Sinner by Ted Dekker

Paradise Novels

1. Showdown
2. Saint
3. Sinner

You don't necessarily have to read the Paradise novels in order, but if you want to learn the details in sequential order the way they are listed above is how to go. If you read Sinner first you are going to learn some of the suspenseful details without reading Showdown, but I liked "suffering" through each book learning the details in order. In reading Saint and Sinner you learn some about the Showdown story, but many important details are left out. Each book builds on the last, but each book can stand alone.

Sinner is one of those books that is really hard to describe without giving away the story line of at least three other Ted Dekker novels. It is part of the Paradise Series and part of so much more. Ted Dekker has weaved several series into one larger series (Books of History). His writing takes you past what most would consider normal and into different realities. Spiritual warfare is a large part of his writing in the books that fall into the Books of History series. The author gives us a glimpse into the dark side and encourages the reader to consider the Light.

From Ted Dekker's Web Site

Some say roll with the punches. Drift with the tide. Nothing can stop the inevitability of change. There was a time when 300 Spartans disagreed with such banal thinking and stood in the gap. Now it’s time for the 3000 to stand in the gap. Sinner is the story of Marsuvees Black, a personification of raw evil who speaks with wicked persuasion far more destructive than swords or guns. Beware all who stand in his way. It’s the story of Billy Rediger and Darcy Lange, two unsuspecting survivors of a research project gone bad, who discover that they are quite extraordinary, perhaps the two single most powerful souls in the land. Listen to them or pay a terrible price. And it’s the story of Johnny Drake, the one who comes out of the desert and leads the 3000. Follow him and die. But most of all, Sinner is the story of our country just around the corner when all that was once held sacred in a free land where any man, woman or child could worship as they pleased and say what they believed on any street corner is shredded in name of tolerance. Sacrificed on the alter of hate crimes. Smothered by laws. Most will role with the punches. Most will drift with the tide. But not all. Not the 3000.

This book encourages us to count the cost and consider a day when our relationship with Jesus may not be as free as it is today in our comfortable world. What would you do if you were told you couldn't worship freely and you couldn't share your faith?

The Perfect Life by Robin Lee Hatcher

I enjoyed reading this quick read Women of Faith novel (306 pages). It depicted some difficult life situations in a believable manner. The way the characters respond to the stressors in their lives makes it so realistic that we could easily envision this story happening within our own communities and churches. Find out how the characters deal with the troubles that come their way and ask yourself what you would do if you a particular character.

Taken from Christian Book Distributors description:

Katherine has a perfect life. Brad is an affectionate and caring husband. They are active in their church, both serving in leadership positions. Katherine bakes, ministers, serves, leads a Bible study, sings. They have it all. Then a corporate scandal leads to Brad's arrest. Reporters dig into every aspect of their private lives, digging up the smallest of details and hidden secrets. Brad loses his job, and their finances are ruined. As they struggle to piece together their once-perfect life, Katherine wonders: can their marriage survive Brad's breach of trust?

Chapter 1 Excerpt

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert!

Soul Restoration: Hope for the Weary by Terri Blackstock

I read this book last March and finally decided to post about it. It's filled with encouragement both from Terri Blackstock and from Scripture. I always encourage readers to check Scripture for themselves to determine if the interpretation the author gives is backed by the Bible. I think this book could be an encouragement to Christians in need of restoration. It's similar to a devotional book, but shorter than most. The author shares a lot from her personal experience making it interesting and easy to read.

Some Chapter Titles:

Discomfort’s Hidden Blessing
Taste and See that the Lord is Good
Everyday Dangers
Divine Transformation
Prodigal Daughter
His Heart Was Broken
My Soul Is Restored
So Many Questions
When the Smoke Clears
It’s All About Covenant
Into His Arms
Each Detail of Our Lives
My Costly Pardon

Book Jacket says:

With beautiful, uplifting writing best-selling author Terri Blackstock speaks to those who are weary and in need of soul restoration. Newly written meditations and revisions to best-selling material from her novels, each of the devotions are filled with Scripture and encouragement. The perfect gift for a Terri Blackstock fan, this book is a wonderful way to introduce her writing to someone or to share the loving encouragement of Christ. It will surely touch people’s hearts.

