Leaving Carolina: A Novel by Tamara Leigh

Southern Discomfort Series #1

In Tamara Leigh's Christian chick-lit novel, Leaving Carolina, Piper Wick learns about faith, forgiveness and family. Piper and her mother left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina and swore never to return. Twelve years later, Piper does just that. Now a successful public relations consultant and possibly engaged to a Congressman, Piper rushes home when told her Uncle Obadiah is probably dying and will expose her family's humiliating secrets - including her own.

While back in Pickwick, Piper must face her painful past, the relatives that made it so and her uncle's godson, Axel Smith. Axel challenges her to re-evaluate herself, her family and what it means to forgive and make amends.

I enjoyed getting to know the Pickwick family and all their quirks. Piper is a realistic character with flaws and hopes. I found this to be an enjoyable and entertaining novel and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom

In Mitch Albom's latest nonfiction book, Have a Little Faith, he tells the story of two very different men and their journey to faith. Two very different men - one, a Jewish rabbi and one, a former drug dealer turned evangelical preacher - impact the life of the author, and now, anyone who reads this book.

This book is full of personal anecdotes about the rabbi, the preacher as well as about Mitch. The story is an easy, simple read while giving the reader a lot to think about. I closed the book feeling convicted to stand firm in my faith - you never know who or how someone will be impacted. And the greatest test of faith is when we don't understand God.

Fearless by Max Lucado

I anxiously awaited the release of Max Lucado's new book, Fearless, and was not disappointed. He asks us to explore why we are afraid and if fear has ever actually improved a situation. He writes from the heart and includes personal examples while providing Biblical support for each of his points. Max explores a different scenario in each chapter where fear often reigns and dares us to focus on faith rather than fear.

This book hit close to my heart as I often struggle with worry and fear. I cried through most of the book and closed it feeling convicted and challenged. This book is insightful and should be read by anyone who struggles with fear or knows someone who does - whether on a long term basis or situational.

Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. I find his books to be inspirational and convicting, but also easy to read and relate to. He never sounds judgmental or condescending - rather, he comes across as hopeful and prayerful and as though he can relate to our struggles to live in God's grace and peace in a turbulent world.