It has been a long time since I’ve read a book of this size in less than 24 hours. However, that is what happened when I received Beth Pattillo’s The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society in the mail. Pattillo is a talented author who can sweep her readers into the story rapidly, and keep them engrossed until the end. I was looking forward to receiving this tale of a group of women who integrate their knitting, reading interests, personal lives, and faith. The story, compellingly written, succeeds with the first three, but comes short on the fourth.

We are introduced to a cast of six main female characters and the complexities of their personal lives and struggles. I doubted that I would be able to follow each character and come to know her personally; Patillo’s strong characterizations put these doubts to rest. I came to know each of the five adult females and the single teenager as they came together on a monthly basis to share their thoughts on the group knitting project and reading assignment of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society. In the beginning, none of these characters know each other well, or care for the emotional needs of others. They know each other only superficially; it is heartwarming to watch them come to care for each other, reaching out in love and support as they are drawn closer by the introduction of troubled teenager Hannah into their midst.

For those who prefer a strong faith element in their fiction reading, they will not find it here. Though some of the characters profess faith in God and are involved in church activities, we rarely see this faith played out or expressed in their lives. Each character experiences dramatic personal difficulties in their lives over the course of the book, but none lean upon Jesus, or turn to the Bible for advice, guidance or support during these trials. Rather they muddle through under their own power, barely managing to pull themselves out of blatantly sinful situations, somehow avoiding endings that are displeasing to the Lord. No doubt God manages all this in His sovereignty, but it takes place behind the scenes. We are unable to see His work in the lives of His children throughout the novel.

I felt as though I was watching a soap opera – intense, dramatic and life-changing events were occurring in each characters life in the small town of Sweetgum. At times I also felt myself to be an observer of a tragic accident in progress – unable to look away despite the gory details and my inability to help. As a Christian, I kept wondering how those who professed faith could behave in the way they were; why were they not praying, turning to scripture for guidance, relying on the Lord for strength and resolve? Were they all nominal Christians?

Despite this disappointment I was dragged along by the rapid paced and emotionally involving storyline - Pattillo has mastered the art of emotionally engaging her readers. The extent to which the women come to know and care for each other as they each struggle with their own personal trials is an encouragement to let down our guard, permitting others to know and care for us. The pain and complications isolation cause are clearly portrayed through each woman’s emotional anguish.

Knitters will enjoy the familiar terminology and discussion of knitting projects that is woven effortlessly throughout the story. I found myself chuckling at the descriptions of the common “too tight” beginners efforts (which I have committed myself). These descriptions are easy for non-knitters to read as they are blended into the storyline. For those who haven’t yet discovered the joy of knitting a simple pattern is included in the book as well.

Intense and personally involving, readers who enjoy tales of female friendship without requiring a strong faith element will find The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society a rewarding read. Devotees can look forward to a new Sweetgum novel in 2009.

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Do not start this series unless you intend to finish it. Do not read this book unless you want to be haunted by the characters for months to come. Francine Rivers’ A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion Series #1) is hauntingly written, with powerful archetypal characters that will linger in your subconscious. Once you come to know them they will surface in your thoughts repeatedly to remind you of important lessons in Christian character.

Powerfully written, this first in a series of three works of historical/biblical fiction transports us to a time shortly after Christ’s death. Hadassah is a young Hebraic Christian girl whose father knew Jesus during His time here on Earth. We first meet her during the fall of Jerusalem to the Roman armies. Losing her entire family during the siege and attack she finds herself taken hostage and eventually sold as a slave.

Throughout A Voice in the Wind we are able to watch Hadassah mature in her faith and come to trust in the Lord completely. The book chronicles the challenges she faces as she strives to love those she serves in a Christ-like way. The Roman family who owns her is immersed in the idolatry and widespread sin common in their society. Despite, and indeed because of this fact, Hadassah is driven to love them and serve them beyond her personal limits as she seeks to show them Christ’s love relationally.

Her mistress Julia embodies the self-centered and morally decaying Roman society. Through her example we come to see that all types of sin have been with us ever since the fall, including modern ‘hot spots’ such as abortion and homosexuality. At times one would think that the book was written in a modern setting due to the relevance of the issues dealt with throughout.