I'll end with an encouraging quote from page 58 - "I realize that God is in control of the universe. The mistakes in my past, though dramatic to me, cannot ruin God’s plan beyond repair. God is sovereign, and his plans cannot be thwarted by human beings like me. He can fill in the blanks of my mistakes, teaching my children what I failed to teach, restoring what I destroyed, rebuilding what I tore down, redeeming what I sold away." God can redeem anything or anyone if we give it and ourselves to HIM. That isn't saying that we won't face consequences, but that He will give us strength to face the consequences and continue living for HIM and praising HIM even through the storms.

Dead Heat by Joel C. Rosenberg

Last Jihad Series

Book 1 – The Last Jihad
Book 2 – The Last Days
Book 3 – The Ezekiel Option
Book 4 – The Copper Scroll
Book 5 – Dead Heat


Soon after I read The Ezekiel Option I found out that Joel Rosenberg had a new book available and I hurried to the library to get it without knowing that there was a book to read between them. I decided to go ahead and read the books out of order since these books are highly sought after and I didn't want to have to wait forever to get this current release back in my hands.

During the Republican National Convention (September 1-4, 2008), I was reading a section of Dead Heat detailing the Republican National Convention. It was a little eerie, but fortunately the events detailed in the book weren’t experienced in real life this time as they have been in previous books in this series.

As I read from Dead Heat today, September 11, 2008, the book described a scene where Embassy Staff were being flown out of Venezuela and today in the news I read that Chavez wants the ambassador from the United States out of his country within 72 hours and that he is immediately withdrawing his ambassador from Washington. See the article here.

Back of Book says:

THE STAGE IS SET FOR WAR
· Oil prices are surging to record highs.
· A new dictator is rising in Iraq
· China is threatening Taiwan.
· North Korean forces are ready to strike south.
· Israel is feverishly trying to complete the Third Temple

AND IN THE MIDST of a world ready to explode, American president, James MacPherson’s second term is ending.

The battle to succeed him is heating up into the most fiercely contested presidential election in American History. Who will lead a bitterly divided country over the next four years? And just what role – if any – does the U.S. play in history’s last days?

As the presidential campaign narrows into a dead heat, the Secret Service learns of a catastrophic terrorist plot to assassinate one of the candidates – but which one? Who do they want dead? And can U.S. forces stop the terrorists before millions lose their lives?

Reading a book by Joel Rosenberg is much like watching the nightly news. Fortunately the events detailed in this book haven't become a reality in our world. Let's pray they don't. Today commemorates the 7th anniversary of September 11, 2008 when thousands of innocent Americans lost their lives because of four terrorist acts on American soil. Since, we don't know how long we are granted to live on this earth - make sure your heart is right with God, love your family, and seek reconciliation with all you can.

For additional information see Joel's webpage.

Free Book from VOM

Today I found out that The Voice of the Martyrs is giving away a complimentary book - Tortured for Christ by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand. Go to their website to complete the form to receive the book. I borrowed this book from my church library earlier this year - it's powerful and I highly recommend it. Persecution of Christian continues in many parts of the world. The book isn't too gory because he leaves out the hard to read details, but shares enough to give the reader an understanding. For more info check out my blog entry about the book.

Book Giveaway - Touch Points: Heaven by Randy Alcorn

This month Randy Alcorn is giving away his newly released book TouchPoints: Heaven to three randomly drawn winners who leave a comment on his blog.

From Randy's blog:

We all have questions about what Heaven will be like. Now, TouchPoints: Heaven puts God’s answers to your most probing questions about Heaven and the New Earth right at your fingertips. Inspired by Randy Alcorn’s best-selling comprehensive book Heaven, this smaller 304-page paperback contains biblically based answers to many questions about what life will be like on the New Earth. For additional information on this book, see Randy's blog.

The deadline to enter the TouchPoints: Heaven giveaway is Friday, September 26, and the winners will be announced in a blog post on Monday, September 29. To enter for your chance to win, leave a comment on Randy's blog.

I haven't read this book yet, but hope to soon!

The World of Narnia Collection - Illustrated by Deborah Maze

This collection is adapted for the younger reader (ages 5-9) from The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. Four great books in one: Lucy Steps Through the Wardrobe; Edmund and the White Witch; Aslan; and Aslan's Triumph.


