Category Archives: Bethany House

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips – Gifted Storyteller

Posted in Bethany House, Litfuse by

The Inheritance

It’s been many years since I’ve read a book by Michael Phillips but the storyline of his newest book, The Inheritance, drew me in. I’m so glad for this opportunity to reconnect with this author for he is a gifted storyteller.

The Inheritance tells the story of the Tulloch family through the generations who have lived on the fictional island of Whales Reef which is part of the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Following the unexpected death of laird Macgregor Tulloch the fate of the Tulloch legacy and fortune hangs in the balance while the courts determine who the rightful heir is. The community of Whales Reef is impacted as well as everyone awaits the news of who will be their new laird. How will their village be affected? Will their way of life continue on and be protected or are changes coming their way? How does a young woman over 3,400 miles away in Washington DC factor into the equation? To find out, you are going to want to read The Inheritance.

Author Michael Phillips knows how to weave a good story. He starts by unveiling the storyline and weaves in a cast of characters that seem to come alive. After reading this story I feel like I could take the ferryboat from Lerwick and step on to the island of Whales Reef and walk down the street and see the people I’ve been reading about. The author takes the time to develop the characters. He really captures the unique way of life on the Shetland Islands and the accent was captured when the characters spoke.

I liked the character David Tulloch and thought his character was well developed. David’s interaction with people seemed to reflect a genuine Christian faith, but he didn’t speak about it, pray, read the Bible or go to church. I would like to have better understood the character of Loni. The reader learns about how she was raised, but faith doesn’t seem to be evident in her current life. Towards the end of the story she expresses an interest in the Christian faith and shows appreciation her family heritage. The other character I would have liked to have seen better developed is Hardy who seemed rather one dimensional. One character who did openly share his faith was Sandy Innes as he prayed and interacted with Loni. I loved this character.

A Christian author is in a unique position and has a huge opportunity to share the soul saving message of the Gospel. I wish that had been done in this book. I struggled somewhat because the Christian faith and church were distorted in the beginning of this book because of false teachers that were part of the story. The characters just seemed to stop going to church altogether. Another concern I have is that some of the thoughts and feelings expressed don’t line up with Biblical theology. An example is when David was recalling an incident from his youth (page 251), “His quest for the great Fatherhood of the universe had begun.”

I recommend The Inheritance by Michael Phillips for its rich storyline and interesting characters; not sound Biblical theology. The story starts out a little slow, but it’s worth pressing through. I look forward to reading additional books in this series. Michael is very adept at writing historical fiction and draws the reader in.

I would like to thank Litfuse and Bethany House for the opportunity to read The Inheritance in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Inheritance Giveaway

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Inheritance by Michael Phillips please click on the link below:

https://promosimple.com/ps/9735

Everything the Bible Says About Prayer – Mixed Feelings

Posted in Bethany House, Prayer, Scripture by


When the opportunity came to read “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer” I was looking forward to reading the scriptures about prayer complied by Keith Wall.  I’m eager to grow in my prayer life and understanding and application of scripture. 
I found it was somewhat disappointed with “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer” and really struggled with it especially in the early chapters.  I found the switching of translations and paraphrases with every verse very distracting and the reading didn’t flow well.  The author uses many different versions including the NLT, ESV, NIV, God’s Word, HCSB, NASB, The Message, NKJV, NCV, and AMP.  When I encounter people jumping from one translation to another a red flag goes up and I’m concerned that scripture is being manipulated and not accurately translating God’s word.
As I read more of the book, perhaps I got more used to switching between many translations.  There were a few chapters that I liked including An Alley Amid Adversity, Give God the Glory, Timeless Tutors and the Appendix Thoughts on Prayer by Classic Christian Writers. 
At the beginning of each chapter Keith Wall gives a brief introduction about what the topic of the chapter and how the reader might apply the verses to their lives and some of the introductions were helpful. 
I would have appreciated it, if at the beginning of the book, the author had addressed the reader who may not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and given the plan of salvation. 
I would neither recommend nor discourage someone from reading “Everything the Bible Says About Prayer”, but I would want the reader to be aware of the use of many different translations and paraphrases used throughout this book. 
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group to read and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review in exchange for this book. 
Follow Me on Pinterest