Book Recommendations

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Book recommendation: “The White Dove” by Christoph Von Schmid

I recently read this wonderful story to my kids. The White Dove is another great book from Christoph Von Schmid, the author of The Basket of Flowers. 

And although I believe Von Scmid’s The Basket of Flowers was better than The White Dove (in fact I consider The Basket of Flowers my favorite piece of Christian literature, even above that of  John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress), Von Schmid did not fail to deliver another great tale steeped in Christian truths.

This book, written in 1841, is filled with Scripture, and is a testament to God’s sovereignty (both of which is rare to find in today’s modern Christian literature market).

You can find The White Dove here at Lamplighter Publishing where they describe the book as:

“Filled with the intrigue of knights and nobles, thieves and robbers, this is a story of friendship and sacrifice. A little girl agrees to give up her precious white dove to prove her friendship, and lives are miraculously saved.”

And here are some reviews:

White Dove
I just wish the book was longer. Thats how good it is.
– Deborah Ong, CA
We read it in one sitting!
I wondered that my eight-year-old wasnt understanding the plot with the rich language of the writing, but she could recite it all back to me. We both loved this book! It was so full of Gods love and promises to us. I highly recommend it!
– Daphene, NC
Friendship and Love
This is a tender story of love, friendship, and Gods faithful provisions. My children begged for another chapter. A beautiful story.
– Becky Emerick, IN
Gods Great Providence
When Agnes finds a dove she mercifully spares its life and in turn it saves her and her entire family. This is a book about sacrifice, mercy, compassion, selflessness, love, and adventure.
– A. Ray, NC
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Book recommendation: “Deceived on Purpose” by Warren Smith.

I recently finished the book Deceived on Purpose by Warren Smith. Smith, a former New Ager turned Christian, wrote this heavily footnoted book after reading Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life and seeing the many New Age parallels throughout Rick Warren’s bestseller.

Warren Smith chronicles these familiar New Age teachings found in The Purpose Driven Life in his book Deceived on Purpose.  

Warren Smith also goes into detail about Rick Warren’s ties to Robert Schuller. And once Warren Smith begins connecting the dots between Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, Bruce Wilkinson, Eugene Peterson and many well known New Agers like Neale Donald Walsch, Bernie Siegel, Benjamin Creme, and others, you will never look at Rick Warren the same way again and you will be even more disturbed as to why John Piper is willing to link arms with Rick Warren.

You can purchase the paperback version of the book here, or the e-book version here.

“As a self-proclaimed ‘change agent,’ it seemed that one of Rick Warren’s unstated purposes was to mainstream Robert Schuller’s teachings into the more traditional ‘Bible-based’ wing of the Church. Many believers who seem to trust Rick Warren, ironically, do not trust Robert Schuller. Rick Warren’s ‘magic’ seems to be able to make the teachings of Robert Schuller palatable to believers who would have otherwise never accepted these same teachings had they come directly from Schuller himself.”  Deceived on Purpose Page 113

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Book recommendation: “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom.

I recently finished Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place (the audiobook version) and was left shaken.

From the depths of human depravity to the heights of human compassion, the love of God and the gospel of Christ permeates our fallen world but we oftentimes fail to see it until we are under intense suffering (and even then we often miss it).

This book is bursting at the seams with biblical truths. One example is when Corrie refuses to accept her sister Betsie’s admonition from 1 Thessalonians 5 (to give thanks in all things) when it came to the fleas infesting their prison camp barracks. Corrie simply could find no reason to be thankful to God for the biting insects. That was until she discovered that the Nazi guards refused to step into their barracks because of the fleas, providing them the ability to hold daily Bible studies with the other prisoners without fear of being discovered.

The fact that this book is a true story makes it even more powerful. I was moved by it and enjoyed it even more than The Diary of Anne Frank. I highly recommend The Hiding Place and it is now on my required reading list for my children.

My only regret is that I never read this book earlier in my life.

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DefCon is now on FaceBook.

