Christ the King Books

Hunting the King, by Peter Clenott, is set in modern Iraq after the US coalition forces overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime. The blurb on the book's cover is "The race to uncover the most prized archaeological find of all time: the tomb of Jesus Christ."

This is Dan Brown light. Fast action, fast paced, details are not in-depth, the story facts are woven in with the real facts for a seamless, believable, whole. It is a good, easy read with mystery, dreams, visitation from the past, and puzzles. It is believable enough for you to wonder how it happened (You need to read the book for the 'it'!). Clenott, like real archeology, does not provide all the answers. So in my few quiet times, I can ponder back on the story line and wonder about meanings and futures.

The tomb of Jesus, where his mortal form was last laid to rest only the vanish three days later. "Hunting the King" is a race between archaeologists to uncover what could be the biggest discovery in their history, the tomb of Jesus Christ. Set during the height of the Iraq War as the army still marches against Hussein, Molly O'Dwyer is on the verge of discovery, but must face against rivals, the military, and a Muslim cleric all with their own agendas but in Molly's way nonetheless. A captivating thriller from first page to last, "Hunting the King" is a top pick for fiction lovers and community library collections dedicated to them.

HUNTING THE KING is a fast-paced story of the search for the remains of Christ. And if not Christ's remains, at least those of his family members. Throughout the complex compilation of characters from academia, religion, the military and the past Iraqi regime, you wonder what will happen to the faithful if Christ's temporal remains should be found. The story is very well written. Clenott keeps the numerous characters and their stories clear and interesting and the dénouement is clever. I highly recommend this book.

One of the joys of reading 'first novels' is the pleasure of discovering a mature writer who is able to construct a book with a strong idea, a solid cast of varied and wholly credible characters, and the ability to pull it all together with elegant writing. Peter Clenott seems to have the qualities that define a writer of class - a rich imagination, a commitment to research, a facile way with words, a sense of the arc of a story line that is as smooth throughout the curve, and a style that manages to make a complex story very easy to follow.

Mysteries about the origins of Christianity have been a popular topic for the past decade or so - was Jesus crucified until dead and did he rise from the dead and in resurrection ascend into heaven, or was there more to his important life than tradition and the Church would have us believe - questions that to some casual reader of a book jacket may sound heretical but to others who love historical investigation open new paths of exploring, and even enhancing, our belief systems. Clenott writes with authority and yet with a profound respect for all religions as he traces a mixed group of archeologists, clerics, historians, politicians, Intelligence experts, and military personnel from varied countries in a search for the possible remains of a buried Jesus and his 'earthly family' - all from insights provided by the Book of Hannaniah (the daughter of Jesus and Mary Magdalen) excluded from the Bible. His cast is lead by a fascinating Dr. Molly O'Dwyer who is convinced through her sessions of 'Regression therapy' by a Catholic priest turned professor that she has inhabited the character of Hannaiah and is obsessed with discovering the burial site of Hannaiah and possibly even the grave of Jesus. The book follows the expedition team gathered from various countries to Iraq, a timely current and well-managed proscenium arch for the story. Clenott manages the various aspects of this story by breaking his chapters into fragments that serve to transport the reader to various vantages of the involved and very disparate characters, allowing the story to flow without disruption while at the same time giving the reader a depth of understanding about the forces involved. His knowledge and research is evident on every page as we learn the terrain not only of Afghanistan and Iraq but also of the Vatican and the US and tenets of the world religions. And to keep the novel grounded in credible reality Clenott manages to introduce sidebars of love interest and profound friendships as well as the brutalities of war and conflicts that enhance this story while successfully questioning historical Biblical accuracy.

To offer more of the plot would spoil the adventure for reading Peter Clenott's fascinating tale. HUNTING THE KING is a very fine, very successful work of literature - a book that, once started, is quite impossible to put down. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 08

One more book in the "just like Da Vinci Code" genre, but the only difference is, this one is good.

In 2003, as America is invading Iraq, a discovery is made that leads Molly O'Dwyer to believe that Hannaniah, the supposed daughter of Jesus, is there and Molly must find the remains before they are lost forever. Being an observant Catholic, she battles herself over the bigger picture. If she finds and reveals them to the world, what will happen to the Christian faith? With a long list of characters that had me a bit confused at times, Molly and her fellow scientist's race through Iraq and Afghanistan following clues that Hannaniah herself left in her poetry. Climaxing in a battle of good vs evil and who can outwit who, Clenot has you on the edge of your seat until the final pages.

