John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Addressing one of the most pressing and least-discussed crises facing young Americans, The ISSA Manuscript: An American Public Policy Statement by Scott A. Ginn confidently proposes an alternative to current Social Security policy that will ensure its longevity and sustainability for future generations. The text is relatively short, but quite dense, targeted specifically at those who are familiar with the system, or legislators who could potentially adopt these proposals. Comprehensive in its scope and impressive in its foresight, the argument for such a necessary shift in policy is presented logically and intuitively, and the professional/technical tone rarely slips, presenting a […]

The fourth book of Jenny Knipfer’s excellent Sheltering Trees series, By Broken Birch Bay is another swirling portrayal of uncertain romance and intense family drama. Steeped in longing reveries and subtle prayers for deliverance, this is a tender and emotional story, particularly when it comes to Petra’s scarred heart and Honey’s innocent hopes for happiness, but there is also grit and struggle, giving the book the feel and import of a Christian parable. Knipfer masterfully weaves a small-town historical drama, peppered with a sharply crafted whodunit, resulting in a rustic and remarkably engaging work of pastoral historical fiction that offers […]

An inspiring novel about persistence, faith, and the brutal beauty of the natural world, Purity Found by Jane Catherine Rozek is an empowering and spiritually nourishing installment of the author’s Spirit Quest series. Kate is a devout and fearless protagonist, dropped into an intimidating new world, but she is undaunted by neither divine visions nor divinely attractive men. Loosely linked to a larger belief structure and philosophy, the book is both a thrilling tale of rugged romance and a spiritually-driven parable of connecting with God during life’s greatest challenges. Despite some archetypal tropes in the storytelling, the emotional entanglements are […]

A classic story of the heart coming to life, A Mountain Leads Home by Shelley Kassian is a stylish and engrossing second installment of her Places in the Heart series. Loosely based on real events, this is a charming tale of unexpectedly crossed paths on the slopes of life, the ethical dilemmas of undeniable desire, and the sacrifices that real people make to take a chance on love. Taylor is far from the cliché snowboarder, despite his hunger for sick tricks, and Sarah is a three-dimensional protagonist, not just a damsel desperate for companionship. Putting her unique spin on the […]