe that a child is on the spectrum. Segments cover strategies for understanding and utilizing language skills, initiating interactive play, developing social contacts, and instilling the impulse to share and imitate behaviors considered “typical.” In every case, parents are encouraged and guided by the concept that simple but assiduously practiced exercises can increase communication and general social and educational progress among youngsters affected with autism. ... (read more)

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Arm Your Mind

Setbacks in life are inevitable. Yet, they come in various shapes and sizes. In Chiste’s work, the focus shifts from what happens to how one responds. While the central core of the book is undoubtedly to create resilience through the SPEAR model, there is arguably a greater goal: to create a level of self-awareness that can pave the path to embracing discomfort and becoming cognizant of the dispositions and attributes that steer one away from alignment with their calling or purpose. The “R” in SPEAR, signifying results, is predicated on the letters before it, driving home an understanding of following the path, managing emotions, and placing full attention on the present moment. ... (read more)

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Biblical Truths

Two words on the opposite sides of the spectrum encapsulate a lifetime of events, which is inevitably the middle. In Coleman’s introspective poetry compilation, she probes and explores the journey of life through the lens of the Lord’s light. From gratitude for the human body that is gifted with the intuition to feel unlike any other species to delivering an appreciation for the myriad of different experiences each person possesses, the prose is an ode to God’s mercy and unyielding, unconditional love, one that has remained just as fervent at the beginning, when he made us, as it will be in the end, when he will deliver us back to his kingdom. ... (read more)

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Pets Personified

Peaches and her big brother Jake are a couple of adorable rescue dogs with adventurous spirits and a penchant for mischief. In this sequel to Peaches and the 19 Cobras, these two fur babies continue their mission to educate readers about the dangers of the 19 cobras (COVID-19) and the subsequent “Delta Very Aunts” (Delta variant), as well as the need for precautions such as handwashing, wearing masks, social distancing, and vaccinations. However, Peaches’ and Jake’s dedication to public health in no way impedes their determination to have fun. Adventures like opening the bedroom door and helping Mommy bring in the mail earn them treats. But naughty behavior, like ripping apart a stuffed animal, lands them in doggie jail, where they plan a risky escape. Some of their most fun escapades include getting behind the wheel of Mommy’s RV and fooling humans into thinking that Jake is driving. ... (read more)

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Toxic People

McBean holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and has extensive experience in the field. Her background enables her to assist individuals in navigating difficult relationships, whether in personal or professional contexts. She emphasizes that prioritizing self-care is essential for fostering healthier relationships. McBean encourages people to distance themselves from toxic individuals, especially if previous efforts to resolve issues have been unsuccessful. Maintaining peace in one’s life is crucial, and often, it is best to keep a safe distance from those who disrupt that peace. Furthermore, McBean emphasizes that no one should take things personally or harbor resentment, as these feelings can cause harm and compromise inner peace. Through her work, she offers valuable insights on building understanding, fostering patience, and promoting open communication when dealing with challenging individuals. ... (read more)

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Down-Home

In 2020, as a global pandemic gripped the world, daily life became marked by social distancing, mask-wearing, and quarantines. Bailey’s two rescue dogs, Peaches and Jake, were understandably confused—mishearing the oft-repeated “Covid-19” as something to do with “nineteen cobras,” The two pooches’ hilarious antics and playfully mischievous adventures of the time are collected here for the general reader’s enjoyment. ... (read more)

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A Legend Imagined

Fifty-seven-year-old Isabel Condorcanqui is extricated from a shed in southern Dallas, where she suffered torture and sexual abuse. As Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials threaten to deport her, Isabel insists that she was assaulted at the behest of the Peruvian government. Facing the scrutiny of two American lawyers, David Levine and Gloria Garcia, Isabel reveals that she was kidnapped from a school near Cuzco at the age of seventeen by “agents of the state.” She claims to be descended from a self-proclaimed “king of the Incas” who has proven an inspiration to rebels throughout South America. She suspects that her lineage makes her a threat to the current authoritarian regime in Peru. ... (read more)