The brutality of the time and place are not lost on the reader, Clenott manages to carry the reader through Abu Ghraib and into the beauty of the country that protects their traditions and will fight to withhold them.

What I respected Clenott for was his implying but not really coming out and saying who the mother of the child was. Mary Magdalene's name had been mentioned in the book as a follower, but it was never said outright that she was the mother of Hannaniah. I'm glad he didn't get caught up in the current hype and let the reader reach their own conclusion. The one thing that did caused me to mark the book down one star was the fact that the lead character was a diabetic, but yet was able to go long days without eating and only needing one insulin shot. I don't know why Clenott included this tidbit about his character since it really wasn't necessary and for me, drew me away from the story. Having lived with my father, a diabetic for years, this didn't make sense to me and kept drawing me away from the story.

Apparently, this is the first in a planned series and I look forward to see more from this writer and Molly O'Dwyer.

I was previously unfamiliar with this author - to my shame I find! There is so much nonsense in Christianity these days that it was refreshing to find solid works still being produced. This author is proof that there are still Biblically oriented, solidly grounded men of God around for our edification. I purchased all 3 books and quite frankly each one answered many questions I had, as a student who rightly divides, that other "scenarios" hadn't been able to answer completely. I noticed that there was much scholarly research (using the Bible! Shock of shockers!) and that the author has a passion, literally you can see it in his writing, for the WHOLE counsel of God. While I read the Bible everyday, I discovered that I had quit "digging" and am excited to say I have begun to seriously dig again. Instead of having a preconceived notion of what scripture is saying and going from there, this man reminds you of what SCRIPTURE is saying and walks along with you down that Biblical path! Highly recommended for the serious student - or for one who would like to be a serious student of the Bible.

I am a pastor of a non-denominational Christian church in Vancouver, Washington. We have a midweek book study and we have been studying through "APPOINTED" by David Busch and it has been a thought provoking, exciting study. So much confusion abounds regarding the study of "end-times" events and the APPOINTED sheds a great deal of light on this subject, with numerous scriptural references to back up all the points the author makes throughout the book. Mr. Busch is not a doomsday, finatical, end times enternainer, but a student and teacher of the Word of God. It has answered many questions for me that I have had for quite some time. We plan on continuing on after we finish APPOINTED with Mr. Busch's second book in the series entitled "The ASSYRIAN" and I am excited to hear that there is a third book in the series that is about to be released. If you don't have this book, it is worth purchasing.

I highly recommend this book as a study tool for any Christian who may be interested in the relationship of the Feasts of the Lord as found in the Old Testament and Israel's Messiah. David does an outstanding job in presenting the many wonderful ways that the Lord Jesus Christ fully fulfilled each of the four Spring Feasts. He goes on to remind the reader that God has always been about details and that just as the Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled the details of the Spring Feasts, He will certainly fulfill the details of the Fall Feasts in His second advent. This book is a must read for any Christian interested in the on going debate between Reform Christianity and Dispensational Christianity.

I had a seminary professor that continually cried, "Whatever one decides to do with the Old Testament is what they will do with the Book of Revelation!" Nowhere have I seen this scenario more realized than in this refreshing work by David Busch. The author maintains that the Appointed Feasts of Israel find their eschatological fulfillment in the various event scenarios that surround the Second Coming. He builds on the premise that just as the Spring Feasts were literally fulfilled in the soteriological work of Christ's first coming,the consummation of His redemptive plan will find the same in reference to the Fall Feasts and His Second Coming. Previous efforts concerning the Fall Feasts have ranged from the ridiculous to the plausibly entertaining; that is until this one arrived. David limits his work to the boundaries of the Text which is welcomed and refreshing. He presupposes his readers to have a firm grasp of the Book of Daniel, and, rightly so. Why bother with prophecy if you're missing the eschatological key. Throughout this work, the author holds himself to the highest of standards and, correctly, expects no less from his readers.

Far from breaking from many of the great dispensational scholars of the past, David actually edifies their work yet builds and expands on many of their conclusions. For the last ten years I've looked for a source that correctly identifies the geography of the Antichrist. Scripture is silent as to any invasion coming from the traditional view of the west (Roman Antichrist and 10 EU nations); only the north and the ten nations being "round about" Israel. David offers this much desired source. By correctly identifying the person and his place, he then presents an eschatological scenario that never breaks from context and comprehension, thus bringing clarity never before realized.

