Shelf-Esteem

God's purpose in creating soul-bearing man.

Revisado: 12-16-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Souls by Matthew Everhard would make a great gift for a student heading off to college or for anyone interested in taking a deeper look at historic Christianity. At every turn, the author compares human thought (throughout history) to the truths found in Scripture. He opens by sharing four views of creation: materialism, pantheism, deism, and biblical creationism. Then, after establishing biblical creation as the only satisfactory answer as to how we got here, he systematically lays out God's purpose in creating soul-bearing man.

Topics:
Man's chief end
The problem of sin - cure: gospel
Jesus's mode of death and His resurrection
Unmerited grace
The order of salvation (Ordo salutis )
The Great Commission

Terms defined:
Hedonism
Existentialism
Glory
Atonement
Propitiation
Imputation
Justification
Pelagianism
Covenant theology
Predestined

David K. Martin's tone of voice, diction, and rate of speech complimented the book nicely.

My thanks to the publisher for sending this audiobook for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Christian Shelf-Esteem's Review The Colonel's Lady

Revisado: 01-30-17

What did you love best about The Colonel's Lady?

Originally published in August 2011, The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz is now available as an audiobook. Set in 1779, the story opens with five women and a child huddled in a cave attempting to evade a band of Indian raiders. Among the group headed to Ft. Endeavor in the Kentucky Territory is Roxanna Rowan. She has travelled all the way from Virginia to meet her father, who is about to resign his commission. Upon their safe arrival, Roxanna learns her father has been killed by friendly fire. With his dying breath, he placed Roxy in the charge of Colonel Cassius McLinn—the man who shot him.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Colonel's Lady?

I enjoy the way Frantz invites readers into a scene! Whether she is painting a sweeping landscape or an intimate scene between two characters, her imagery and attention to historic details are all-absorbing. Also, the woman can write a kiss… This is not something I would usually comment on, but the way she builds the chemistry between Cas and Roxy is commendable! In a story rife with conflict, I would have liked the author to leave her characters with some flaws–in my opinion the ending was too tidy. Allowing a character to extend grace and then erasing the need for that grace undermines the gravity of the action.

What does Laura Jennings bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thank Laura Jennings, the narrator, for this Audible recording of The Colonel’s Lady. I often do not revisit an author when a previous work has failed to capture my imagination. In contrast to Frantz’s Love’s Reckoning, this story had just the right amount of danger and romance to keep me engaged. All the way through, Jennings’ narration enhanced the urgency or intimacy of the scenes accordingly. While the story was a bit long (13 hours and 8 minutes), I never fatigued of Jennings voice or cadence. She also assigned enough distinction to each character’s voice that my focus was always rightfully placed. Through her voice performance, Jennings has reignited my interest in Frantz’s other stories.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Nancy Kimball’s debut novel Chasing the Lion pulse

Revisado: 07-12-16

What did you love best about Chasing the Lion?

Nancy Kimball’s debut novel Chasing the Lion pulses with raw emotion. It possesses beautiful juxtapositions of injustice with forgiveness, barbarism with kindness, and sorrow with peace. It drew me in from the start!

What other book might you compare Chasing the Lion to and why?

Nessa is to Chasing the Lion as Hadassah is to A Voice in the Wind (one of my all time favorite novels). I loved Nessa’s gentle way, quiet spirit, and indomitable faith. She is always shining the light of Truth into the dark world of the gladiator ludus with her words and deeds. Through Nessa and Jonathan, Kimball’s writing ultimately gives glory to God.

Have you listened to any of Joseph Narducci’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

It is in my nature to root for the underdog. I believe this is why I felt an instant connection with Jonathan. Briefly, his story held similarities with the biblical character Joseph, but it quickly took on a shape all it’s own. After all of the injustices Jonathan endures, I was relieved when Nessa entered his life.

Joseph Narducci earned a coveted spot as a 2015 Audie Award Finalist for his performance of this audiobook. An extended sample can be heard by visiting the author’s website. It was fortunate for me that audible allows listeners to adjust their listening speed. I felt that despite Narducci’s rich tone and pleasant intonation, his pace was a little slow. The ability to change the narrator’s pace enticed me to listen to the book a second time.

Any additional comments?

I believe men and women alike will connect with Jonathan and what drives him. Women will be touched by Nessa’s tender heart and gentle demeanor; poignantly displayed in her relationship with Jonathan. As a historical fiction novel, all aspects of gladiator life are showcased. In my opinion, these violent details spur the reader’s cry for justice and our desire to see the characters come to faith in Christ. Nessa and Jonathan left an indelible impression on me and I eagerly await Nancy Kimball’s next book!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña