Letters From War by Mark Shultz & Travis Thrasher

Many of you will have heard this song and been greatly moved by it, but have you read the book?

I've just finished it! It is different from many other books - style, content, and the fact that if you've heard the song, you kind of know what will happen by the end of the book.

But it is a powerful story nonetheless.

At the back of the book is an interview with Mark Schultz, and one of the last questions is this:

'What would you most like readers to take away from Letters from War?
I hope it brings awareness and thankfulness for those men and women who serve in the military and the families that they leave behind. I also hope that Beth's faith will inspire readers.'

In Australia, there is less emphasis on military service than in many other countries, but we do still have people serving, and we have been involved in many conflicts. But for me, it was the faith of the main character who has inspired me to want to grow closer to God and walk with Him more and more.

ACRBA Tour - It's Just You and Me Lord by Marion Stroud

19th - 23rd  May 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

'It's Just You and Me Lord' 
(Monarch Oct 13)

By 

Marion Stroud

About the Book
Women are most likely to express their deepest thoughts to a trusted friend. At its best, prayer is simply that; a conversation with a friend who is never too tired, too busy or too pre-occupied to listen and respond.

From personal prayers to prayers about family,friends and the wider world, interweaved with Scripture and thought provoking quotes, this inspirational resource helps women of all ages to genuinely connect with God,and build and maintain a strong prayer life.

About the Author

Marion Stroud has written 3 children's books, and 23 non-fiction titles. She lives in Bedford UK the town in which John Bunyan wrote his famous Pilgrim's Progress. She is a cross cultural trainer for Media Associates International [www.littworld.org] which works to help Christian writers, editors and publishers write and publish culturally appropriate material in the 'spiritually hard places' of the world. You can contact Marion at www.marionstroud.com


 My Thoughts:
I read these books the wrong way around for the tour, so I haven't actually started reading this one yet. However, I'm really enjoying the other one (review to come next month).

The way I see it there are a few ways you can read this book.

One is to use it as a part of your daily devotional reading, particularly to direct part of your prayer time.

Another way is to use it as a tool when you don't know what to pray when faced with certain situations. The topics covered in this book are very wide and relevant for women (and men) in all stages of life, regardless of marital status or age.

However you decide to read this book, it will be worth it. You may get a different perspective on prayer, be encouraged in your walk with God, or find help in a time of need.

ACRBA Tour - Imogen's Chance by Paula Vince and Giveaway

5th - 9th  May 2014

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

Imogen’s Chance
(Even Before Publishing April 2014)

By 

Paula Vince 

About the Book

She has given herself a chance to fix her personal history. But will old mistakes bring up new emotions?

Imogen Browne longs to make up for past mistakes before she can move on. She quietly resolves to help the Dorazio family, whose lives she accidentally upset. Her biggest challenge is Asher, the one person who may never forgive her. And he is facing a crisis of his own. Imogen must tread very carefully, as trying to fix things may well make them shatter.


A sensitive story about misplaced loyalty, celebrating life and falling in love. Can family secrets concealed with the best intentions bear the light of day?

About the Author

Paula Vince's youth was brightened by great fiction and she's on a mission to pay it forward. A wife and homeschooling mother, she loves to highlight the beauty of her own country in her stories. Most of them are set in the lovely Adelaide Hills, where she lives. Paula's books are a skillful blend of drama and romance. Together with elements of mystery and suspense, you will keep turning pages.

My Thoughts:
I'm in two minds as I talk about this book. For some people I would be reluctant on one hand to recommend it - those people are ones who are  currently physically suffering or are close to someone who is - and that's because this book may either give them hope or make their situation seem  hopeless. However, there are some real gems of wisdom, and this is my favourite:

'I want you to stay alive. If you die, I'll be a mess. I'm afraid of taking those words in the Bible as a definite promise of what God's going to do for you, though. He doesn't heal all that many people. If a body has cancer, it doesn't often go away. That's the law of nature.'
'It is a law, but higher laws can override it.'
'What are you talking about now?'
Well, gravity is a law, but an aeroplane overrides it by using a stronger law of aerodynamics. That's the sort of thing I mean. The law of sickness and disease is valid, as you say. So is the law of positive thinking. But neither of those laws is as great as the law of God's sovereign power. I believe he loves me. Then all I need to do is trust that he wants the best for me, and that he can bring it to pass. If that means overriding those other laws and healing me completely, then he'll do it.  If he doesn't, then for whatever reason, it wasn't the best. He knows more than we do.'

I've personally experienced this very thing with someone very close to me - my Dad. God did not heal him, but there are reasons. One has been that another person has chosen to live their life serving God through the example of my Dad. Other reasons may not be made known until we are all in heaven.

This is a well written book. The characters are real and so are the situations they are in.

I'm choosing to give away my copy of this book, because I believe there is someone out there who will benefit from reading it. So if you would like to enter the give away draw, please leave a comment on this post (Australian entries only due to postage costs) by 12th May 2014.