This entire scenario is perfectly placed in reference to the "times and seasons" revealed in the Fall Feasts. Furthermore, David understands that "tellin ain't sellin" and only proves his stance from the Text (Acts 17:11).

Finally, he presents a chronology of the extra 75 days of Daniel's 70 week prophecy that, I believe, will clarify eschatology as we know it.

Throughout this work, David Busch acknowledges the words of the wise King Solomon, "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter (Pro 25:2)." I recommend this book as a "must read," you will be better for doing it!

The Appointed is a marvelous book detailing Isarel's feast days and how they point to the Lord Jesus Christ! This book brings the meaning of those biblical feastivals to life like no other.

David Winston Busch brings out all the splendor of the Lord Jesus Christ as He is pictured in these feast days and it makes my appreciation for God's Word even better.

I would, and have, recommended this book to anyone who would love to glorify God thru the Lord Jesus Christ in His faithfulness to one day give believing Israel their earthly kingdom.

David makes it clear in this book that because Christ fulfilled the first 4 feast days in His first advent, that He will also fulfill the last 3 days right on schedule!

I thank the Lord for brother David and his passionate labour in the Word of God rightly divided.

I found this book to be well written and researched. James Jesse Strang is a unique character (A King no less!) in the history of Michigan. This book inspired me to visit Michigan's Beaver Island. As a compliment to this book I would also suggest reading Guardian of the Great Lakes The U.S. Paddle Frigate Michigan By: Mr. Bradley A. Rodgers.

I'm a relative of his and have recently become interested in learning about him. So please if you know about him tell me.

This work is a fairly standard, straight-forward biography of King Strang. It is very well researched, documented, and foot noted. It would appear that Mr. Van Noord dug deeper into his reseach than most authors dealing with James Strang have in the past. The book enlightened me on several points regarding King Strang that I had previously read and Mr. Van Noord found to be incorrect. If you are interested in learning about a fascinating man and those around him this is the book. However it gives only a sparce and very typical Beaver Island history and does not touch on the legendary (and I believe, mythical) Mormon, Beaver Island treasure at all. If those items are your points of interest, look elsewhere.

Mormonism's second prophet wasn't the famous Brigham Young -- he may have seized control of many of the Church's institutions, but he never claimed to be the "Prophet". That mantle was seized by the insteresting historic figure, James J. Strang, who led his portion of the Mormon Church from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Voree, Wisconsin, and then to Beaver Island, Michigan at the same time that Young was leading his branch to Utah.

Van Noord's book is a great biography of Strang which makes close use of Strang's journals, letters, books, and draws a great deal from the newspapers which Strang's church published. Strang's many successes both on Beaver Island and then also in the Michigan legislature, imply that he was quite a brilliant and eloquent character. The book leads you to wonder what might have happened had he not been assassinated.

The only problems with Van Noord's book are that he does not seem to be an expert in the field of Mormon history generally, and he has relied on informants in the modern Utah church -- the great rival of Strang's church -- for some of his information on Mormonism. Additionally, the biography definitely leaves you wanting a larger history of the Strangite church.

All in all, the book is an excellent read. I picked it up and nearly read it cover to cover uninterrupted, as I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Strang next.

I have done extensive study on the subject of Jas. Strang and his followers. I found this book and several others extremely fair-minded considering the controversies (as well as present day prejudices) surrounding this utopian experiment. I welcome other comments. My great-great grandfather was present at Strang's coronation on Beaver Island, Michigan.

