Exploring Christian Theology, Volume 2 (Creation, Fall and Salvation) by Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel

Synopsis: Introduction to Christian Doctrine from Dallas Seminary Professors 
This engaging and accessible systematic theology clearly explains essential spiritual truths for those new to doctrinal study or in need of a refresher. The authors use quick-paced introductions, overviews, reviews of the key tenets of orthodox evangelical doctrines, and more for an easy grasp of the subjects.
Led by general editors Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel, the writers are Douglas Blount and J. Scott Horrell, with contributors
J. Lanier Burns and Glenn R. Kreider. All are Dallas Seminary professors and theologians.
"Exploring Christian Theology" is useful for a preview or review of doctrine, discipleship, or personal reference. It can be used by ministry training programs, Bible colleges, or seminaries as an introduction to prepare students for more in-depth theological study. Now complete in three volumes. 

Thoughts: This is a very educational book, but it was a bit more in depth that I had been expecting. I'm going to have to actually put in some in-depth study time with this book and my Bible--one read through is nowhere near sufficient.

I particularly enjoy that the author shows how doctrine has evolved throughout history and details dangers of misuse of certain areas of doctrine.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning more about creation, fall and salvation.

**I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Four stars

The Angel of Losses, by Stephanie Feldman

Synopsis: When Eli Burke dies, he leaves behind a mysterious notebook full of stories about a magical figure named The White Rebbe, a miracle worker in league with the enigmatic Angel of Losses, protector of things gone astray, and guardian of the lost letter of the alphabet, which completes the secret name of God.

When his granddaughter, Marjorie, discovers Eli's notebook, everything she thought she knew about her grandfather--and her family--comes undone. To find the truth about Eli's origins and unlock the secrets he kept, she embarks on an odyssey that takes her deep into the past, from 18th century Europe to Nazi-occupied Lithuania, and back to the present, to New York City and her estranged sister Holly, whom she must save from the consequences of Eli's past.

Interweaving history, theology, and both real and imagined Jewish folktales, The Angel of Losses is a family story of what lasts, and of what we can-and cannot-escape.

Thoughts: This book did not appeal to me as much as the above synopsis. The folktales interwoven into the story were fascinating, but the story of the present day family was more than just a little too far out in left field for me.  I didn't care about any of the characters, with the exception of Holly's newborn son, Eli. The rest of them had so many annoying, irritating personality traits that I couldn't find any reason to get involved in their story.

My rating: Two stars