Julia’s older brother Marcus is a Roman playboy, disaffected and empty, seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places. His emptiness draws him to Hadassah when he begins to see Christ’s light shining within her. Rivers was a romance novelist prior to her conversion, and as Marcus is drawn to Hadassah we encounter some highly sensual scenes as he attempts to engage her physically. For those who prefer to avoid sensual, romantic novels, I can assure you that though Marcus is persistent Hadassah holds firm to her Christian values throughout. It is a delight to watch her placing God before anything else in her life, difficult though that may be.

I found myself challenged by Hadassah’s integrity and seemingly never-ending love for those she served. As I watched her place her own needs and desires aside time and time again in order to serve I found myself challenged to examine my own performance in the role of servant-mother. Observing her walk with the Lord inflamed my desire to know Him intimately, and I sought to draw nearer to Him. Would that my light could shine as brightly as hers! Believers will come to love Hadassah as they are encouraged by her Christian example, strengthened in their faith, and challenged to go deeper – to give all.

Francine Rivers has developed a name for herself as a modern master of Christian fiction. I can see that her reputation is well deserved. While the characters can appear too archetypical – black or white, it is their clear struggles, weaknesses and strengths that make this novel a valuable tool for Christian growth. This tenth anniversary edition includes a new foreword, an introduction from the author and a book discussion guide. The discussion guide features probing questions for individual or group study of the characters’ natures. I was, and remain strongly moved by their individual journeys; they continue to live on in my heart.

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The Song of Solomon, also referred to as the Song of Songs, has been a mystery to me in my walk with Christ as a new believer. What exactly was this book of the Bible talking about? My gut instinct told me to take it literally, hearing preachers refer to it as descriptive of Christ’s love for believers. Parts of it are certainly suggestive, and indeed, graphic – I have a difficult time thinking of Jesus in those situations and terms. For me it would take some fancy talking around the scriptures for this approach to make sense to me.

Enter Sam Laing and his book, The Five Senses of Romantic Love - God’s Plan for Exciting Sexual Intimacy in Marriage. Laing takes a literal approach to the Song of Solomon, examining it as an encouraging text written from God to married couples as a model for the joys of marital intimacy. Laing has authored his book for married couples only, so if you are single you should wait to read it, and this review as well unless you have an impending marriage in your future. Indeed, Laing opens his book with this caveat, which I greatly appreciated. He appears to be a Christian man of integrity and would not see single believers stumble or be led into temptation by contemplating the marital act of intimacy that they cannot rightfully enjoy.

The topic of sex within the confines of marriage (where it rightfully belongs) is often neglected in conversations and preaching concerning the Christian life. Thankfully, there have been several books authored in recent years that seek to equip Christian couples with a view of sexual relations from a biblical perspective. For a new believer such as myself, I have wondered what God finds pleasing in this area, what His take on marital intimacy is. The Five Senses of Romantic Love is a highly practical guide for those seeking an answer to similar questions.

Laing writes enthusiastically on the subject, expounding upon God’s design for love within marriage; the joy and pleasure He intends for our spouses and us. Using the Song of Solomon he provides practical ways to enhance our love life through engaging each of our five senses. The book is divided into 8 chapters. The first addresses God’s general intent for delight in the sexual union of man and wife. The following five each address one of the five senses: sound, sight, fragrance, taste and touch. The last two offer advice specifically to women and men based upon the two main characters of the Song, a wife and her husband.

While he uses the Song as his basic text for his work (NIV scripture mainly), this title does not provide a comprehensive overview or analysis of the Song (though he does include further resources for an in-depth study). His concern is rather to aid married couples through practical, openhearted suggestions to add to, and increase the delights of marriage. His words are friendly and kind, never pushy or insistent, and he is fairly discreet in his use of language throughout the book – nothing explicitly graphic or crude here.

