LAURABO - I'm Just Me!

I AM SECOND the book

2012-01-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

I have watched some of the video’s I Am Second so I knew I would enjoy the book and I did. I AM SECOND Real Stores. Changing Lives by Doug Bender and Dave Sterrett is filled with stories of people who have faced themselves, their dreams, their failures and realized that it as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:2, life is “vanity of vanities; all is vanity”.

This is a book of people from all walks of life, some famous, and some you probably have never heard of. They have all had to acknowledge to themselves that they can’t do it by themselves that God is number one and they are second. There are football players, musicians, CEO’s, cancer survivors, boxes and just ordinary every day couples who almost lost each other. No matter your state in life, what you think you have achieved or not achieved, we all will sooner or later reach the end of ourselves.

This book will send you to your computer to see the stories of others that are not told here in these pages, and there are many. I highly recommend this book to all and it is a good one to pass on to non believers. I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for an honest review.

DO SOME CHRISTIANS ACT LIKE WEREWOLFS AND ZOMBIES?

2011-12-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

I just finished NIGHT of the LIVING DEAD CHRISTIAN by Matt Mikalatos. It is an allegory that mixes questions we all ask with touches of a weird humor.

The story is of Luther, a werewolf, who is trying to take control of the animalistic side of himself and his neighbor who has fantasies of monsters with himself being a monster conqueror. They join forces with an android and scientist who themselves are quite peculiar, in search for a cure for Luther.

The premise is that like many people today they try to find the answers anywhere and anyway that does not require them to actually admit they can’t do it themselves and need to submit to God. There are many good thoughts and leaves you with much to think about. It will cause you to look around you and question how you may come across to people who are unchurched or even those who may have left the church and questions why they might have left.

However, I still have not decided what I think of this book. I get what he’s saying and I understand the idea of presenting it with humor to possibly help the medicine go down better, but werewolf’s, zombies, and monsters? I challenge you to read the book for yourself and make up your own mind.

I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers for a fair and honest review.

A SOUND AMONG the TREES

2011-12-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

A Sound Among the Trees was the first book I have read by Susan Meissner and I loved it. I have always loved historical novels and although this was written in modern day the book drew you into the history that defines the family.

The narrative surrounds a house in Virginia and the family that has owned it since before the Civil War. There are those who believe that the house is haunted because of a rumor that one of the women was a Yankee spy.

The account starts with the marriage of the widow of the great great granddaughter of the rumored spy and thus begins the journey of the new wife to get some answers.

The book becomes more a story of love, loss, forgiveness and starting over. It also helps bring into some clarity the struggle that many must have had because of family and friends on both sides of the war.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Press for a fair and honest review.

THE DANCE OF GRIEF AND JOY

2011-12-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

I love the group Selah and have followed their ministry ever since I heard You Lift Me Up. I have to admit I do wish Nicole was still singing with the group though.

I WILL CARRY YOU The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith is the story of lead singer Todd Smith’s wife Angie’s journey with the loss of a baby girl.

When I heard about Todd & Angie losing their baby and then just a few weeks later Nicole & Greg’s little boy joined his cousin in Heaven I was heartbroken for the family. I found Angie’s blog and read some of her postings about their journey so when I heard there was going to be a book printed from the blog I knew I had to read it.

The book not only chronicles the story of pregnancy and birth but Angie is so open and transparent about her struggles, questions and how God has met her and taught her through it all. This book is a must read for anyone who has lost someone, not only a child but any loved one. We all struggle with many of the same questions Angie does.

What do you do when your heart is breaking and others are going on about how God has just performed a miracle for them? If you’re like Angie, I and countless others you think: “It is easy to be a believer when He gives you a miracle.”

It is indeed a dance of grief and joy because God there holding you through it all and our life is a song.