My daughter is reading the Narnia Series and I thought this book would be a quick intro for her. It has a large font and plenty of detailed pictures illustrated by Deborah Maze (a devoted C.S. Lewis reader).


Excerpt From Christian Book Distributors:

Experience wondrous adventures in the land of Narnia! This captivating picture book collection is based on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and gathers four individual picture books, Lucy Steps Through the Wardrobe, Edmund and the White Witch, Aslan, and Aslan's Triumph, into one volume.

In Lucy Steps Through the Wardrobe, Lucy finds her way into the magical land of Narnia. Her brother, Edmund, follows her, and in Edmund and the White Witch, he is enchanted by the Witch. She promises him the throne of Narnia (as well as all the Turkish Delight he could eat!) in exchange for his brother and sisters. In Aslan, all of the children find themselves in Narnia and are taken to meet Aslan, the Great Lion. Together, in Aslan's Triumph, they set off to fight the White Witch and reverse her evil spell.

Bountiful Blessing: Eurasia

My church has a strong emphasis on missions and missions education. Each year members and friends of our church are encouraged to read six missions books. Each of the books are available free of charge at our church to read and return. This book focuses on the missionary work that is done in a large region called Eurasia.


Back of book says:

Welcome to the Eurasia Region, one of the most complex, fascinating, and exciting places to do ministry in the world. Covering 14 times zones, it is home to 6 of the top 10 developed nations as well as hundreds of communities that live far below the poverty line.

It is within this vast region that Christ was born...Paul traveled on his missionary journeys...and Martin Luther began his movement to reform Christianity. The first Bible was also translated and printed for public distribution here.

Yet this rich legacy is often contrasted by the enormous religious and social diversity within Eurasia.

Eurasia: Bountiful Blessing shows you how the Church of the Nazarene is joining the movement of God to again reform and revive His church in this part of the world. Through spiritual nourishment, education, medical services, relief for refugees, and much more, Eurasia Nazarenes are giving hope to thousands in desperate need of the Savior.

Call to Action (page 85)

1. Visit the Eurasia Region's web site at www.eurasianazarene.org to learn more about the exciting things God is doing in this part of the world. While you are there, take a look at the latest prayer requests for the region and spend time lifting them before the Lord in prayer.

2. Suscribe to the Eurasia Region's monthly newsletter Where Worlds Meet by emailing the editor at whereworldsmeet@eurasianazarene.org. Each issue contians greetings from a different field; the latest news on people, events and ministries throughout the region; and information about upcoming events and prayer needs.

3. Pray for Dr. Crocker and the many other leaders and pastors sacross the great region. Pray for God to impart His wisome, guidance, and discernment in every decision they face.

4. Consider volunteering your time in one of the many ministries in the Eurasion Region. For more information, contact the regional office at office@eurasiaregion.org or visit their web site.

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others (about different regions of the world) should be available for you to read. Check with your Pastor or NMI president for more information. If you are a Christian who is interested in missions and would like to learn more, you may purchase this book from NPH.

Krik? Krak! By Amy Crofford

My eight year old daughter recently read and enjoyed Krik? Krak! It is a children’s book filled with true stories of missionaries and their work in Haiti. Look at a world map or globe to find Haiti.

Back of Book says:

“Grandpa, please tell us a story,” the children begged.

“All right,” he answered. “Come and sit on the bench.”

Grandpa Lucien waited for the children to give him their complete attention. Then he asked, “KRIK [KRIK]?”

The children knew that meant “Are you ready to listen to a story?”

“KRAK [KRAK]!” the children exclaimed.

Grandpa knew they were ready to listen.

“Good!” he said. “Then let’s begin.”

If you attend a Nazarene church this book and five others similar to it should be available for your child to read at no cost. Check with your Pastor or NMI president for more information. If you are a Christian who is interested in missions and would like your child to learn about missions on their level, you may purchase the book from NPH.

My church is involved in a project that helps provide wells so the children of Haiti don't have to walk miles each day for fresh water. For more information check here.

Skid by Rene Gutteridge

Skid (published May 2008) is the third book full of quirky characters in the Occupational Hazards series by Rene Gutteridge. It is similar to the old movie called Airplane in some ways, but much better because of the message of Jesus that is shared in a non-confrontational fashion.