His advice is very personal, and at times he shares general principles that have been enjoyed within the context of his own successful marriage. Along with this personal perspective, we at times find Laing using very short, or somewhat vague passages in the Song to launch into a discussion of his own personal feelings on a topic. Often there is not much information given in the scripture, nor is it as detailed as the author’s recommendations – some examples of this include his conclusions on cosmetics, jewelry, and clothing. Many of these recommendations seem to be based largely on his own preferences, as not much is said on these topics within the scripture itself. I didn’t find this objectionable however, as this book seeks to provide practical advice and insight from the author rather than serve as an authoritative commentary. Laing also makes disclaimers throughout the work that couples should use what works for them, and not feel bound to any suggestions that are made.

As a woman, I enjoyed reading his frank and open perspective as a man, both on the Song, and on what men appreciate and long for within a marriage. His insights based upon the characters revealed to us in the Song, their actions and attributes form the basis of the last two chapters; the first specifically addressed to women, the second to men. These chapters summarize personal characteristics and traits based on the word of God that we should seek to cultivate within ourselves in order to enhance our marriages.

The Five Senses of Romantic Love fills an important niche in Christian literature – equipping married believers for love. I particularly recommend this work for Christians who may mistakenly believe that sex within marriage is an unpleasant duty that is even somehow displeasing to God. Readers interested in a literal, joyous, and practical approach to applying God’s wisdom from the Song of Solomon to their marriage will find this offering a unique treasure. Excellent devotional reading for bedtime, couples will benefit from reading this book together.

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Fossil Hunter is part of the Expelled campaign; Expelled is a documentary (I haven’t seen it yet) exploring the difficulties that those in the fields of education, science and academia encounter when they simply suggest or explore the possibility that an intelligent being (God) was involved in the creation of the Earth. A quick peek through the movie website and blog reveal the intensely vitriolic feelings aroused by this topic.

I was interested in reading Fossil Hunter to see how the conflict between intelligent design and evolution was developed and explored within the context of a fictional novel. Before I read this title, I knew very little about the Intelligent Design movement, the beliefs of those involved in it, and the difficulties they face within the hardcore sciences. I now feel that I’ve at least had a glimpse into what those who believe in an “Intelligent Designer” (God) face in their professional lives, as well as their beliefs. Olson, holder of a Ph.D. in biochemistry, does an excellent job of portraying the persecution Christian academics face, and the suppression of scientific data that does not match the theory of evolution.

Dr. Katie James is a paleontologist, one of the ‘hot’ names in the field of working with whale fossils. She is also a Christian, her father a Pastor – not a fact that she widely broadcasts, nor a secret either. When she comes under scrutiny for her beliefs and loses her position, her only chance to redeem herself is to undertake an exciting, dangerous, once in a life time expedition to Iraq. Turbulent times follow, with a dangerous political climate, fossil smugglers and a competing team, led by Dr. Nick Murad seeking to beat her to the find.

Katie is a complicated character, fiercely self-reliant, yet achingly vulnerable due to a debilitating phobia that has haunted her, and damaged her professional career. It is no surprise then, that Nick finds himself entranced by this unique combination of traits (few men can resist a vulnerable woman, no?). His interest is tastefully developed and never crosses the line into inappropriate behaviour. Unlike many modern heroes, he conducts himself in a most gentlemanly way towards Katie. Based on his previous experiences with women, this is definitely a change of pace for him, but you’ll love the gentle way he treats Katie, and his respect for her Christian convictions despite his own confusion and ambivalence regarding her faith.

Reading Katie’s discussions with Nick and others on her faith, belief in God as creator, and views on evolution, I wished I could join in the fictional conversation. Though she is a Christian, she feels that the Bible does not clearly and literally speak to a 7 day creation period or disallow evolution. Our family does believe in a young earth and 7 day creation, we feel the Bible speaks very clearly in this regard, and I’d love to share some scriptures with her character. You won’t find a vigorous defense of biblical creationism within these pages; the science presented uses evolutionary time-spans and terminology.

