Book Reviews

Beyond Betrayal
Phil Waldrep. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2020. 223 pp. (Paperback).

If you are familiar with Phil Waldrep’s ministry at all, you are probably as eager to get your hands on this book as I was. If so, no need to read the rest of this review — just go get it. It’s every bit as good as you expect.

Still here? Then let’s talk about it. I knew from the advance publicity that Waldrep was writing from first-hand knowledge, but what I didn’t expect was his level of transparency. He writes, “My hope is that, in these pages, I can meet you where you are. I have walked through betrayal and come out on the other side of pain.” No covering up. No “evangelists-don’t-have-these-feelings.” Just “I’ve been there. Let’s talk.”

The rest of the book is as encouraging and helpful as the opening words. In typical Phil Waldrep fashion, he displays a keen understanding of what has happened and leads the readers down a biblical path to healing. No matter what kind of betrayal you have experienced, or how long ago, “Beyond Betrayal” will be a valuable resource for you.

Moments with God
Rob Jackson. Oceanside, CA: Living Word Publishing, 2019. 47 pp. (Paperback).

When my children were young, I did what most of us Alabama Baptists do: I took them to church, tried to lead by example and taught them biblical truths. I would have loved a guide like “Moments with God” to help me.

This book contains six weeks of daily devotions designed for parents to use in a devotional setting with their children. Each week has a theme, such as “God’s Word — The Bible,” God Cares for You” and “God Has a Plan for You,” and each week has a memory verse. Each day has a short devotion to be read to the child, followed by an opportunity to engage in a response time, with questions to ask your child, a prayer starter and a simple learning activity.

The author, Rob Jackson (my former pastor and now business partner), offers advice for the parent who uses the devotions: “Spend time with your child in the Word. Pray specifically for your child. Make sure your time with your child impacts him or her for the glory of God!”

Jackson is an associate professor of Christian studies at University of Mobile.

The Secret of Hickory Hill
Greg W. Golden. Mobile, AL: Carson/Knight Publishing, 2019. 91 pp. (Paperback).

My first thought when I began reading this book was that it read much like the Hardy Boys books of my childhood. I got excited but then realized that my childhood was a long time ago, and I don’t know if kids even enjoy books like this anymore.

You have probably already guessed what I did. I enlisted my 10-year-old grandson, Cameron. He loves to read, but he’s not crazy about reviewing books; he just knows what he likes. I didn’t get a lot of details from him, but he liked the book a lot. He felt the story was believable and it kept him engaged. As a grandparent, I worry about elements that have crept into children’s literature that we do not want our children exposed to. This is one book you will want your grandchild to read, both for the uplifting message and the Bible truths woven into the story. You might just enjoy it yourself!

The author is a minister serving on the staff at Cottage Hill Baptist in Mobile.
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Top Ten Best Selling Christian Books – Nonfiction
Source: Christian Book Expo at press time

1. The 5 Love Languages
By Gary Chapman (Moody)

2. Total Money Makeover
By Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson)

3. Girl, Wash Your Face
By Rachel Hollis (Thomas Nelson)

4. It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way
By Lysa Terkeurst (Thomas Nelson)

5. Jesus Calling
By Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson)

6. Live in Grace, Walk in Love
By Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson)

7. The Road Back to You
By Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile (Intervarsity)

8. Get Out of Your Head
By Jennie Allen (Waterbrook)

9. New Morning Mercies
By Paul David Tripp (Crossway)

10. Boundaries
By Henry Cloud (Zondervan)