Defending Contending has finally joined the world of social networking. We are now on Facebook and you can ‘friend’ us here.

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Book Review: “The Basket of Flowers” by Christoph von Schmid.

the-basket-of-flowersWhat can I say about this book other than I absolutely loved it. This was the very first book published in the Lamplighter series and was the Lamplighter series “book of the year” in 1996. This continues to be my favorite Lamplighter book (see all Lamplighter books here) and is easily one of my favorite books of all time. I couldn’t put it down and now I can’t stop raving about it.

I was skeptical at first–reading a book first published in 1878 with the title The Basket of Flowers tends to lead one to believe it’s chick-lit (for lack of a better term). However, was I very, very surprised.

This is Christian literature at its finest. Each chapter imparts lifelong lessons and leaves you feeling like you just received a doctrinally sound sermon. The gripping story drives home the lesson to remain faithful and thankful to God even in the midst of great trials and especially when standing in the face of false accusation and persecution for crimes you didn’t commit. I cannot recommend this book enough for the Christian reader and even Dr. Tedd Tripp (who wrote Shepherding a Child’s Heart) wrote an endorsement for the book on page 4.

This book needs to be on the bookshelf in every Christian home and read by young and old, boy and girl, mother and father. You and your family will not be disappointed.

The publisher says:

This first book of the Lamplighter Rare Collector Series continues to be a best-seller. James, the king’s gardener, teaches his 15-year-old daughter Mary all the principles of godliness through his flowers. She is falsely accused of stealing, and the penalty is death. Mary remembers what her father had taught her: that it is better to die for the truth than to live for a lie, and that the worst pillow to sleep on is the pillow of a guilty conscience! This story will change your life forever!

Vision Forum says:

Within this simple, unassuming book is an inspirational story for young ladies not to be rivaled by any of the novels currently circulating in Christian bookstores. Set in Germany 100 years ago, The Basket of Flowers is the tale of a godly young woman and her father who wrongly suffer great persecution, but who learn to trust the sovereign hand of God through every difficult circumstance. My wife was so transfixed by this story that she read it in one sitting.

Other reviews:

“I am giving The Basket of Flowers to my grandchildren. I have no doubt they will devour it.” -Elisabeth Elliot

“I would like to express my thanks for printing The Basket of Flowers. It is a wonderful book with many virtues we need today in this world. The The Basket of Flowers has given me a new perspective of the Bible and at the same time making a better Christian out of me and my family. Thank you so much!” -Carissa

This is the touching story of a young girl and her father. Originally written by a french author, and later translated into english, this is a book that is sure to be passed down from generation to generation. I am 12 years old and my mother just recently purchased this book for me. I wish every girl could have a copy of this book!Also recommended: The Elsie Dinsmore Series, any books by Martha Finley, any books by Oliver Optic, C.H. Pearson, or Horatio Alger Jr. Please, if you want your daughter to read wholesome, enjoyable, thought-provoking, and character building books I suggest you purchase A Basket of Flowers immediately! (Reviewer unknown)

When I fist read this book I was only 9. Having been taught to read by my great grandfather, who embodied education. This was one of his favourite books. I found it very sad and at times depressing however, it teaches one that goodness always prevails even in the shadows of death. One learns courage and the depths of love that one can have for their family. This is a book that I will forever share with my great grandfather even though he has left this earth 13 years ago. I could still smell the old hard cover text with the neat engraving on a small basket of flowers. ( I had a very old version). It’s a book that I will always cherish. – Andrea Paul McPherson

I found this book on the library shelf. It caught my eye because it was small and old looking. (I like vintage things) The first chapter into this book I instantly knew it was going to be one of my few favorites!
This tale is about a father teaching his daughter about her Heavenly Father. I am seventeen and found this book as intriguing as my favorite classic Pride and Prejudice.
What this book has to offer is character building, and a learning passion for the Lord our Father in Heaven, who always hears our prayers and cares for us far beyond our understanding! – Alli

You can purchase this book at Family Faith Books by clicking here.