While Katie’s Christian standards do shine through in her response to Nick’s romantic interest, there are other areas in her Christian walk that I would have loved to see her grow in during the course of the book. Katie has a problem with deception, including outright lies. We do see her clearly and publicly repentant on one occasion, but that is not the end of her deceptions, and this sin isn’t resolved within the course of the novel. I was disappointed to find violence on her part towards those opposing her to be so lauded and admired. Jesus gives us clear instructions on dealing with our enemies – physical violence is never one of the options he gives us. I do feel it’s possible for Christian authors to write intense adventure stories without having Christian characters resorting to violence.

Vividly written, with just enough heat-rash, grit and sand to make you jump in the shower. Sure to appeal to those with a love of the sciences, action, fossil digs and political intrigue.

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Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter is THE resource book that I would recommend you purchase if you have a daughter that has strayed from the Lord, or who has never known Him. A somewhat lengthy title at 320 pages, the book is broken down into bite-sized chapters, small enough for any busy parents to digest in a single day, 27 in all. This comprehensive work takes parents by the hand and leads them step by step through the importance and details of praying for prodigal daughters. With faith in God, this book in hand and a writing journal for additional note taking space, parents will be well equipped to take up arms in the spiritual battle for our daughter’s souls. Written by a prior prodigal and mother of a prior prodigal, this title is written in a warm, encouraging and supportive style that will resonate most with mothers, though fathers are also addressed.

Divided into five logically progressing sections, readers are taught: praying for your prodigal daughter, praying with purpose for your prodigal daughter, living life with your prodigal daughter, questioning your role with your prodigal duaghter and welcoming home your prodigal daughter. I do not believe that managing any aspect of your relationship with, and prayer life for your prodigal daughter has been left unexplored. From the intensely spiritual to the painfully mundane aspects of raising a prodigal, you will find it all here.

Thompson understands that though as Christians we realize the importance and necessity of prayer, we often find ourselves feeling ill-equipped or too inexperienced to fruitfully pray for our prodigals. That is where she comes in, taking us gently by the hand and leading us through the stories of past prodigal daughters, mother’s of prodigals, instructions for prayer, prayer examples, family/group discussion questions, journaling topics and space to record thoughts, practical advice for managing your home and family and more. This title is so comprehensive in regard to dealing with prodigal daughters that I can see the need for it to be read by many believers: parents of prodigals, friends and family of parents with prodigals, parents concerned for their children’s salvation who wish to keep their child from straying, those in ministry etc. If you find yourself immobilized and overwhelmed in the situation with your prodigal child you can simply pick up this bok and start praying through the 40 days of personalized scripture prayers found in the appendix. These references and prayers alone may be worth the purchase price if they will get you on your knees, and past the fear of imperfection that keeps us from praying far too often.

The scripture references used throughout the book are taken from a number of Bible translations, some of which are simple paraphrases rather than accurate translations (such as the Message). Other references are ‘personalized’scripture, which means taking a piece of scripture, often promises, and personalizing it for our situation. At times the references seemed to be interpreted out of their context in the Bible in order to apply them to the life of a family struggling with a prodigal daughter, so be sure to keep your Bible handy to look up not only the verses referenced themselves, but also their context. Though not a central theme of the book, I was disappointed in the author’s treatment of divorce and remarriage. While she mentions the negative effect of divorce on children, particularly the loss of the male father figure, she fails to acknowledge divorce and remarriage as a sin that is contrary to the word of God. Perhaps it is due to her own status as a divorced and remarried woman that she treats divorce rather casually throughout the book. Although this is indeed a common situation, it should not deal with casually.

As a mother of two young girls who do not yet know the Lord I was deeply appreciative of the chapters on how mothers and fathers can develop relationships, guidelines and boundaries with our daughters that will help keep them from straying. The chapter addressed to fathers is also a vital portion of Praying For Your Prodigal Daughter, guiding fathers into their role as spiritual leaders of the home, and their importance in the lives of their daughters in encouraging purity, aiding in mate selection and biblical headship. Though the chapters specifically set aside for mothers and fathers, as well as dealing with your prodigal within the family may give the impression that this book is geared only to two parent families, single parents (particularly mothers) should know that plenty of provision and suggestions have been made for single parents as well.