So the Ghost of Christmas Past came to visit me this year. He came through a porthole in the ethers otherwise known as Google, after I entered my name. There he showed me "Under a Christmas Star," a book published by an apparently Mormon outfit called Cedar Fort. This was a collection of new Christmas tales by various writers.
Here is how the Cedar Fort website touts it:
Under a Christmas Star is a collection of Christmas stories---not sappy or sentimental ones, not dark or hard to understand ones, but stories that uplift and inspire---tellable tales. These are the brightest and most prized Christmas Stories. Most are true stories about people touched by the light of the Christmas star.
One writer was singled out for praise in an Amazon.com review by a teacher who said she was going to read the stories to her third-graders. That writer, by the way, was. . .
Me.
Not since I walked into the living room at age 11 and saw a gleaming lime-green ten-speed Schwinn Varsity under (well, beside) the Christmas tree have I had such a Christmas shock. You see, Cedar Fort didn't bother to mention to me that they were publishing my story that is not dark or hard to understand and uplifts and inspires tellable (sic) tales, and paying me a whole lot of Christmas nothing for it. Nor did they mention to me that my story was so compelling that they used it as the inspiration for the cover illustration of the book: Santa Claus pumping gas into a taxi cab.
Merrrrrrrry Christmas, Rip!
Now, when I say Ghost of Christmas past, here is what I mean: the story that Cedar Fort---a Utah-based outfit that publishes religious tracts and Mormon-themed stuff under Latter Day Saints Books---published without consulting me concerns one of my oldest, most personal and cherished Christmas memories. And I don't have many! Allow me to summarize:
When I was ten, I was sent on a Greyhound bus to visit my mother on Christmas Eve. My father and jealous stepmother had fought about it for days, but my father prevailed and I was dispatched to Newport Beach, California, with a paper-bag suitcase and a whole lot of ambivalence. I was to call a cab upon arrival, in order to be taken to the hotel where my mom worked as a cashier.
One problem: the old man had forgotten to give me cab fare---which I discovered just as the taxi arrived around 7 p.m.. To make a wonderful story short and less than artful, here's the punchline: Santa Claus was at the wheel. Really. His halls were fully decked. Red suit, black gloves, nylon beard. I didn't tell him I didn't have any money, figuring I could just bolt when I got to the hotel.
In the end, I confessed, and Santa explained that in all the Yellow Cabs on Xmas Eve in the area, only one had a Claus, and if you got him, you rode for free. See? Great story, eh? It sure as hell thrilled me as a kid, let me tell you. Father Christmas was watching over me that night, if not my father. There is more to the tale, but I don't want to get into that here. You can read it in full detail in my forthcoming novel, which should be available in late January, if you want.
Or you can read it in the Cedar Fort book, which I ardently, fervently, and otherwise enthusiastically hope you. . .do not.
Here's why:
I wrote the story used in "A Christmas Star" for the L.A. Times in the early 90's, and they slapped the cheesey headline on it: "How Santa Spread Cheer Without Eight Tiny Reindeer." At the time, I was writing regular essays/columns for what was called the "Life and Style" section, more affectionately known as "Strife and Bile" for its pandering to political correctness and touchy-feely sentimentality. I wrote about a hundred columns for L&S before being offered a regular gig there---only to have said offer rescinded because, as one enlightened editor ruled, "we have too many white male columnists here." (See 10/11/06 Riposte.)
(Merrrrrrrry Christmas, Rip!)
Well, the Times paid me for that article, about $350 or $400, I guess, which enabled me to buy a few extra ginger snaps to go with my eggnog that Yule. But the Times also did something that would make Santy frown, that would take the rosy red glow right out of his cheeks, something very, very un-Christmasy---something you would expect from Scrooge and Marley, Ltd.
Some might call it extortion. The Times called it "business."
This noble newspaper changed its freelance contracts to claim total rights to whatever it purchased---as opposed to traditional first-publication-only. And if freelancers didn't sign such a contract, the Times would not buy their work.
At least they didn't send someone to your home to break your knuckles.
At that time, I was what was termed a "regular contributor" to the Times. This meant I was a full-time employee without any of regular rights or regular benefits of full-time regular employees. This is also called "business." What's more, because I was angling for that full-time column which was later withdrawn due to my gender and race, I cut back all other freelance work. The Times, at that moment, comprised about 90 percent of my regular income.
Then there was the little complicating fact that I could just barely manage to get up and walk to the store every day to buy groceries, courtesy of a paralyzing three-year bout with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. My Times paychecks, after rent, were going to doctors and supplements. Typing was a workout.
Did I want to sign that contract? Every bit as much as I would like to congratulate George W. Bush for a job well done in Iraq.
Did I sign that contract? You betcha.
Did I think that someday my Santa-in-the-taxi column might be licensed to a proselytizing Mormon publisher for profit? And used for the cover illustration?
You betcha I didn't.
And there are more presents under this tree:
The "author" of "Under a Christmas Star" is one Carol Jean Coombs. That's correct. Author. My name and story are in this book, but Carol Jean Coombs is on cover as the author, apparently because she compiled the contents. Gee, I'd sure like to be considered an "author" for compiling a bunch of stuff written by other people!
You're welcome, Carol, baby! Glad to oblige!
Of course, it just fills me with the Christmas spirit that Carol liked my story enough to want to compile it. And whew, that compiling is hard author work! Here's what Carol said to a little newspaper: "Getting permission from the copyright holders was time-consuming and because some of the stories are 20 to 40 years old, a real challenge." Right! Almost as hard as writing! I wonder how much of an author challenge it was to secure my column from the fine people at the L.A. Times.
Yes, of course I looked into suing. I know that's just so humbug of me, but gee, it's the season. So I spoke with an excellent attorney who specializes in theft of one's work. Well, it turns out that I have every bit as strong a case as Saddam Hussein had in that Iraq courtroom. Even if I wanted to sue, there is the little matter of the Times extortion---er, contract. And another little matter called a statute of limitations which gives me three years after publication to file (it's been five.) And another little matter called settlement not covering lawyer fees.
Ho ho ho.
It's just another example of legalized crime that defines our world, of course. I mean, you wonder why criminals bother to break any laws, when you can steal legally. No---no one here has broken any laws---not the Times, not Cedar Fort, not author Carol Jean Coombs. Moral and ethical laws are another matter, but anyone who believes in such things can go fly a reindeer.
Still, I can't help but say this is all not very. . .Christian.
So there you have it. My writing has helped enable some Mormons to make some money. Of course, I do not like or approve of the Church of the Latter Day Saints---I think their members are painting without a brush, buttoning without a shirt---and I suspect the Church would not like or approve of me. The closest I've ever come to a Mormon Church was stumbling around on codeine outside the Tabernacle one morning about 5 o' clock (long story.)
In the meantime, I hear that "Under a Christmas Star" is quite popular. A friend in Atlanta told me that when it was given away as a gift at a recent book club party, there were "ooo's and ahhh's."
I'm a commercial success at last.
Why, you might even call me a Christmas Star!
---RIP RENSE