The HARVEST of GRACE an Ada’s House Novel

2011-11-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

I found a new favorite author in Cindy Woodsmall after reading the Sisters of the Quilt series so was eager to read the latest book of hers offered on Waterbook Press. I was just a little frustrated when I realized it was Book Three however I opted to read it without reading the first two. I was not disappointed with this decision as it is a book that can stand alone. I will however try to procure the previous books to read.

Having a very good friend who is Amish, Cindy writes some of the best novels concerning their faith. She presents her characters in a knowledgeable, authentic, accepting way to where you possibly get a glimmer of understanding of their community.

The heroine, Sylvia, is a young woman who is betrayed by boy she loves and her sister and consequently talks her Daed into letting her get a job in another Amis community a few miles away. There she meets Aaron, her boss’s son. They have differing points of view and goals but nonetheless find themselves attracted to each other. What follows is an account of a spiritual journey for both of them. I highly recommend this book!

I received this book free from Waterbrook Press for an honest review.

FORSAKING ALL OTHERS The Sister Wives Series #2

2011-11-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

I’ve read a few books in the past about the Mormon Church when they still all practiced polygamy and I had mixed feelings about FORSAKING ALL OTHERS by Allison Pittman. I have to say she was well versed in their doctrine and although truthful, did not aggressively attack the religion.

The story is about Camilla, the first wife of Nathan Fox, and how her relationship with God helps her to run away from the church and therefore her husband. Throughout her journey you are shown many comparisons between the original Mormon Church and Christianity. Camilla has hopes that the people she knows and loves, who have been drawn in to the church, will see the truth.

Camilla had married Nathan against her parents’ wishes and she had not heard from them since she left. Her wish is to let them know she has seen the error of the church and ask their forgiveness. She makes it back and is reunited with them just before her father passes away. Her focus then is to return and get her daughters so they will not grow up within the church and become ardent followers.

Allison does a great job of contrasting Christianity with the Mormon Church in a way that shows their similarity along with the differences. This was a great book and I would highly recommend it.

I received this book free from Tyndale for an honest review.

The BONE HOUSE a Bright Empires Novel

2011-10-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

The Bone House by Stephen Lawhead was a sequel to The Skin Map. I did not find The Bone House as good or as interesting. I even had a hard time finishing it.

Mr. Lawhead starts the book by introducing a new character and continues to add new people throughout the book. With so many personalities and story lines to keep up with it is hard to follow & stay focused. I didn’t feel that many of them added to the story line and in fact made it somewhat convoluted. A few of the new characters do have a part to play in the story however I wonder if the story could not have been better told without them.

The main characters are Kit and Mina and you really want to find out what happens to them. Do they escape and find their way back to the present time and if so how. Does Mina even want to return as she has built quite a life for herself in the time and place she landed?

The book ends in such a way that you know there will be another book to follow. The question is what will happen to Kit, and where will he land next time? Possibly some of the new characters add a major part in the sequel.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for giving my honest review.

The SKIN MAP a Bright Empires Trilogy

2011-10-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

In order to get up to speed after receiving Stephen Lawhead’s latest book from Thomas Nelson I procured THE SKIN MAP, (Bright Empires Trilogy). Stephen writes mythic history and although it's not the type of book I usually read, I did enjoy it
and found it appealing.

The premise is a young man, “Kit” Cosmo Livingstone, accidentally “jumps” from one place and time into another and meets his long lost great grandfather who he is named after. The old man tries to talk him into assisting him in his adventure but Kit declines and goes back. He returns to his previous quest which was to his girlfriends place but finds he’s several hours late. In order to explain and convince her of his reason for being late he takes her to show her he’s telling the truth. Thus begins the journey of a lifetime for both of them.

Not wanting to give too much away I will just say that I felt like there were a few unanswered questions at the end as to how one of the character’s accomplished what they did. However, I found the book quite fascinating and have already started the sequel. For people who really enjoy this type of book it is a very interesting concept and written quite compellingly.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for writing an honest review.

