God's Favorite Place on Earth

The author (From Eternity to Here) concludes from biblical stories that Jesus spent his happiest times on earth in the village of Bethany, home of Mary and Martha, their brother Lazarus (whom Jesus famously raised from the dead) and Simon the Leper, their father -- at least for Viola's purposes here. He crafts stories about their interactions with family friend Jesus, who touches their lives in miraculous ways. These fictional accounts, narrated by Lazarus, present the topic for each chapter. They are followed by a biblical passage, then a "Walking it Out" section in which the author offers deeper teaching and practical advice for applying the principles. A "Talking it Over" section in the back of the book provides additional questions for group discussion and study. The elements of the book seem at odds with each other, however. The biblical passages are anti-climactic placed after the fictional accounts, which are so well crafted that readers are tempted to skim through Viola's very valuable insights (including epigraphs from a 19th-century hymn thrown in for good measure) in haste to get to the next fictional Lazarus installment. (May)