This is THE book to have if you want to learn to study the Bible. Mrs. Herr leads you through eight different types of studies with a clear, precise, and easy to follow style. There are also chapters on interpreting the Bible and explanations of various study tools and how to use them. Although the content is easy enough for the beginning student, this book has much to offer those who already are students and want ways to enrich their personal studies. I first read this book about 10 years ago and it gave me the tools I needed to become a Bible teacher today. It will be worth your time to fine and use this book!

Too often, historical fiction is dry and the plot is stilted to reflect the author's bias and prejudice. This is certainly not the case with Ethel Herr's, "The Citadel and the Lamb." The third in a triology of historical novels based on sixteenth-centruy Holland, Ms. Herr gives spirit and depth to the plot through the eyes of her main characters, Pieter-Lucas van den Garde, and his wife, Aletta. The message that rings through these two people is the high cost of a true relationship with Jesus as Lord of their life in direct opposition with the religious society of their day. Prejudice and persecution are the evils of the day with little regard for preserving the culture and the gifts of creativity given by God to man to express supreme love. In addition to the characters taking on life, history of the sixteenth century is infused into the reader's heart and mind. Historical accuracy is not sacrificed in order to bring the plot forward. Many past generations have paid highly for their faith, and through the characters of Pieter-Lucas and Aletta, historical facts become real as the reader experiences the pain and the triumph of adversity.

This book is indispensible for the apprentice Christian Writer. If you hear the call to write as a Christian Writer this is the book to spiritually and technically get you going in the direction that God is calling you. If you can't afford joining the Christian Writer's Guild's two year course, Ethel Herr stands in as your mentor and guides you through the learning process, developing your disciplines and skills. Everything you need to get going as a Christian writer is in this book. Her exercises and assignments really work your writing muscles. Buy your Christian Writer's Market and this book...you will be good to go. I highly reccommend this book for every writer's library.

In "The Maiden's Sword," Book two of the "Seekers" series, author Ethel Herr develops her two main characters, Pieter-Lucas and his wife Aletta, from immature youths into fully developed adults through the magic of historical fiction. Set in the sixteenth century of Holland, these two lovers are forced to choose between the laws of their church and homeland and the eternal laws of God. Pieter-Lucas accepts the dangerous employment of a messenger for his soverign, Willem van Orange. This places his life in danger and he is forced to rely on his strength in a living Savior to rescue him from despair. Aletta uses her gifts as a "healer lady," gifted in the use of herbal medicines, to help wounded soldiers. She too puts his life at risk and grows in maturity as she relies on Jesus to give her strength and courage. Their Through the birth of their son, they both realize the magnificence of God's gift of life and use the gift to overcome the adversity in their life.