This is a great Christmas Book to add to your Christmas book collection. The stories in this book are inspirational and full of the Christmas spirit. This is a book that the entire family will enjoy!!

I couldn't put it down. The stories are without exception warm and meaningful. I am giving this book to my grandchildren. Sharing these stories is sharing the best of Christmas with them.

This gem includes 25 stories that will appeal to readers of all ages. Most are true. Each story tells of the warmth and love of others--the real light of Christmas. They uplifted and inspired me. The author selected her best stories, most unavailable elsewhere, from a collection gathered over more than 40 years. Authors vary from famous writers and newspaper reporters to people who just wanted to share a personal Christmas experience. The 25 stories are short-- perfect for the whole family to read together each night throughout December. This is a book I will read over and over again--at Christmas time or whenever I want to remember the goodness we all have inside us.

Most collections of stories, Christmas or otherwise, have a bunch of mediocre selections, a few good ones, and one or two great ones--but this book manages to have ALL great ones. Plus, they're not those sappy ones that make you roll your eyes; they're touching without being obnoxious. Maybe it's because almost all of the stories are true experiences, told in a straightforward way. My personal favorites are "The Gold and Ivory Tablecloth" by Howard Schade, "A Christmas Gift I'll Never Forget" by L.D. Hummel, and "My Christmas Miracle" by Taylor Caldwell. Okay, also "How Santa Spread Cheer Without Eight Tiny Reindeer," by Rip Rense. (I'm a school teacher, and I'm going to read some of these to my third graders in December.) Enjoy the joy!

This is a must read for anyone interested in this subject.
God bless

This book was not what expected, however one of the things that impressed me and that I really like about the book is the history it provides of plural marriage - it's roots, the reasons the church denounced it, and more.

Consider this passage found on page 78:

"I chose to live in plural marriage. I believe it to be a celestial principle calculated to turn me into the person I want to be - full of love, kindness and faithfulness.

"This principle puts my soul to the test as it divides my carnal, selfish nature from my spiritual nature and makes me choose between them every day. Whichever nature I choose is strengthened, so I know that through the years this process will form me into the woman of pure, Christ-like love I want to be, if that is the path I follow."

This is just one example of the dedication to higher spiritual principles which permeates the testimonies found in this marvelous book.

Here is another quote from page 80:

"I have been very blessed in living the principle. I now have a little boy who couldn't be loved more. I have a wonderful sisterwife who loves our little boy as though he were her very own. I have a great husband who conducts himself in a Godly manner, and who loves and provides for his family."

I find that so beautiful!

How I wish that all those who profess to being Christian and to following the Word of God would take the time to do as the Bereans did and search the Scriptures - openly and honestly - to see for themselves.

