CAPE LIGHT - by Thomas Kinkade with Katherine Spencer (F Kin)
Reviewed by Elaine Leffel

Thomas Kinkade, "painter of light," along with Katherine Spencer has now become an "author of novels." CAPE LIGHT is the first in a series about a small town in upper New England.

Cape Light is a town full of interesting residents and families who have lived there for generations. Some of the characters are carrying burdens and secrets from long ago.

It is reminiscent of Jan Karon's Mitford series. Once you get started it will be hard to put down. You will laugh, love, and cry with the characters in this book. At the end, you will be ready to read the second book in the series, HOME SONG (also in the FBC Library).

THE HONORABLE IMPOSTER - by Gilbert Morris (F Mor)
House of Winslow Book 1
Reviewed by Bonnie Hardison

This book has an interesting mix of accurate history and fiction. The story is wrapped up in the leaving of the pilgrims from England and Holland to the New World on the Mayflower. The character development isn't intense but many of the descriptions of the surroundings and happenings are wonderfully vivid. The historical perspective makes the book very interesting and many of the situations quite believable. There is also a twist at the end that is unexpected. I look forward to reading more of this extensive series.

THE CAPTIVE BRIDE - by Gilbert Morris (F Mor)
House of Winslow Book 2
Reviewed by Bonnie Hardison

Gilbert Winslow is now seen as a Firstcomer, like his brother Edward Winslow and Miles Standish. Gilbert and Humility have a son named Matthew. He longs for the adventures, as he sees them, that life can bring. This story, as with the first, includes much historical reference and shows extensive research. It also includes many interesting (fictional) experiences with such historical people as John Bunyan. (SPOILER WARNING: It also brings in, towards the end of the book, the Salem witch trials. This section makes for very interesting and yet heart-wrenching reading.) The romance, between Matthew and his beloved, is more interesting in this book. A French connection comes into play that does appear to have the potential to raise its head again in further books.

THE INDENTURED HEART - by Gilbert Morris (F Mor)
House of Winslow Book 3
Reviewed by Bonnie Hardison

Matthew Winslow's children have had children of their own and are now aging. Some of their children have chosen to follow the Lord and others, the world. This book brings in a "wonderful" wicked stepmother and uses the unfortunate things of life to shape the three Winslow men: William, Adam, and Charles. Family ties and love are shown as important, even compared to worldly desires. Love is also shown to conquer all; Christ's love and human love included. I enjoyed this book immensely because of the unexpected plot twists as well as the experiences with George Washington while a Colonel, and Ben Franklin as a printer.

THE GENTLE REBEL - by Gilbert Morris (F Mor)
House of Winslow Book 4
Reviewed by Bonnie Hardison

The Winslow family is facing the powder keg beginning of our great nation. The family faces a great and terrible split between the Crown of England and the Sons of Liberty. The price of a desired freedom will come at a high price for the nation, including the House of Winslow. This is a wonderful story of faith and determination against all odds and dangers, with some interesting twists.

THE MAIDEN OF MAYFAIR - by Lawana Blackwell (F Bla)
Tales of London Book 1
Reviewed by Bonnie Hardison

This is a very enjoyable Christian novel that gives the reader some unexpected character twists. The story begins with a few key characters and by the end of the book, you will have met several dozen. Set in London, England, THE MAIDEN OF MAYFAIR will draw you into the lives of an orphaned little girl and a wealthy, melancholy widow whose lives are extremely separate at first and by the end of the book will be hopelessly entwined. The plot is not entirely predictable, though the parts that are that way didn't seem to bother me at all. The book was thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to reading other works by this author.

PRAYING THROUGH LIFE'S PROBLEMS: INSPIRING MESSAGES OF HOPE - featuring Stormie Omartian, Joni Eareckson Tada, Leslie Vernick, Catherine Hart Weber, Joseph and Mary Ann Mayo, Linda Mintle, and Diane Langberg (248.86 Oma)

In this book, each writer has contributed a chapter about how prayer can be applied to the various trials people face in daily living. They cover topics such as praying when suffering a loss, facing difficult circumstances, handling conflicts with other people, dealing with depression, and growing older. They remind us that we should take everything, no matter what it is, to God in prayer. They also remind us that God always listens to us and loves us, although we may not always understand why we're faced with certain problems. Bible verses relating to the chapter's topic are included at the end of each chapter.

BRYSON CITY TALES - by Dr. Walt Larimore (610.92 Lar)
Reviewed by Elaine Leffel

Dr. Walt Larimore is a physician and works with the Focus on the Family organization. He has written a marvelous book about his first year of medical practice.

He and his wife moved to Bryson City, North Carolina, after he graduated from LSU and completed his residency at Duke Med School. He shares the joys and sorrows of being a general practitioner in a small rural community. Each chapter of the book deals with different experiences he has with patients, the community, and his family. He brings the reader into the town and makes you feel as if you are a citizen of Bryson City yourself.

Dr. Larimore shares great truths about God and the Christian walk through these stories that are full of laughs and tears.

When you finish this book, you will want to drive over to Bryson City and meet these folks yourself.

PIPER'S TWISTED TALE - by Mark Lowry and Martha Bolton (CE Low)

In this rhyming picture book, Piper the Mouse is left alone with his napping Uncle Sylvester while Piper's mother goes to the store. Piper tells his mother he plans to watch TV, but then he decides to invite someone over. Soon, the house is filled with several of his friends -- all playing and munching and making a huge mess. His friends run off when they hear Piper's mother coming back home, and Piper is left to explain what's happened to the house. He makes up a few excuses (a NASA rocket and a circus, among others) and with each false tale, his long tail twists behind him until it's in hundreds of knots. Finally, realizing that God would want him to tell the truth, Piper is honest with his mother about what really happened.

The bright illustrations and bouncing rhythm make this a fun book. It also includes a CD of Mark Lowry narrating the story.