Library

Set during the massive turn-of-the-century influx of immigrants to America, in Until We Reach Home, Christy award-winning author Lynn Austin tells the tale of three orphaned sisters forced to flee their childhood Swedish home. Driven by her desire to protect her younger sisters from inappropriate advances that she endured from their uncle Sven, 19-year-old Elin orchestrates their escape to a new life in Chicago. Kirsten, 18, and Sofia, 16, are not fully “on board” with Elin's plan and reluctantly accompany their older sibling on her search for a new home. At the conclusion of this captivating novel, readers will feel like they know and empathize with these young girls through Austin's stellar characterization.

As a self-proclaimed “America's Family Financial Expert®,” prolific writer Ellie Kay has chosen an ideal economic time to publish her latest book. Identifying with many of her readers who are currently financially strapped or struggling, Kay recounts how she went from having $40,000 of consumer debt to being completely debt free within 30 months. Kay's financial advice can be summed up in a three-pronged approach: The sweetest dollar you ever make is the one you give away – Give 10 percent. The safest dollar you ever make is the one you put away – Save 10 percent. The smartest dollar you ever make is the one you spend well – Spend smart 80 percent. Filled with charts, “Cha Ching” tips and real life, extremely practical examples, Living Rich for Less is written in Kay's humorous, down-to-earth style. Chapters end with discussion questions, so the book is appropriate for group study.

“Flywheel,” “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof” are three good choices for Family Movie Night at Home. These DVDs are in the FRBC library ready for you to borrow. Add a big bowl of popcorn for worthwhile family entertainment.

At age 17, Tass Saada was carrying a high-powered Simonov rifle. He had run away from home to become a PLO sniper and chauffeur for Arafat. His experience growing up as a refugee in Saudi Arabia had taught him to hate. Like many Palestinians, his hatred — and his rifle — was aimed squarely at Israel. But Tass was destined for better things, and his story will give you an intimate look at: the world of Arafat, the life, struggles and heart of a Palestinian refugee, a Muslim who converted to Christianity and faced retribution at the hands of his relatives, and the transformation of hatred into love and hope. Saada now runs a ministry, Hope for Ishmael, based in the Gaza Strip that is dedicated to Jew-Arab reconciliation.

Iran 1993. A judge issues an official death sentence to Mehdi Dibaj, a man already imprisoned for 10 years. Dibaj's only crime is converting from Islam to Christianity. A copy of the execution order is leaked to Haik Hovsepian, the leader of Evangelical Christians in Iran. Haik, at peril to his own life, bravely releases the document to the international community and launches a campaign to bring an end to the civil rights violations secretly but officially being perpetrated by the Iranian Islamic courts. Through Haik's efforts intense international pressure mounts and the Iranian government is forced to release Dibaj at the 11th hour to save face with the international community…but, there is a price to pay. An epic true story, “A Cry From Iran” documents the life of Haik Hovsepian and the incredible impact one man made when he fully surrendered his own life in love of others. It is expertly documented including astonishing behind the scenes hidden camera documentary footage filmed during the events in Iran.

Passionate proponents and skeptics of alternative medicine abound. Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and alternative therapies, such as acupressure, acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, reflexology and Reiki, are topics investigated and reviewed in this comprehensive, well-balanced guidebook, Alternative Medicine. University lecturer and researcher Dónal O'Mathúna, PhD, and national medical authority Walt Larimore, MD provide detailed and balanced answers to your most pressing questions about alternative medicine. Two alphabetical reference sections: “Alternative therapies” and “Herbal remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements” give quick answers, as well as a description of each therapy and remedy, an analysis of claims, results of actual studies, cautions, recommendations, and further resources.

Big things often come in small packages. This small book, with a small amount of time, can help parents navigate that big milestone, the teenage years. Tim Sanford reminds parents it's not their job to make their kids turn out right; rather, they exercise control on themselves, not their child. Tim Sanford has spent over 30 years working with and counseling teens. His style is easy to understand and makes sense. There are few clinical terms that would make parents panic, and the explanation of concepts is illustrative and direct. There are two very important biblical truths that are foundational; God\'s relationship with Adam and Eve, and John 8:32. Sanford gives examples from his counseling experience, from his own parenting struggles and also gives excellent concrete advice on how to change misguided thinking. — Angie Weaver

At age 35, Deanna Favre had it all — a loving husband at the peak of his NFL career, two beautiful daughters, a wonderful life … and breast cancer. Through it all, however, Deanna has emerged a survivor. In this candid and inspirational memoir, she shares the triumphs and tragedies of a life lived both behind the scenes and on center stage. From her years as a single mom and her high-profile marriage to Brett, to her highly publicized battle with breast cancer and the work she is currently doing through the Deanna Favre HOPE Foundation, Deanna's story is living testament that with faith, hope and love, ordinary people can overcome even the most extraordinary circumstances.

Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory in 2007, the first such win for an African American coach. Dungy played three seasons in the NFL and held other coaching positions — including the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' history — before he joined the Colts in 2002. In the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his success — principles, practices and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming obstacles, including firings, stereotypings and the tragic loss of a child. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long, hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.