Where in the Scriptures is polygamy condemned? You might be surprised to know that God portrays Himself as a polygamist (Ezekiel 23).

For my part, I bow before these women and their husbands for their dedication to marriage and family and higher spiritual values. Were only this dedication not from something which has been added to the Bible - i.e. the law of celestial plural marriage. Surely, the Dominion Mandate is principle enough, were it to be taken seriously.

Voices in Harmony is a book which looks at Mormon plural marriage from the point of view of the women involved. It is very beautifully written and insightful. At times it is very moving, for example when terrifying episodes of persecution (of polygamists) are described. Yet they remain a very spiritual, very religious people, and that undoubtedly is a strength for them in this unusual domestic arrangement.

A curious fact garnered from it: the women of Utah were amoung the first in the world to be granted the vote. Washington DC granted them the vote in 1870, in the hope that they would vote for the anti-polygamy candidate. Unfortunately, the polygamous Utah wives were happy with their lot, for they voted for the Mormon candidate. Just 17 years later, in 1887, Washington evidently came to the conclusion that the women of Utah could not be trusted to vote for the "correct" candidate, and so they were disenfranchised. This happened as part of the infamous Edmunds-Tucker Act.

It also occurs to me that there is a fratricidal element in this: in 1890 the LDS Church publicly retracted its support for plural marriage, in return for more respectful treatment from Washington; and nowadays, these "monogamy-only" Mormons appear to dominate state institutions in Utah--the recent Tom Green case (covered briefly in this book) being an example.

I wonder, had this polygamous community been, say, moslem, or jewish, or hindu--or even patriarchal pagan--and not Mormon, wether people would want to bother them. Perhaps it would not make any difference, even so: I recall reading on the Niqabi Paralegal site, that the Native American tribes were pressured by Washington into making polygamy illegal in their tribal law, in exchange for more respectful treatment. Some tribes conceded. Others did not.

But back to Voices in Harmony. Another curious historical fact: President Buchanan at one point sent an army to Utah, to finish off polygamy once and for all. But the army did not fire a shot, and had to be recalled, when the Civil War broke out."Buchanan's Folly" it was called.

This is curioser than it seems: I recall reading, in Schott's Miscellany, that Buchanan was a bachelor president. A bachelor president declaring war on polygamous Mormons! Interesting.

Voices in Harmony is absorbing reading, and thought-provoking. The middle section, in which 100 plural wives speak in their own words, is especially interesting. It occurred to me that even monogamous people, who want to learn the secret(s) of happy marriage and family life, could learn from this.

Finally, there is a book that tells of the faith, hope, courage and determination of women that live to fulfill what they want to have in their lives. You won't find any of the ridiculous sensational garbage that you read in the news. This book is about down to earth women like you and me. Women that have endured great hardship to live their religion. An excellent book for anyone wanting to know what the truth is behind the headlines and scare tatics of the news. This is truly a heartwarming journey through the lives of women from different groups and ages. Women who have dedicated their lives to living the principles they espouse.

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows. This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows.This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

The glorious stained-glass cathedral windows of England inspired Fiona French to create this wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The words, directly from the book of Luke from the King James Bible, are brought to life with bright beautiful designs. Although the traditional words may be too advanced for very young readers, they will be drawn to the book for the illustrations. This concise version of the Nativity would be an asset for personal collections.

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows.This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

Mr. Foote does an excellent job of presenting the birth of Christ from the perspective of an innocent child. In this day and age when folks seldom appreciate the "Gift" of the birth of the son of God, it is so refreshing to happen across a work of art such as what Mr. Foote has crafted. His artwork jumps off the pages at you and the simplistic message of the gift of Jesus Christ is as always, a timely message. This isn't a Christmas book, this is something everyone should add to their library.

The Bible tells this story several times - the meaning all the same. God sent His Son as our Savior and sent him to us in a form which only a rare few could ignore--a baby. Dan again retells the story and sights some very human feelings and thoughts in a way children can relate. The story helps me as an adult realize that the birth and the coming of our King had very human aspects.

Dan shows that children play a very important part in helping others..."for you know not when you might be entertaining angels".

He makes the Birth of our King REAL!

Dan has kept the story true to the Scriptural account of the birth of Jesus with some imagination through the eyes of a child. I think it is an excellent telling of an old story and the artwork is second to none. The colors are bright and eye catching for the children. Dan, in his art, was not afraid to portray things they way they are in real life.