I will not hesitate to recommend this title to any family struggling with a prodigal child. I do not know of an equivalent title that deals with prodigal sons in such a complete manner, so I will also recommend this title to those with prodigal sons. While being full of rich advice on relating to female children, and their unique relationships with parents - the general instructions as to setting boundaries, prayer, love, forgiveness, dealing with relatives and the wealth of other richly developed topics provided make this title ideal for any family with a prodigal. A vital and necessary addition to all church libraries.

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Reviewed for Christian Review of Books.

I recently had the opportunity to review a couple of books for the free online homeschooling magazine, Heart of the Matter Online.

The first review has been published on their blog, so head over and take a peek - historical fiction by a prolific author (39 titles to his name!).

Book Review: We Were There With the Pony Express by William O’Steele

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! and Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! are two educational activity books for young children published by Cedar Valley Publishing. Developed by Mom of two, Stacy Kannenberg; these workbooks are printed on heavy duty “plasticized” paper that is designed for use with dry erase markers. The books are a small size for children, and are very rugged and stand up well to repeated use from small children. My daughters (5 and 2) put both books through their paces and are quite delighted with them. They are designed for parents to work through with their children in preparation for the stated school grade, either Kindergarten or First Grade. Both books cover core required academic subjects for the grade that the child will be entering, because of this they also make an excellent core curriculum for the early grades that homeschoolers can supplement with additional practice activitities, read alouds, Bible and other options. They can also be used for remedial work for children who are having a difficult time mastering core academic concepts in their current grade, or the grade they have just completed.

These books are already award-winners; both Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! and Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! books won the Adding Wisdom Award from Parent-to Parent.  Both books are also winners of the 2008 Best You Can Be Award for Books in Education.  The books are also approved for purchase by a variety of State educational purchasing departments for use within public schools.

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten!  appeals to a wide variety of pre-schoolers and those just starting their educational journey (recommended ages 2 - 6). My two year old likes to watch while her older sister and I go through the practice activities together. She also loves the dry erase feature, and grabs the markers and draws/colours in the workbooks. This is my 5 year old’s favourite summer time learning book - it is compact and easy to take for travel while covering a wide variety of topics and skills. We currently have it with us as we wait in the city at my grandparents home for our new baby to arrive. K and I have gone through the book a few times together, and this morning she was working on it with her Grandma. It is simple for adults to understand how to work through the practice activities with their children, just open it up, grab a marker and you are ready to go, no preparation required.

For us it is a wonderful combination of skill levels and subjects - 30 pages of bright and colourful educational activities for youngsters.  K knows enough of the material to feel confident in her abilities, but there is enough new and advanced material to challenge her, without her feeling threatened. The illustrations are bright and engaging and feature a multi-cultural cast of children, as well as the teacher. Note for Canadians - there is a section that involves American currency, but it is fairly easy to pull out your change purse to show your children Canadian money during this portion of the book.  Two lists, Early Childhood Skills and Parent and Caregiver Tips provide parents with a firm understanding of the academic and “soft” skills required for a successful year of Kindergarten.

Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! shares the same design and features of Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! while covering core academic subjects at a more advanced level (recommended ages 5 - 8).  Much of the material presented in this title is too advanced for my oldest at age 5, but there are sections that she really enjoys (anything to do with the solar system is a big hit for her!).  There are again some sections that are written particularly for the US audience, including the section on money and government, but again, it is simple to substitute Canadian content while working through the book. 40 pages of rich educational content presented in the same bright and interactive style as the first title.  The sample story given does include the tooth fairy, which I was disappointed to see as our family doesn’t participate in this myth.  Aside from this, this title is an excellent academic foundation, building more advanced reading, beginner writing skills, simple math etc. on which to build the foundation for a first grade curriculum if so desired.  It can also be used for preparatory work over the summer, or review work as well.

Both titles are engaging for young children, and they find it hard to resist the hands-on interactivity paired with the bright and lively illustrations.

The most affordable place to order these titles is from the publisher directly.  You can click here to order from Cedar Valley.

They are also available from Amazon if you are already purchasing from their site:

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten!

