Mercy Triumphs: A Contemporary Novel by Jana Kelley

Mercy Triumphs: A Contemporary Novel

by Jana Kelley 
Although this is the second in a series by the author, and I hadn't read the preceding book I found this novel easy to understand and interesting as well. From the opening chapter, I was drawn into the world of these three women: Mia, Halimah and Rania. One can tell that the author knows what she is writing about. In truth, she grew up in Southeast Asia and during her adult life has lived in Sudan and the Middle East for thirteen years! I have greatly enjoyed studying about the history and culture of Africa and the Middle East and although I have never been there, I found that the cultural details were perfectly accurate in this book! Thus, this book is more than a novel. It is a look into the life of an American woman in the middle east and also the life of native Sudanese living as Christians amongst their Muslim family and friends. For literary quality, there are a little too many details however I found these necessary for teaching the reader about the setting and cultural differences.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God. Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God's mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don't deserve it. Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors.

Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart by Dion Leonard

'Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart

by Dion Leonard

This is a sweet picture book for children of the real story of Gobi the dog. Based on the original book by Dion Leonard, this book tells the story of a runner in the Gobi dessert who is befriended by a little dog with a big heart. This is an incredible true story and children will enjoy this easy-to-understand version. It is a large, slim hardcover book with full-page illustrations. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bring home the incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! Families everywhere will be delighted by the tale of Gobi and Dion—a little lost dog and the ultramarathon runner who saved her. Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart is a fun, engaging picture book perfect for families to enjoy together.

Prepare to fall in love with the heartwarming and true story of Gobi and Dion. Gobi, a scrappy little stray dog, latches onto a man named Dion and keeps pace alongside him for 77 miles of a long 155-mile race across China. Through cold nights and raging rivers, with little food and water, and through a long, hard journey, these two create a bond unlike any other.

Cross the finish line with Gobi and Dion, the little pup who never quit and the ultramarathon runner who loves her. This amazing true story sparked international attention and will continue to inspire readers as they enjoy this fun picture book perfect for children.

Join these two unlikely friends as they form a winning team for both the race and life![

An Asian Harvest: An Autobiography by Paul Hattaway

An Asian Harvest: An Autobiography

by Paul Hattaway A gripping autobiography from missionary and Bible courier Paul Hattaway, author of The Heavenly Man'

    This is the recently-published autobiography of a missionary to China! It is a very in depth biography and gives a well-rounded picture of the author's life both before and during China missions. At first, before I really got to know the missionary, I found the book a little tedious and too detailed. however, as I continued reading I got more interested in the author's life. I also began to appreciate his Godly character qualities and found myself agreeing with and admiring his stance on many issues. In fact, since the author includes his regular struggles in life, I found this a helpful book just for life in general, not to mention mission life. As for the life in China, this book is very interesting and a testimony to God's faithfulness! 

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Paul Hattaway was a high-school dropout from New Zealand--homeless, hungry, and lonely--before he found faith. But once he encountered the love of God and read the Bible, Paul never looked back. The rest of his life has centered on making sure all the people of Asia have Bibles of their own.Through Asian Harvest, Paul has traveled to Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and many other Asian countries bringing the gospel with him. His ministry has provided over ten million Bibles to China alone, and has sponsored more than fifteen hundred Asian missionaries.

The story of Paul's conversion, the fascinating places he's faithfully followed God to, the struggles with the realities of the mission field and other missionaries, and the incredible miracles God has performed along the way make An Asian Harvest a remarkable, inspiring read.  

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey by Dion Leonard

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey

by Dion Leonard

 This is such a sweet story. Originally a longer book written in an autobiographical style, this version is made simpler for teenage and younger readers. It also includes the perspective of the little dog Gobi! I thought this tale unusual yet believable and interesting. I was captivated from start to finish. Of course, as an older reader I wasn't a fan of the portions containing the dog's thoughts however there was nothing wrong with it for younger readers. I'm just too mature for such things. ;P

Your young reader will greatly enjoy this true story!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bring home the incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! You will love the inspiring tale of Gobi, a lost dog who kept pace with an ultramarathon runner, Dion Leonard, across a vast desert. Follow their unlikely friendship through the challenges of an 80-mile race and Dion’s struggle to bring Gobi home for good.

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey is the incredible true story of Dion Leonard, an athlete who was befriended by a stray dog while running an ultramarathon through the Gobi Desert. Named for the desert in which he found her, Gobi became Dion’s closest companion for 77 miles of the 155-mile race across China. The scrappy little pup ran mile after mile alongside Dion, through treacherous conditions and across raging rivers. He let her sleep in his tent and share his food, and eventually, his focus shifted from winning to the newfound friendship he and Gobi shared.

They crossed the finish line together—not first, but together—and Dion decided to bring Gobi home to Scotland. Just before they were about to leave, however, Gobi disappeared, setting off a worldwide search for the stray. In a town of more than 3 million people, the search seemed hopeless, but this tale of friendship will surprise and delight you as you find out what happens!

Join the almost too-good-to-be-true story of hope, friendship, and beating incredible odds in Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey by Dion Leonard.