I bought a copy for each of my grown daughters, who each have 3 children of their own, and one for my wife and me.

The author wrote this book for children so that they can learn the wonder and joy in the birth of Jesus. I happen to know Dan and always marvel at his love for family and friends. He is truly a gift to publishing and you and your children will enjoy and treasure this Christmas season book.

Absolutely gorgeous. Stunning illustrations. Magical ... haunting ... I cannot say enough.

I love Christmas books for children and when I discovered this one, I couldn't believe it. It is a definite heirloom and one to be shared with the entire family. This book was not totally set for the younger age group but for everyone. It isn't entirely encompassed with baby words and illustrations like others I've seen. The pictures are also quite beautiful.

This hardbound book is absolutely beautiful, consisting of wonderful illustrations based upon the gospels of Matthew and Luke (KJV).

The illustrator Gennady Spirin, is masterful, brilliant, and elegantly captures the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The construction of the book itself, 33 pages in length, is designed for adults and mature children and is most definitely not a plaything for toddlers.

Purchase this book and establish a new and wonderful Christmas family tradition.

Clopper and the Night Travelers is a picturebook for Christian children, told from the perspective of a friendly donkey who was present for the birth of Jesus Christ. Clopper and the Night Travelers further tells the tale of how Jesus' mother and father followed the guidance of an angel to hide the baby Jesus from the wicked King Herod's dominion. "When we got to Israel, Joseph heard that Herod's cruel son Archelaus ruled the land around Bethlehem. In a dream, God warned Joseph not to go back there. So we kept going north, all the way to Nazareth. That was a long trip and my hooves needed a rest!" Jovial, cartoony illustrations endear this story, which makes the early years of Jesus' family's life accessible to young readers. A welcome addition to Christian children's picturebook shelves. Also highly recommended is the previous picturebook in the Clopper series, "Clopper the Christmas Donkey."

Clopper and the Night Travelers is a well-grounded, child-friendly telling of the first years of Jesus' life. Shared through the eyes (and ears) of a donkey, the readers hear the story from a new voice. Nearly each page set has (on a parchment page) the Biblical words allowing older children to learn not only Clopper's story, but The Story. Illustrated by Ed Olson, the inviting characters add to the tale. Emily King (be sure to read her stories of Mrs. Twiggimbotham) continues in her use of fine language and correct grammar to present a new Christmas book, both pleasing to children and adults.

Clopper is an adorable storyteller. He includes scriptures on many pages as he describes his experiences during his time with Jesus. The pictures also show accurately that Jesus wasn't a newborn when the wise men came to visit the Lord. The story follows a progression of events including the time Mary and Joseph stayed in Egypt with Jesus until they were told it was safe to return. But because of the reputation of Herod's evil son, they took no chances and decided to continue on to Nazareth. A map shows the route their journey took. I enjoyed the detailed illustrations and the story given from the donkey's point of view. This book could be read any time of the year even though it's geared toward Christmas time.

The Shepherd's Song is written in an engaging style making it easy to read. It brings scenes and events from David's life alive and then shows how the same struggles are ours today. This book takes you beyond seeing David as a dirty, shepherd boy watching sheep and writing songs to the man his own mighty men feared. The Shepherd's Song reviews David's failings and his restoration by God's grace when David turned in repentance and sought the Lord's will. In reference to David's adulterous affair, the author states we are a very deceptive people--how often does the phone wake you and you tell the other person "no you didn't wake me."

This is a good book for independent reading. At the back of the book discussion questions are divided by chapter, so Sunday School classes or small groups could use it as a study.

An easy read that draws you in and holds you long after you've finished the book.This is the best study of David's life that I've ever read.It goes into depth on David from his youth to death not just his shining moment with Goliath and his dark one with Bathsheba, and holds a mirror up to our own lives as in relation to his.It makes David real to you and shows how much we can still learn from his example.And shows how the God who shaped David will shape you too.It's written from a christian perspective.It was fist released under the title "Finding the Heart to Go On."

I read this book nearly two years ago and based a Sunday School adult class on the practical lessons each chapter contains. One of the most popular classes at our Church. The reader comes to understand how a man who sinned so grievously, time after time could be reffered to by God himself as "a man after my own heart". By discovering how God could possibly see David as a man after God's own heart, the reader comes to understand that he too can have a God like heart even though he makes mistakes.