Book #2 Precinct 11 Novel The BETRAYAL

2011-08-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

I’ve always appreciated the genius of Jerry B. Jenkins writing well before the Left Behind series. I just finished his latest, THE BETRAYAL, which I found out was Book #2 of Precinct 11 Novels. Now I will have to read book one. I finished the novel in about two days as I found it hard to put down.

The story follows Detective Boone Drake as he tries to unravel the questions surrounding the attempt to kill an informant being transferred to a secret place. Suspecting an inside job he is not prepared for the suspected person being someone he is close to.

Detective Boone makes it his mission to get to the bottom of the matter in spite of being injured while protecting the witness and being warned to stay out of the investigation. White questioning his own instincts and not knowing who he can trust he endeavor’s to get some answers and learn the truth.

Throughout the story you are intrigued and kept guessing what is around the next page. I found it refreshing to also read of the character’s search in spiritual things as well as the matters of everyday life. Jerry Jenkins keeps you spellbound and anxious to see where he will take you next.

I received this book from Tyndale House Publisher’s free for an honest review.

INDELIBLE A Story of Courage

2011-08-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

Kristen Heitzman’s INDELIBLE was an interesting & captivating read. I loved the story line, her writing was intriguing however I just a little perplexed by the ending of each chapter. I’m not even sure what to call it as it was set apart and sort of poetic and was I guess an addendum about the villain in the story. I found it distracting and almost non understandable. However I suppose it did bring the story all together in the long run and I could hardly put the book down until I finished it.

The narrative is about a Natalie, young woman with eidetic memory, Trevor, a former pro skier turned mountain rescuer, guide and shop owner who are brought together when he rescues her nephew. The majority of the characters are all flawed in some way according to society. Among them there is a blind woman, a man who does not like to be touched, and of course your dysfunctional families.

It is a redemption story about making the most of your gifts and abilities, overcoming limitations and compassion. There are several minor characters that also play an integral part in the story line and although Kristen weaves a suspenseful romantic story I felt she does leave a few of the minor character’s left without closer.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Press for giving my honest unbiased review.

Roselle thunder dog

2011-08-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished the amazing true narrative of Michael Hingson, his guide dog Roselle and their triumph on 9/11. Michael worked on the seventy-eight floor of north tower of the World Trade Center when one of the planes flew into it that fateful day.

thunder dog is the chronicle of their descent down the 1,463 stairs in Stairwell B, the teamwork and the bond of trust between dog and man. You will relive the story of each step and admire the calmness and the courage.

Michael was blessed with parents that did not limit him because of his being blind. Because of their allowing him to live as another child he did things many said he could not do. As you read and are engrossed by the recounting of Michael’s journey not only on that day but through the years as he learned to navigate without the benefit of sight. You will come to understand that blind people are no different than you, other than the inability to see with their eyes.

I like what he says “God does not present insurmountable problems. Instead, he gives us challenges, waits for us to overcome them and then rejoices.”

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for a fair and honest review.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, ANGELS & LIFE BEYOND THIS WORLD?

2011-07-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

I just finished THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin & Alex Malarkey. Unlike Kevin Malarkey, I am of the charismatic persuasion but I was a little skeptical of the story. I have read a few other similar books through the years but always by adults and was not too sure what I believed about the idea.

One thing that spoke to me was when the pastor wrote that “if Alex says he’s seen Heaven, we have to go through Scripture and ask, “Has anyone else seen Heaven?” We know that John wrote about what he saw in Revelation. Then he says “If God has done it before, He can do it again.”

Alex was reluctant to have his dad write the book. He said he didn’t want people making a big deal about him. Throughout he consistently says that it’s not about him but about God. That he is a normal kid and he is ornery.

Kevin writes with such frankness about their struggles, that they weren’t perfect but yet how God taught them so much is something. He says the circumstances showed their weaknesses not their strengths, their faithfulness not their faith. He declares that his greatest goal is “to become a billboard for Heaven rather than a sign of the times.” Whether you believe that people can die, go to Heaven and return to tell about it, you will be touched by the honesty and the sincerity.