The seven Hazard children were raised in a homeschool family that taught solid values and encouraged openness and honesty. When their parents died in an unfortunate hot-tub accident, the Hazard kids ranging in age 26-16 agreed to sell the family clowning business and venture out into the world to discover their career interests. Come along for a humorous, yet enlightening ride as the Hazard kids meet the working world and the world encounters them.

The Occupational Hazards Series:

Book 1 – Scoop
Book 2 – Snitch
Book 3 – Skid

Back of Book says:

Come Fly The Frenzied Skies!

Blissfully unaware that Atlantica Flight 1945 from Atlanta to Amsterdam is about to make aviation history, First Officer Danny McSweeney focuses his energies on navigating the turbulent personalities of an eccentric female captain, a copilot with a talent for tactless comments and conspiracy theories, and a lead flight attendant with an outsized attitude that definitely exceeds the limits for carry-on baggage.

On the other side of the cockpit door, the unscheduled inflight entertainment includes a potbellied pig, a jittery diamond courier, and the recently jilted Lucy Meredith, whose personal mantra of "What Would Oprah Do?" will be challenged by the sudden appearance of her ex and his new traveling partner. On her left sits Hank Hazard, whose unusually polite but constant requests--prompted by his covert role as a spy for the airline--test the limits of the crew's customer service.

But as Lucy and the crew discover, Hank's odd behavior is linked to a quiet faith that may play a key role in the fate of everyone on board. Especially when an unexpected traveler sets this already bumpy flight on a course toward the unfriendly skies.

To find more books by Rene Gutteridge, check her website.

Snitch by Rene Gutteridge

This second book (published May 2007) in the Occupational Hazards series didn't disappoint. Each of the seven homeschooled kids in the Hazard family branches off into a new career path after their parents unfortunate death. Together the children (ages 16-26) decided to sell the family clown business and try alternate careers that interested them. They lived and learned important values in their family that they took with them into the work force. In Snitch you follow the story of Mack (Mackenzie) as she joins a police force. Be prepared for a laugh and a lesson.

The Occupational Hazards Series:

Book 1 – Scoop
Book 2 – Snitch
Book 3 – Skid

Taken from Rene Gutteridge's website:

Keeping the streets safe can be murder on the knees.

Just shy of retirement and a well-earned pension, Las Vegas Police Department Sergeant Ron Yeager's definition of "active duty" involves shifting his bad leg into a more comfortable position. But when he's requested from his mind-numbing desk job to head an undercover auto theft task force, the former narcotics officer determines to prove he's still got the right stuff. That is, until he meets his unlikely team of officers

As Yeager soon finds out, not all the crazies are on the street. An undercover rookie, the audaciously honest Mackenzie "Mack" Hazard sends Yeager's blood pressure skyrocketing by wearing her faith like an ever-present badge. Then there's Jesse Lunden, a maverick undercover officer who refuses to learn anything from an old guy with a cane. Can this tangle of egos and eccentrics be trained into a lean, mean, crime-fighting machine--even when they are being drawn into something much bigger and more dangerous than anyone imagined?


All books in this series could stand alone, but reading them in order of publication is useful because each book builds a little on the last, but the author makes sure you have all needed information in each book to understand the character the book is based on. For a good laugh find any book in this series.


To find more of Rene Gutteridges books, check her website.

Scoop by Rene Gutteridge

Scoop (published October 2006) is a quirky, yet fun book by Rene Gutteridge that is part of a series - The Occupational Hazards. It is about the Hazard family who grew up working in the family business - clowning. Their parents homeschooled the seven children and taught them important values like honesty, a good work ethic and respect. When the parents decided to take their first vacation ever an unfortunate accident took place, both parents died, but the book is more about life than death. In this series, the author is writing a book about each of the siblings. The honesty and spiritual strength of the Hazard children takes their world by surprise. Hilarity and growth come together when the Hazards begin their careers.

