All Saints by Michael Spurlock and Jeanette Windle

All Saints is the true story of a dying church in Smyrna, Tennessee that welcomed a group of refugees into their congregation.  What resulted was life-giving for both parties.  The story is full of examples of God's provision for the community and shows what can happen when people work together for the common good.  All Saints has also been made into a movie - showing now at theaters near you!

Many times a book is better than the movie version of a story.  All Saints may be an exception.  While I haven't seen the movie, the book left much to be desired.  First, nearly half of the book is backstory.  While there should be some information leading to the arrival of the refugees at the church, I thought the amount written was excessive.  I enjoyed the second half of the book much better.  Also, the book is written in 3rd person.  It was as if I were reading a news report about what happened instead of someone sharing his/her experiences.

While I think this story is inspiring and needs to be shared - I recommend skipping the bookstore and going to the movies!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Convicted by Jameel McGee & Andrew Collins

The tagline pretty much nails it.  This is a true story about a crooked cop, an innocent man, and an unlikely journey of forgiveness and friendship.

Officer Andrew Collins works for narcotics - ridding the streets of Benton Harbor, MI of drug dealers.  Slowly his morals start to ebb away though as he begins to lie and plant evidence to ensure the criminals convictions hold.  Since he was convinced a drug dealer was guilty, why should he let him get off due to a technicality?  That is, until he was caught and discovered he had put at least one innocent man in jail.

Jameel McGee had a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Due to Andrew Collins false report, he was imprisoned of a crime he didn't commit.  He was robbed of 3 years of his life and knew who was to blame.

So what happens when these two men come face to face?  That is the beauty of this tale....while it didn't come easily, they became best friends.

 This story was interesting and captivating the whole way through, with chapters alternating between Jameel McGee and Andrew Collins telling their side of the events.  It is a touching example of the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.