Let’s Get Ready for First Grade!

10% of the profits of both books will be donated to literacy programs.

I’ll be the first to admit that the wide and wonderful world of Christian fiction is still so new to me. Since the time of conversion most of my reading has been dedicated to parenting, homeschooling, children’s and various non-fiction and reference works in the very large Christian books category. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this title – after all, how could this sort of women’s fiction draw me closer to Christ? I thought I’d give it a try – and let me tell you, this book blessed me!

Jennifer Graham is the owner of a funeral home, though she is still very new to the business. We have the delight of following her as she learns the ropes of dealing with the dead and their families; fascinating details are provided for those of us who are interested in human anatomy. We are able to meet the members of her family and see them move through challenging situations where faith in God carries them through.

This title is the second in the Fairlawn Series (I’m now eager to read the first installment as well as future titles), and reads very well on it’s own if you aren’t familiar with the rest of the series. Angela Hunt quickly brings us up to speed with the circumstances of the main characters without the need for lengthy expository passages. She quickly endears these quirky individuals to us by including the miniscule details of their lives that make the book all the more realistic.

It seems as though there is a rash of books in Christian women’s fiction where the leading ladies are divorced, and then become entangled in romantic involvements, and even remarriage with other men. My mind was set at ease to learn that Jennifer, though she had been divorced, was now a widow. Now I could relax - even if romantic situations developed without worrying about sin on the main characters part, whew! Thankfully any potential romantic interest was also very subtle and free of sensual overtones.

Hunt confronts controversial, contemporary social issues from a Christian viewpoint where the rubber hits the road - within the family. While dealing with the issues of peer pressure, abortion and racial prejudice the themes of God’s love, grace and sovereignty shine through. Hunt was extraordinarily successful at engaging my emotions - I gasped in joy as I rejoiced with them, and I wept with them in their times of sorrow and doubt.

I have now been opened up to the possibility that well written Christian fiction can indeed, draw a believer’s heart closer to Christ, can lead them to examine themselves in the light of His love, can teach us how to relate to, and love each other. How could I ask for anything more? I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt’s work now that I have discovered her.

Watch for the upcoming blog tour post this week, including more about this title, the author, and the first chapter!

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Can Christianity and science fiction be successfully blended in one work? That is the question I found myself asking as I read through Beyond the Reflection’s Edge. Before my conversion I was an avid fantasy and science fiction reader; after my conversion I set the genre aside due to the extreme un-godliness of many of the themes. It was with interest that I read this entry into the Christian, young-adult, adventure-fantasy field (I think it would be better classed as science fiction however).

Bryan Davis is certainly an accomplished author, who draws his readers into the world that he has created and keeps them reading through a series of high-paced scene (and dimension changes). His main character, Nathan, is an honorable Christian young man. I appreciate the model that he provides for young readers when dealing with standards of modesty, respect for women and sexual purity. Nathan also has a heart for those who are lost, and do not know the love of Christ in their own lives. Examples such as this are difficult to find, and often lacking in contemporary fiction written for young adults. It is obvious that the absent father figure has trained his son well, as his influence continues to be felt on a daily basis in practical, real-life decisions. This is a father who has trained his son well. Nathan’s deep love, obedience and respect for his parents are also refreshing in the sea of youth fiction, where parents are either emotionally absent or disregarded by their children.

Some of the characters could have benefited from a deeper level of development so that readers could empathize with them more fully. At times when they found themselves in desperate situations I found myself feeling emotionally neutral in regards to their predicaments. Solutions to various conflicts involve physical force and violence, which is not discouraged, but rather lauded as skillful by other characters. I doubt that I would encourage young teenage children of my own to read it due to some of the darker events that occur.

After reading this novel I’m still not certain if Christianity and science fiction can be successfully blended. I am certainly thankful for the Christian character examples provided, as well as the acknowledgement of God as creator throughout. God is certainly never absent, and is often referenced by several of the characters. While I doubt this title will draw you nearer to Christ in your walk with Him; if you are interested in some light summer reading, that is quick paced and entertaining without compromising your Christian values, then this would be an excellent choice for you. I did find the reading enjoyable, and quick paced, I had a difficult time setting the book aside.

