Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich

A disappointing read, and not a Christian book. 

Independent and menopausal, Josie Brooks is a business consultant whose job is to streamline companies, recommending deep employee cuts among other things. Her encounters with a true friend, a bleeding-heart man, people who care about each other, a mystical snow-globe, and a series of coincidences change how she sees herself and those around her.

Divine Appointments was a bit disjointed at the beginning, although it did improve as the book went on. As for the spiritual implications, there weren’t any. One secondary character was presented as a believer. And the faith of one minor character was mentioned in passing. However, that character married a self-proclaimed non-Christian, with a “maybe-he’ll-get-religion” attitude. Not the kind of Biblical response one generally expects from Christian fiction.

It would be a stretch, but the mystical snow-globe with a running river quenching Josie’s thirst could be used to illustrate the Living Water and our thirst for Christ. But that certainly was not made clear in this novel.

And just to be aware of potentially controversial inclusions, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages were consumed throughout the book, though in a wine-with-dinner, grab-a-beer-after-work way. Also, a figurine of a nude couple embracing was a focal point for the main character who longs for that kind of intimacy. It did specify that it was a nonsexual embrace, however, the nudity was completely unnecessary and potentially offensive.

All in all, a relatively clean story with an emphasis on the importance of relationships and encouraging each other. But I wouldn’t recommend it.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter

Marriage counselor Kate Lawrence has her life all planned out, including her first book being released on her wedding day. Only she didn’t plan on being dumped just hours before the well-publicized event. Well-publicized, that is, except for the name of her intended. Enter Lucas Wright, Kate’s landlord. Secretly, but madly, in love with Kate, he offers to step in and be her groom. They agree to be married for a year. She’s hoping to save her career. He’s hoping she’ll learn to love him.

While both main characters are portrayed as believers, the Christian aspect of this book was very subtle, perhaps too subtle. Kate entered into this marriage with no thought at all to whether God would have her do so. Lucas did consult God and found peace about the arrangement. Initially, I wasn’t sure how I felt about this. It seems odd, in today’s world, that God would say, “Go ahead. Marry this person you admire from afar. And do it in just a few hours.” Having said that, our God is never changing. Look at Rebekah and Isaac.

Despite the Christian subtleties, the letter to the reader makes it clear that the story was intended to be allegorical in nature. And the Reading Group Guide questions point to the symbolism of the story.

All in all, this romantic tale of love and heartache was well-written and enjoyable, and in a small way personifies the way Christ loves us.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers with no expectation of a positive review.

Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick

Do you long for divine intervention? To move mountains? Or to see God work supernaturally in your life? In Sun Stand Still, Steven Furtick challenges you to “ask God for the impossible.” Using Joshua 10 as an example, Pastor Furtick demonstrates that “if you have the audacity to ask, God has the ability to perform.”

In Joshua 10, Joshua and his troops are in a battle and Joshua prays "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.…The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. (verses 12-13)

Using Biblical references and real-life examples, Pastor Furtick walks you, the reader, through how to pray your own “Sun Stand Still Prayer.” By having audacious faith, praying specifically and according to His will and character, and approaching the throne of grace boldly, you can revolutionize your faith by believing God for the impossible. Then, you will see the mountains move.

Despite initial wariness that it might be a bit too “prosperity theology” for me, I loved this book! It in no way implied that God would give you a million dollars just because you asked. Rather, it talked of seeking God’s will for a vision for your life and then praying for the impossible in accordance with that vision. I found it to be Biblically sound, challenging, and encouraging. Let’s move beyond the ordinary, the easy faith of the American Christian, and dare to live the extraordinary, abundant life that God wants for us.

Great book! I highly recommend it for any believer who wants a more vibrant faith and a transformed prayer life!

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

What’s in a Name?

I’ve been blogging off and on for quite some time. But I thought it was time to narrow my niche. I love to read. And it seemed like a good fit for me to begin reviewing the books I read because I get many of them free. I have been posting my reviews on my generic blog along with my other “stuff.” I decided it’s time to get serious about people actually reading my blog, so this will be a review-dedicated blog.

I read primarily Christian books, but may occasionally throw in a secular book or a movie. Anyway, for me, Book Blast carries many connotations.

* Reading books is a blast!

* An e-mail blast disseminates information, often for the purpose of advertising, and with the hope of bringing in web traffic. My book blast will hopefully disseminate information, which could be good advertising (if the books are good), and will hopefully bring in web traffic – readers.

* Blast can be a loud noise – I sometimes get loud when I’m excited, having fun, or passionate about a topic. Perhaps that will come through in my writing.

* Blast can be a criticism. While I am not setting out to criticize, a review is a critique. If the book is lacking in spiritual truth or is poorly written, I’ll likely say so.

All in all, I wanted a fun, catchy title that would lend itself to a soon-to-be-great book review site! Check back often, as my goal is to post at least one review a week.