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The Super Apostle

Dedicated Christian minister and author Kithcart has devoted much attention to the issue of tithing, seeking to separate the sometimes weak or false understandings that are often evidenced among his fellow believers. In this extensive work, he examines these complex concerns by focusing on the Apostle Paul, supported by numerous quotations from biblical teachings. He begins with the tithing advice outlined in the Old Testament book of Malachi, which he then asserts according to the letters of the apostle Paul and church history. ... (read more)

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Finding Peace

With entries broken into thirty-one days, McBean’s work challenges audiences to experience healing and walk in the light of the Lord in one month. This story structure further allows readers to follow the author’s journey on a microscopic level as a testament to the power of investing one’s faith and trust in God, acknowledging that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice who will restore mankind to its previous glory. ... (read more)

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Harrowing Turn

Robin is a photographer intent on capturing the quiet beauty of nature. Instead, she discovers corrupt men conducting covert and illegal dealings and is violently abducted and assaulted. Despite her survival and escape from these men, she is soon abducted again and subjected to a continuous onslaught of abuse. When her friend Carol voices her concern about Robin’s disappearance, she is quickly seized and experiences similar abuse as Robin. Walls separate the women, but their torment is shared and ceaseless. The men holding Robin and Carol plan to traffic the pair, but Carol’s first suitor changes the plans as he is enamored with her. He buys Carol from the traffickers and promises to liberate Robin from the others. The women are happy to be free, but they soon find out that freedom doesn’t come with a guarantee. ... (read more)

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Perserverance

Friese’s memoir serves as a vehicle for her creative outlet to tell her story of fighting cancer while offering inspiration and advice to others facing similar ordeals. Friese regales how she confronts the Big C as a forty-year-old woman, wife, mother, and certified nurse practitioner. Her healthcare training and background uniquely position Friese to understand and approach this subject matter from a personal and pragmatic perspective. She is also fortunate to have tremendous support from family, friends, and co-workers. ... (read more)

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Vibrant

As the bright summer day begins to turn night, June Bug takes flight. He climbs the tall blades of grass and spots a light in the distance. As he flies to the light, he inadvertently hits a tree branch and crashes upon a lower one. He begins to study the bugs in his area. Soon, he joins other June bugs as they fly toward a streetlamp. One of his group is swiftly swallowed by a bat, but the others get away. The scene transitions to one of children also drawn to a light. This time it is the light of Jesus which they seek. Following this scene is a collection of scripture related to light. ... (read more)

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Origins

Three Yorkies—Jingle, Jaywok, and Joi Daisy—meet new friends: two alpacas named Josie and June. The story begins with the three pups learning what an alpaca is, and Joi Daisy is quick to tell her “brothers” that it is just like a llama. However, when the alpacas learn that the Yorkies are dogs, they are hesitant due to fear, but Jingle explains that they aren’t predators to the animals. Soon, they learn that they aren’t scary and become friends. ... (read more)

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Life Songs

Poet Metz mines a myriad of life experiences to share with others the disciplines and discoveries he has gleaned along the way. His collection of poetic observations, all based upon a solid Christian faith, opens appropriately with a grouping called “Awakening” and these words of wisdom, setting the pace for the offerings to come, from “The Call”: “For love is a caring / And Christ gave His all / What more we who follow / And answer His call.” ... (read more)

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The Change

Joe Everlasting is a veteran living out a quiet, if not lonely, life on his secluded homestead in rural Colorado. Picking up a hitchhiker one wintry night leads to an unlikely friendship with Red, who stays with him and helps him survive the snow another year. If that weren’t enough of a sudden surprise, a woman from his youth comes back into his life, her car burning and dangling from a cliff, bloody and pregnant with her dead twin sister inside. Joe rescues this girl—Mareilene, or Mary for short—and takes her back to his house as she’s going into shock. What she reveals is that she is carrying twins from an immaculate conception, and Joe must protect her and marry her to bring about the new saviors, Christian and Hope Everlasting. ... (read more)

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God's Endless Mercy

In Stieffel’s work, a guide map is provided for today’s man to follow, equipping readers with the tools to resist the vices and temptations that run rampant and embrace the greatness through the Lord that they were intended for. The author does a commendable job of weaving in his commentary and referencing modern-day anecdotes to help create a direct linkage between the particular biblical figure being discussed and how their story applies to the modern man. The result is a product with plenty of intrigue because of its ability to educate through the sharing of scripture while simultaneously showing each figure's human side, making them instantly relatable. ... (read more)