I received this book courtesy of Tyndale Publishing for reading and giving an honest review.

LIVING THE GREAT COMMANDMENT

2011-07-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Mark 12:30 says to love the Lord with all you heart with all you soul with all your mind and all your strength. How do we really do that? That is the question that Mark Batterson ask in PRIMAL.

He says “we have accept a form of Christianity that is more educated but less powerful, more civilized but less compassionate, more acceptable but less authentic than that which or spiritual ancestors practiced.” He calls us to go deeper into the meaning of each of these words to discover a new way of loving God. He reiterates a thought that has been resonating within me for some time. Does your heart break for the things that break the heart of God? Or as Brandon Heath challenged us with his song “Give Me Your Eyes” do we see people the way God sees them?

Mark then asks us to examine the other facets of loving God. With your soul, how exactly do you do that? What does it mean? Is it logic or wonder? With your mind, is that studying and knowing all the answers? This by the way is impossible for man. Or are we to keep searching, always asking questions? What about strength? Does strength exemplify physicality or something more?

I’m sure God orchestrated my reading this book at the same time I first heard LET ME REDISCOVER YOU by the group Downhere. They are synonymous in their message. This book challenges us to be creative, to shape our culture instead of letting it shape us.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah http://www.Blogging ForBooks.org for a fair honest unbiased review.

SKILLS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE SERENGETI ANIMALS

2011-07-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

SURVIVING THE SERENGETI by Stefan Swanepoel is a fable of self-discover that teaches seven skills to business and life. It is a story of a couple caught up in today’s economy crisis with job losses and business failures. The wife has won a trip and chooses the Serengeti as their destination.

The husband reluctantly accompanies her but his mind is on his failing business back home. Since there with no cell phone service and finding an old college roommate as one of the owners of the camp, he becomes engaged with the environment, the animals, and his college roommate who leads him into some self-evaluation by observing the animals of the Serengeti.

Each chapter is about one of seven of the Serengeti animals and the survival skill they posses that help them to not only survive but thrive. These skills are also necessary components that each of us humans can possess but we often don’t know we have or we never fully develop.

At the end of each chapter is a summary of the skill and a suggestion as to how to maximize it. Stefan suggests that we each seek to discover the unique survival skill that we possess.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for my honest unbiased review.

LAURABO - I'm Just Me!: WHAT WILL BRING REAL FREEDOM TO AFGHANISTAN?

2011-06-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

LAURABO - I'm Just Me!: WHAT WILL BRING REAL FREEDOM TO AFGHANISTAN?

WHAT IS BLESSED?

2011-06-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

While reading this morning during my quiet time I was directed to Proverbs 22:9. “He who has a generous eye will be blessed” NKJV. In reflection of my last post, and the book I’ve been reading, I stopped and contemplated this verse. I looked it up in my Bible which is also MKJV and it said “bountiful”. In the Thesaurus bountiful synonyms are plentiful, generous, ample, numerous, ample etc. I then looked blessed up in the Thesaurus and it was holy, sacred, sanctified, consecrated, set apart.

Now most of us when we see the word blessed we automatically think financially. Blessed is not benefiting us financially, or however we believe but to set us apart, sanctify us. To make us more like God.

In this culture today, especially with the economy what it is we may not want to hear that. We want to be better off financially. However, maybe we need to remember 1 Timothy 6:6-8 “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” The RSV puts it this way “There is great gain in godliness with contentment.” We in America today have forgot how to be content with our wealth, and yes , we are wealthy by the world’s standards, and are always wanting just a little bit more. I am just as guilty as the next person. Wanting a newer car, newer outfit, different job, and on and on. I am determined to rein my thoughts in and be content. I am, well I am at a loss for words. I would normally say blessed, but after learning the true meaning of the word, I can only say I am determined to be blessed, to be set apart.