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Book Review: “The Robber’s Cave” by Charlotte Maria Tucker.

the-robbers-cave Yet another fine book from the Lamplighter Series of Rare Books. Written in 1887 by Charlotte Maria Tucker under the alias of A.L.O.E. (A Lady of England), The Robber’s Cave is a good read for all ages. It is suspenseful, reflective, and entertaining. Furthermore, Tucker is not afraid to show Roman Catholicism (the religion practiced by the book’s antagonists) as the idol-dependent false religion that it is.

The hills of Calabria, Italy are home to bands of nefarious thieves, but a single light can shine so brilliant in the darkest places. Why would a talented, skilled, and very innocent believer dwell purposefully with the cruelest villains? Perhaps you will learn the answer as you get to know Rafael, the Improvisatore. Ungrateful Horace Cleveland gains the answer to this question under the harshest of circumstances. The unfortunate opportunity is given to young Horace to learn the true value of things lost that he had taken so much for granted.

You can purchase this book at Family Faith Books.

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Book review: “Titus: Comrade of the Cross” by Florence Morse Kingsley.

titusThe 1997 Lamplighter book of the year, Titus: Comrade of the Cross, was originally written in 1894 by Florence M. Kingsley.

A fictional work weaving the lives of several people living in and around Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ ministry and crucifixion, this novel brings life to those nameless individuals found in the Gospels. Learn (through the imagination of Kingsley) about the poor blind beggar given sight by the Messiah; read the story about the twelve year-old girl who was raised back to life by the great Physician; and discover who the two thieves on the cross were and how they got there on that fateful Friday.

Although the narration is in modern English, the dialogue between characters is in the style reminiscent of King James English. It causes folks like me who aren’t King James savvy to get bogged down ever so slightly during the dialogue, but not enough to ruin the story. It was a good read, very doctrinally sound, and a very refreshing fictional tale that stands out among the plethora of modern Christian fiction absent of that which glorifies the Lord.

You can purchase this book at Family Faith Books.


In 1894 the publisher of this book rewarded Florence Kingsley with $1,000 for writing a story that would set a child’s heart on fire for Jesus Christ. In six weeks the demand was so great, they printed 200,000 additional copies! The award-winning entry, Titus: A Comrade of the Cross, is provocative, full of suspense and drama. The story of Titus and his crippled brother climaxes at the foot of the cross, where the real hero is proclaimed. The most compelling moment is saved until the very end. It will take your breath away.


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Book Review: “Pilgrim’s Progress” a retelling by Gary D. Schmidt.

I recently read this retelling of Bunyan’s classic and loved it. It is written well and the story keeps you turning the pages even if you already know what happens to Christian and his companions.

I would highly recommend this book for those who do not have the time to read the original novel by Bunyan or as a prelude before reading the original.

You can purchase it here (large size) and here (small size) at Westminster Books.

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Book review: “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp.

There’s an old saying that many parents can be heard uttering: “I wish my children came with an instruction manual.” Well, children may not come equipped with an instruction manual, but I found the next best thing: Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp.

I just completed this book and found it to be the most helpful work on training and disciplining your children in the Lord that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It has helped me in understanding my faults, what my goals should be, and how to facilitate Biblical principles and standards in the shepherding of the hearts of my children. This book has helped me greatly in how I approach the issues of discipline with my own children.

I highly recommend this book to parents and expecting parents. I read an older version of this book but you can purchase the revised/updated version here or here.

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Book review: “Justification and Regeneration” by Charles Leiter.

I recently completed the book Justification and Regeneration by Charles Leiter (with a forward by Paul Washer). This was a great book that explained in the simplest of terms the difference between justification and regeneration in the life of a believer.

It’s a quick and easy read and I highly recommend this book, especially to those who struggle to understand the difference between justification and regeneration.

You can purchase the book from Monergism. Thanks to Tom Rayborn from Christ Church Alton for sending me this book.