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Spirit Prose

Goh arrays works expressing both emotive impulses and spiritual wisdom, as in “True Joy and Peace,” in which she questions where she can find etheric qualities in everyday life, concluding that she can act on her emotions or rely on God’s love to “carry me through in every strife.” This sense of God’s care is continually revealed even through “hazy days” and despite the original sin, or “The Garden Deception.” Goh explicates in richly worded couplets the negativity with which she struggles, the burden of sorrows felt when “death grips you suddenly,” and the “knocks” of life common to all. Solace comes through God’s words and the kindness of fellow church members in a time of deep misery. Siblings can bond despite the implications of the rivalry between Abel and Cain. Mistrust can be conquered by realizing that God honors all who act lovingly. Two Christmas Eve poems evince a hopeful view of the years to come, even in the time of COVID-19. ... (read more)

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Guidance

Hayne combines memoir with mystical truths in this portrait of Sri Lankan spiritual master Muhammad Raheem Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, who provided her with guidance and inspiration, often seemingly miraculous, and even at times delivered with genuine humor. As a young child schooled by nuns, she was forced to confess sins she hadn’t committed to placate the priests. She later rejected the church that refused to welcome unbaptized babies. Determined to escape to a prestigious girls’ school, she entered the sixties atmosphere, including free use of drugs. Her solace was found in world travel until she met Bawa, the focus of her ensuing experiences, realizing that this encounter was “after” a chance to live fully. ... (read more)

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Adopt a Pet

The story is about Miausi, a calico cat who is homeless but enjoys going about her daily life on various adventures. The book begins by explaining that a calico cat his three colors—orange, black, and white. Miausi loves to sleep, eat, and go on her adventures, and she searches for a special smell—pancakes—her favorite food. Smelling the odors of food brings her to a home that adopts her, where she gets special food, a comfortable bed, a nice home, being hugged and loved, and being treated like a queen. The book teaches children about the importance of animals and how to treat them well. It also teaches about the importance of adoption, whether of a pet or a child, and how valuable such an addition is to a family. Finally, it teaches about love and how to treat others in a special manner. ... (read more)

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Exploring Nature

Marcus is an inquisitive boy. One day, he goes into the forest to find an anthill, capture its queen, and use her to start an ant farm. He gets distracted from this aim by a girl sitting in a tree, who guides him in climbing up to join her on a branch. After observing a fox going about his business, the girl tells Marcus she is there to watch a chrysalis, waiting for a butterfly to emerge. She becomes sad when Marcus suggests putting the chrysalis in an aquarium at home, stressing that keeping a butterfly in captivity would be a tragedy. Their discussion makes Marcus rethink his interactions with nature, and he decides not to capture an ant queen after all. Instead, he decides to simply enjoy observing the natural wonders around them. With this shared goal in mind, the friendship between the children gets off to a strong start, and they plan to watch the butterfly eventually emerge together. ... (read more)

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Overcoming Darkness

Schafers presents a dramatic, dynamic survey of the core message of the Holy Bible through the viewpoints of its many memorable characters and historical events. A host of angels narrates the opening segment as they observe God’s initial creation: the idyllic Garden of Eden, and the fall of its first inhabitants, Adam and Eve, presaging not only the presence of sin in humankind, but also God’s promise of “a champion” to overcome the power of evil. ... (read more)

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Healing & Reckoning

This book offers readers a unique look into not only the military but also poetry’s healing power and the respite the craft offers. The author shares that, particularly during his time at West Point, “Poetry became my voice to express what I had to suppress, the part that longed for connection and struggled with loneliness.” Readers also gain insight into aspects of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the leadership and interpersonal skills required for such operations. While the book is a reflection on the author’s journey to becoming a poet, it is also an intimate look at the life-altering situations that forever re-shape people’s outlooks on themselves, their careers, and even the world. Life and death converge in these pages, and readers follow one soldier’s professional, personal, and poetic journey. They also see how once a person becomes a poet, it is simply impossible to see life through any other lens. ... (read more)

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