Have you read this book? Let me know what you thought in the comments!

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Who hasn’t heard of Pocahontas? She is likely the most prominent female Native American in North America. Even we Canadians to the North are familiar with the basic rudiments of her story and impact upon the settlement of the United States. Whether you were introduced to her through a full length animated feature film bearing the name her Father teasingly bestowed upon her (little mischief-maker); in school history lessons or through a historical fiction biography, you have no doubt encountered her. Have your children?

Author Wendy Lawton, also a renowned doll maker and literary agent, has crafted a brisk paced, educational and engrossing account of the girlhood of Pocahontas. The seventh in the Daughters of The Faith Series, The Captive Princess not only covers the culture of Pocahontas’ native people (the Powhatan tribe) and her major contributions to history, but also explores her conversion to Christianity. Made famous not only by her astounding bravery and courage displayed while saving John Smith’s life and her role in the provision of food for the struggling Jamestown settlement – she is also one of the first Native American converts to Christianity.

This engaging tale touches upon all of the major aspects of the Pocahontas story while blessedly steering clear of any inappropriate innuendos that some historical fiction dealing with this heroine becomes entangled in. My own first introduction to the story of Pocahontas was through a work of historical fiction, no doubt intended for adult readers, that was given to me as a gift as a preteen. Unfortunately it included conclusions based upon uncalled for speculation into the relationship between John Smith and Pocahontas and became quite graphic.

Memories of this past read haunted me from time to time as I read through this title, but thankfully, it is a very clean read, with no inappropriate or sensual suggestions at all. The Daughters of the Faith Series is aimed at Christian girls between the ages of 8 – 12, and I was blessed to find that I would feel comfortable sharing it with my young daughters without having to worry about unclean language or inferences.

During the first few chapters I made heavy use of the glossary of Powhatan words found in the back of the book until I became familiar with the most frequently used Powhatan words and expressions sprinkled infrequently throughout the text. I found the use of these words delightful, as I learned how some Powhatan words have become part of the English language, as we know it today. The development of Pocahontas’ native culture is depicted skillfully, and is naturally integrated into the story – woven throughout the day-to-day situations she finds herself in, without an emphasis on lengthy expository sequences. Lawton is an author that succeeds in drawing her readers into the story, and I read the entire book in one sitting.

Unfortunately the theme that should have held the book together and brought it to a powerful conclusion was not presented as clearly as it could have been. God’s work in the life of Pocahontas was evident throughout the book in the guidance she feels are coming from “Gitchee Manitou” or the “Great Spirit”. While I understand that this term may have been used to explain God, the Creator of the universe, I do not believe that these two entities are one and the same. Gitchee Manitou is more of an animistic deity, and while the existence of this spirit may help to guide those with an existing understanding of him into a fuller understanding of God the Creator, they cannot be seen as one being, as they are presented in several instances in the book.

This confusion, along with the lack of a comprehensive explanation of the full gospel may be confusing for younger readers. I was somewhat confused by what the author was trying to accomplish by stating that Jesus Christ was the son of Gitchee Manitou myself, let alone how a younger reader would feel. If the author is aiming to promote ecumenism she is well on her way – many Christians who hold to the historical faith, that a relationship with Jesus Christ, His Father, and the Holy Spirit are the only way to eternal life, may well find themselves disappointed by such statements.

Despite my hesitations regarding the potentially confusing spiritual statements made in The Captive Princess, I look forward to reading the other titles in the Daughters of the Faith Series. I pray, that because the other girls represented do not come from animistic backgrounds this confusion as to the person of God and His Son Jesus Christ, will not be present. Lawton writes in a clear, depictive voice that will make these titles highly sought after additions to the libraries of Christian families who are eager to learn more about young heroines of the faith.

There are currently seven other titles in this historical fiction series.

You can visit Wendy Lawton online to learn more about her dolls, stories and free bookmarks to download.

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Have you read this book?  What were your thoughts?  Please share with us in the comments!