The Occupational Hazards Series:

Book 1 – Scoop
Book 2 – Snitch
Book 3 – Skid

Taken from Rene Gutteridge's Website:

Channel 7 News producer Hugo Talley dreams of working with first-class professionals. Instead he’s saddled with an aging anchorwoman who refuses to release her claw-like grip on the newsdesk, a conscience-stricken reporter who’s reluctant to focus on sensationalism, and a new assistant–former homeschool student Hayden Hazard–who can’t just seem to leave her faith outside the newsroom. When the Channel 7 News team inadvertently stumbles on a hot news story, Hugo is frantic to exploit this rare opportunity. But a series of crises–including a Botox disaster and the disappearance of a colleague–threatens to destroy his chance for ratings success and send him completely over the edge. With their oddball antics and all-too-real foibles, this lovable cast of characters offers a hilarious look at the sometimes unexpected effects of taking one’s faith boldly into the workplace.

If you want to relax from the cares of the world and enjoy a good chuckle, then find a copy of Scoop and then find the remainder of the books in the series. All three books so far are filled with fun and lessons in disguise.

Discussion Questions

To find more of Rene Gutteridges books, check her website.

Dawn's Light by Terri Blackstock

I was thrilled to find out that my library finally ordered the last book in this series, so I could catch up with the Branning family and find out how they dealt with the global catastrophe.

Restoration Series

Book 1 – Last Light
Book 2 – Night Light
Book 3 – True Light

Book 4 – Dawn’s Light

From Terri's Website:

As the Pulses that caused the outage are finally coming to an end, thirteen-year-old Beth Branning witnesses a murder. Threatened by the killer, she keeps the matter to herself. But her silence could cost her life.

Meanwhile, as Deni's ex-fiancé returns to Crockett with a newfound faith and the influence to get things done, Deni is torn between the man who can fulfill all her dreams and Mark Green, the man who inhabits them.

As the world slowly emerges from the crisis, the Brannings face their toughest crisis yet. Will God require more of them than they've already given? How will they keep their faith if he doesn't answer their prayers?

By far the best book in the Restoration Series because it brings closure to many (not all) of the issues brought up in the three previous books. I think this book was the hardest for me to read because of the subject matter and considering myself in the place of those suffering. We must decide today that we will praise and love the Lord no matter what comes our way because even as Christians we are to expect trials and tribulations. God will give us the wisdom and strength we need to make it through each situation that comes our way. We must also be available to our fellow man who suffers and be willing to share the love of Jesus.

Terri shares a salvation message in each of her books. If you have questions about Jesus and a relationship with Him, contact a Bible believing church near you or feel free to leave questions in the comment section that I will attempt to answer.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert

True Light by Terri Blackstock

I read True Light almost a year ago and wanted to share a little from the book before sharing about the last book in the series that I read recently.




Restoration Series

Book 1 – Last Light
Book 2 – Night Light
Book 3 – True Light
Book 4 – Dawn’s Light

From Terri's Website:

As Oak Hollow grapples with a global power blackout, a teenager is shot in a food robbery. Jailed as the suspect, young Mark Green must prove his innocence to a community that has already judged him in its heart. But the Branning family stands with him as he fights to survive—and forgive.

I enjoyed reading True Light and looked forward to the conclusion in Dawn's Light. This series details what could happen if we were faced with a global power outage? How would you survive? I know it would be complicated for me and my family given that we aren't anywhere near a water supply and have very little land (think townhouse) for growing crops. People would certainly have to pool their knowledge and resources for survival. Start at the beginning and find a copy of Last Light and read all four books in the series as you consider what you would do if you were the Brannings or some other character in this novel.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert

Night Light by Terri Blackstock

I read Night Light two years ago and decided to post briefly about it before posting about the last book in the series that I read recently. Most of the information below is taken directly from Terri Blackstock's website since my memory is a bit sketchy on the specific details now.

Restoration Series

Book 1 – Last Light
Book 2 – Night Light
Book 3 – True Light
Book 4 – Dawn’s Light

From Terri's website:

Learn the true cause of the global power outage that has brought the Brannings to their knees!

Technology is a thing of the past as a power outage covers the globe. One family struggles to do what’s right when so much is going wrong. When the Brannings catch two boys breaking into their home, Jeff tracks them to a filthy apartment and discovers a family of children living alone, stealing to stay alive. Where is their mother? The search for answers uncovers a trail of desperation and murder... and for the Brannings, a powerful new purpose that can transform their entire community—and above all, themselves.

Night Light is a book that makes you think about what you might do in a similar situation. What would you do in the face of a global catastrophe? How would you survive? Who is your neighbor? Answer these questions and more as you read Night Light.

Discussion Questions - Spoiler Alert