1) Sermon on the Mound — Finding God at the Heart of the Game, by Michael O’Connor
Sermon on the Mound steps up to the plate like a treatise on the spiritual lessons in baseball. This is anything but a “God is my pitching coach” field of clichés.
This “Sermon” is actually a deeply personal memoir, chronicling the journey of author Michael O’Connor. The book speaks to to the simple truth that God will use anything — even our national pastime — to drive his disciples home. O’Connor touches all the bases, from childhood to adulthood, with light-hearted recollections of his love affair with the game.
While baseball has been tarnished in recent years by contract disputes and scandal, O’Connor’s Sermon on the Mound can win over even the biggest cynic. And you don’t have to be a baseball fanatic to appreciate O’Connor’s tale. In fact, if your idea of faith/baseball wisdom ends with “in the big-inning,” run, don’t walk, to pick up Sermon on the Mound.
— Steve Knight, CCM Magazine, May 2001
(Click here to read an excerpt from Sermon on the Mound.)
2) Coaching Your Kids in the Game of Life, by Ricky Byrdsong
The author Ricky Byrdsong was killed in a drive-by shooting last year. This book draws on his 18 years experience as a basketball coach to create a series of principles designed to build strong families. The book was clearly written for parents, but there are many applications for youth workers, especially those who are basketball fans.
— Youthworker, May/June 2001
3) Sanctuary, by Beverly Lewis and David Lewis
Melissa James seems to have it all – a wonderful husband who adores her, a beautiful house, and plenty of hobbies to keep her busy. But one sunny day her past came back to haunt her and she has to flee everything she has come to love. A simple note was all she left her loving husband Ryan as she packed up a very few things and quickly escaped to nowhere.
But she was too late — a man was already on her tail. Blinded by tears, she couldn't seem to shake him. But some quick thinking sent her heading alone out into Amish country. Finding a “Room for Rent” sign, Melissa pulls up to the house of a woman who will soon become her very dear friend, Lela. As the net draws in, Lela witnesses to Melissa's weary but open heart. Their friendship and trust in God may be the only thing that can save them from a dangerous, vengeful man.
Ryan, meanwhile, has his own demons coming to the fore. In the midst of this disaster, he learns the truth behind his good fortune and good life with Melissa. Will Ryan find the courage and strength to do what he needs to do?
The central action of Sanctuary has Melissa and Ryan's coming to God. But the book overflows with action, suspense, love, and betrayal. While the plot seemed just a bit contrived at times, it was still a heartwarming story with plenty of excitement and twists. Beverly Lewis is known for her detailed descriptions of the Amish people and lands and this book does not disappoint. It's a delightful change of pace for the genre and fans will be impressed.
— Jennifer Gwinn, Bookbrowser.com, April 2001
(For more information on these or other Bethany House books click here or call 800-328-6109.)