PS: Was struggling for substitute for blessed so looked it up online. This is what I found:
–adjective

1. consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified: the Blessed Sacrament.

2. worthy of adoration, reverence, or worship: the Blessed trinity.

3. divinely or supremely favored; fortunate: to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends.

So we can use it to be favored however I believe it holds a more sacred meaning then held by most.

LIFE IS LIKE SPAGHETTI

2011-06-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking these last few years about my walk with God and exactly what it means. A lot of the ideas and beliefs I've held have been challenged and I've had to rethink if not change the way I see things. I will forever believe in a God of love, justice, mercy, faithfulness and many of his other characteristics. But I question the teachings of everything working out the way we pray.

I do believe He is a God who answers prayer but I will reject that when bad things happen it is because we did not pray enough or have enough faith. That God did not answer. I know He is in charge but I struggle with trusting His leading and decisions.

Because I know He is in charge I also know He knows what is best. His best for us is often not what we consider the best. We cling to scriptures such as Jeremiah 29:11, 3 John 1:2 but do we read them differently then God intended?

What does prosper in 3 John mean? In the Strong concordance it says “to prosper, be successful” I just don’t think it means to prosper as to make money, to show a profit. I believe it does to mean to be successful but by God’s scale, to thrive.

God’s idea of success is quite different than ours. I heard it said one time that a successful pastor is not one who has the largest church, makes lots of money but one whose children follow God as he has shown them.

I believe that is how God measures success in all we do. Do we exude Him in all we do? Does our life shine Christ when all life seems to be coming apart at the seams? When we’re not sure what we are going to do?

Like I said in the beginning, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Still trying to find the balance and find my way. That’s the great thing about serving God. Life is a journey, sort of like a bowl of spaghetti sometimes, all mixed up. I will get up and continue, no matter how many times I stumble and fall.

TWO PRODIGALS JOURNEY

2011-06-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

OUT OF A FAR COUNTRY by Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela Yuan was a mother and son’s journey to God.

Angela is a mother born in China was an atheist who wanted nothing to do with God. She was raised by parents who were distant so was determined to be involved in her sons’ lives to the point that she smothered and attempted to control them. Although her and her husband were succeeding their lives were hollow and they had drifted apart. Growing up Christopher was an outcast for being Chinese and preferring the arts to sports. He felt he was born gay and had while in college become active in the gay community.

After the came out to his parents Angela decided she no longer had anything to live for and was going to take her life. God instead got her attention and she surrendered her life to him. Leon, her husband came to Christ also and She began to pray earnestly for Christopher.

The book is a modern prodigal son parable and is very gripping account of both mother and son’s journey. It is a hard book to put down. Christopher’s eventual search for God and how God brings him to the decision to follow Him is inspiring however Angela’s story should encourage all mother’s who have prodigal’s.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press complimentary for an unbiased review.

WHAT WILL BRING REAL FREEDOM TO AFGHANISTAN?

2011-06-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

I received Freedom’s Stand by J.M. (Jeanette) Windle and realized it was a sequel so I quickly ordered Veiled Freedom and read it first. I was not disappointed in either book and will say the author had thoroughly researched her subject. Jeanette brought the characters alive and you experienced their courage, sacrifice, and determination.

The heroine in the books Amy Mallory was an experienced albeit a naive aid worker that went with a heart to help the people. She quickly found that the freedom touted on the news was not what was actually there.Steve Wilson or Willie was a Special Ops that helped liberate Afghanistan and was disillusioned so goes into the private security sector. And Jamil is an Afghan refugee that Amy hires as her driver at the center she works for. The three lives become entwined as they all search for answers, for freedom and truth.

The book is suspenseful and weaves a story of intrigue, love and hope. It is a story of the search for the only real freedom. The hope that the love of Isa Masih is what brings freedom.

These two books helped me understand more fully some of the questions I was having about what had and was happening n Afghanistan.

I received this book complimentary for a unbiased review from Tyndale House Publishers.

