Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Redeeming Love is a story inspired by the book of Hosea found in the Holy Bible. Set in California in the year 1850, the story is about a young girl, Sarah, who was rejected by her father and left alone by her beloved mother. At a tender age, Sarah is sold to a brothel. There she is raised and used as a prostitute. The loving little girl that Sarah was is transformed into an angry young woman, Angel, embittered by a life of constant hurt and betrayal. With every man that enters her room, Angel feeds the hate and bitterness until it threatens to destroy her. Every desperate attempt to change her life is met with utter failure. Despondency sets in and Angel gives up. With nothing to hope for, she is defeated. In obedience to the voice of God, Michael Hosea takes Angel as his wife. He promises to love her till the day he dies. In his dedication, he demonstrates to her the love of Christ his Savior. With tenderness unlike any Angel has ever known Michael begins to break through the walls of her hardened heart. With the help of the Altman family, he tries to show her that there is still some good in the world. But Angel, branded to the core with a tainted background, feels that although there might still be some good in the world, there is none in her. She doesn't know love like his. The only thing Angel knows of love is that it never lasts. Michael continues to try to persuade her otherwise, always encouraging and loving her, despite her resistance. He treats her like no other man ever has. But in response to the alien sensations Michael arouses in her, and in a desperate effort to escape that which she does not understand, Angel flees. In her flight, however, Angel is yet again confronted with the unconditional love of Christ. Will she come to a saving knowledge of what freedom Christ's love brings?
This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury
Kingsbury tells the story of a strained relationship between picture-perfect Nate and Annie Warren, whose son, Josh, a tow truck driver, has been a disappointment to them. Even though Josh's mistakes are now history, his current joblessness—owing to a drunk driver's recklessness—serves to ratchet up his parental disapproval rating. Only a few people know the truth: Josh is a real-life hero and his one heart's desire is to be united with a daughter he's never met. When Josh's life is struck again by tragedy, his immediate family must come to grips with the recognition that they never really cared enough to ultimately know their son. Kingsbury does a fine job communicating the emotional struggles of individuals, and readers will resonate with her characters' sorrows and losses. Yet much of the story is formulaic, which detracts from its otherwise powerful message about acceptance.
The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
Denise Holden's life is a fragile mix of luck and hard work. A single mom of a speech-delayed son, Denise makes ends meet by moving to the small town of Edenton, North Carolina, and working the late shift as a waitress. When Denise crashes her car and her son Kyle flees the accident and disappears into the storm, her only stroke of luck is the quick arrival of Taylor McAden, a volunteer fireman. Taylor's got a knack for fixing people, and he can't help wanting to be involved with Denise beyond the initial rescue of Kyle. As Taylor helps Denise recover from the accident and get to know the town, they discover a sweet bond and a magical chemistry that pulls them closer and closer. Though Taylor fits perfectly into Denise's family, he's unable to open his heart to being loved by her. As Taylor struggles to understand his conflicting desires, Denise questions the wisdom of gambling with Kyle's and her own emotions.
The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury
In The Redemption Series, winner of the 2005 Retailer's Choice award for Inspirational Fiction Series, Karen Kingsbury brings you the bestselling Redemption Series, five books that follow a family with trials and triumphs like your own. The Redemption Series illustrates the relational teachings of Gary Smalley in a way that is changing lives across the world.
Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More by Joanne Heim
Quality Over Quantity Means a Great Life Whew! You can multitask like a pro—you prove it every day. But while you’re used to being pulled in multiple directions, that doesn’t mean you like it. You yearn for something more…not on your to-do list, but in the heart of daily living. Now Living Simply shows you how to make this ideal life your real life today! Joanne Heim’s refreshing perspective and pointed guidance address specific areas you’d like to transform, from family and friendships to meals and celebrations. This book responds to the longings of your heart not with pat answers, but with practical solutions. Never have such simple changes yielded such sweeping results! Errands to run. Friends to meet. Laundry to fold. Dinner to cook. Messages to check. Calls to make. Gas tank to fill. Lists to do. Notes to self. Bills to pay. Dog to walk. Appointments to make. Schedules to keep. Lunches to pack. Party to plan. Find Simplicity Has busyness become your way of life? Is your calendar full to overflowing? Are you more focused on your to-do list than your family? Overcommitted to activities that send you in different directions rather than bringing you together? You’re not alone. And it doesn’t have to stay this way. It’s not time to start over, but to start small. Joanne Heim offers hope for claiming the kind of life you dreamed of once upon a time. You’ll discover how to choose...
From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife by Marla Taviano
Marla Taviano shares her no—holds—barred look at thefirst year of marriage with a sassy style that will keep readers captivated to the end.
Young brides will laugh out loud, sigh with relief, and nod in agreement as Marla takes a refreshing, biblical look at everything from impossible mothers—in—law to disappointing sex, from
toilet seats left up to that confusing word "submission." She provides important tips and truths about such important topics as...
- keeping expectations realistic
- fighting fairly
- communicating about money, sex, and in—laws
A young woman herself, Marla also includes time—tested advice from older godly women. This honest and compassionate manual encourages
married women to see what God can do in and through them and their marriages.
Organized Simplicity: The Clutter Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider
Marla Taviano shares her no—holds—barred look at thefirst year of marriage with a sassy style that will keep readers captivated to the end.
Young brides will laugh out loud, sigh with relief, and nod in agreement as Marla takes a refreshing, biblical look at everything from impossible mothers—in—law to disappointing sex, from
toilet seats left up to that confusing word "submission." She provides important tips and truths about such important topics as...
- keeping expectations realistic
- fighting fairly
- communicating about money, sex, and in—laws
A young woman herself, Marla also includes time—tested advice from older godly women. This honest and compassionate manual encourages
married women to see what God can do in and through them and their marriages.