LEONARD SWEET’S THE SERAPH SEAL

2011-06-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

Intriguing, thought provoking, fascinating, mesmerizing, stimulating, are just a few of the words you can use to describe this book. I’ve read Leonard’s books ever since my son introduced me to Soul Tsunami. As far as I know this is his first novel but there is so much history, facts, scripture and prophecy in it that even those who don’t usually read fiction will come away more knowledgeable.

It is not a book you can peruse at one sitting, as you will have to ponder and digest as you read it. However, it is well worth the time spent. I suggest, as did Leonard, that you read the Alphabet of the Apocalypse before you get into the story portion, as it will help you understand some of the findings Paul and Angela discover on their journey.

The book will challenge you and there may be some who will not agree with the theology, but nonetheless there is so much information in the book that it is worth reading. The book will stretch you, hopefully send you to the scriptures and question what we’ve always been taught, which is not a bad thing.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson free for an honest and unbiased review.

"DEPARTURES" REDISCOVERED NOVELLAS

2011-05-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

DEPARTURES is a two book re release by Robin Jones Gunn. This is the first time I’ve read any of her books and even though she writes for young teen girls, I must say I enjoyed the book.

Robin weaves an interesting story that young girls can relate to and gives some good practical, spiritual advice in the story telling. The first book, Now Boarding at Gate 10 is a Christy Miller novella and part of a series. In this novella Christy has just graduated from High School and on a family trip back to their original home town where she reconnects with a boy she had a crush on before she left. Read as she works through her emotions drawing on God’s direction and wisdom.

In the second novella, In the Event of a Water Landing is about Sierra Jensen which is also part of a series. In this story Sierra goes on a weekend trip with her friend from school. They both have just finished Jr High and are going into High School, beginning to grow up and deal with the maze of boy and girl attractions. Again Robin leads the girls through the conflicting emotions, competitiveness over a boy and does it by drawing their attention to God’s will and direction.

I received this pre-released book from http://Waterbrookmultnomah.com free for agreeing to give an honest unbiased review.

JOLT The World is Changing

2011-05-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

JOLT by Phil Cooke is a book about the Jolt’s we have in life. The changes we don’t expect that knock us flat sometimes but hopefully will help give us a jump start to a new beginning. The world is changing, sometimes we don’t necessarily like the changes but they are inevitable.

I think Phil has given us some good advice in the decision making that is involved in moving forward and to be a success. He tells us how to manage our circumstances, our emotions so our reaction will not be a knee jerk reflex. When we make the decisions based on a thought out process we will grow. The way we react will determine our future as well as our present.

The problem we often see is we haven’t disciplined ourselves to be good decision makers. We too often tend to have no alternative plan and if something unexpected happens we react with emotion. Phil shares how to learn to make good decisions, well thought out ones.

I loved the book, it could be of benefit to anyone either looking to make some changes or someone who had a change dumped on them. Read it.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson free to give an honest review.

Max Lucado’s Answers on Life

2011-04-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

In his latest book, MAX ON LIFE from Thomas Nelson, Max Lucado said after thirty plus years in the ministry and as an author he’s been asked a myriad of questions. He responds to the ones he was asked the most.

Like all of us he has grappled with of the same doubts, questions and fears addressed in the book. Some of the answers may seem a little cliché to the average church attendee but even those of us who go to church regularly will find some clarification to our questions and doubts. Questions such as “Where is God when it hurts?” “Why Church?”

Max does not presume to have all the answers but he points us to the one who does. In everyday language, simply with inspiring insight he helps us to see where to find direction and comfort.

I love Max Lucado’s books. He paints word pictures from obscure scripture and events in life. I have never been disappointed in his writings. I enjoyed this books and I am sure it will be of immeasurable assistance when talking to others.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson for an honest unbiased review.

http://booksneeze.com

THE FINAL SUMMIT by Andy Andrews

2011-04-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

What is The One Principle That Will Save Humanity? That is the question put to David Ponder as he heads THE FINAL SUMMIT. We first met David in The Traveler’s Gift, and if you’ve not read it I would recommend you get it also. The two books tie together so profoundly that I wanted to read it first so I bought it before I continued.

By means of history and some of the thoughts of the world’s finest and most brilliant minds the ensemble at the summit must find the solution. When we are at the end of our ropes, and we don’t know what to do, what is the next step? What do we do?

Andy Andrew is a writer like no other I’ve read. Someone said he was a mix of C.S. Lewis, Alfred Hitchcock and Tony Robbins but I’m not sure if that encapsulates his writing. Andy has the gift of being able to draw you in, to captivate, entertain and at the same time cause you to reflect, to examine yourself.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson in return for an unbiased review.

2011-04-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Book 3 of the Sister’s of The Quilt, WHEN A SOUL MENDS by Cindy Woodsmall is my latest from Waterbrook. I wasn’t sure about the book at first as my past experience at an Amish novel has been less than impressive. However Cindy had done her research and treated the Amish and Mennonite with respect and understanding. I even found myself envying their plain life somewhat.

It was third and final book of the series so I bought the first two books and read them first. I couldn’t put any of them down until I finished them each.

In the novel the heroine is a young Old Order Amish girl who through circumstances somewhat beyond her control, leaves the order and finds her way in the Englischer world. After 2 years later she unwillingly returns after receiving a call for help from her sister. Old wounds are reopened upon her arrival and she is also thrown together with her former fiancé and she is faced with what she thought were dead feelings. Cindy draws you into the story and you feel the pain, confusion and betrayal of Hannah. What will she do? Will she find her way to forgiveness? I have found a new favorite fiction writer.

I received this book from http://Waterbrookmultnomah.com free for agreeing to give an honest unbiased review.

Lis Weihl's Heart of Ice

2011-04-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

I just finished the third in the Triple Threat Novel series by Lis Wiehl, a former federal prosecutor and currently a legal analyst and commentator for Fox News. The book is about three friends, Nicole a federal agent, Allison a district attorney and Cassidy a TV news co-anchor who all get involved with a crime. Due to their particular jobs they come at the crime from a different perspective, and assist each other in solving it.

The perpetrator, Elizabeth is a master at deceiving people and befriends one of the women, intending to con her as she does others. She will go to any means to get what she wants and when she feels the noose tightening she has no qualms about eliminating the threat. She uses others to do the job and point toward another suspect. How do the friends solve the crime and protect the unsuspecting victims? This is an action packed story that will keep you reading and holding your breath. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am now anxiously awaiting the fourth one due out in October this year.

I receive books free from Thomas Nelson to review honestly.

ANCIENT PRACTICES THE SACRED MEAL

2011-04-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Among the young people today there is a resurgence of observing the ancient disciplines as they realize the benefit of some of these “rituals” that the church has marginalized. Thomas Nelson has brought us a series called The Ancient Practice Series to help us understand these old truths. THE SACRED MEAL written by Nora Gallagher is one in this collection.

You might wonder how you would write a whole book on the “Eucharist” or “Communion” just as I did, however Nora Gallagher did just that. She has a unique way of mixing the sacred life and ordinary life together helping you to get past the “religious” significance and into the intimate, personal feel of what this meal represents.

This book is about remembering, remembering what we are together, that Jesus wanted us to see a new Kingdom. Jesus sat down and ate with the outcast, the useless, the discarded, what is low. When we all show up and do our part, we are the body of Christ.

I receive books free from Thomas Nelson for giving an unbiased review.

The Daughter's Walk

2011-03-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Daughter's Walk is a historical fiction novel, which I love, based two women from the 19^th Century. The mother, Helga Estby, accepted a wager to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City. The daughter, Clara accompanied her. The purpose was to further the reformed clothes that a fashion industry was trying to introduce and to encourage women to stand up for the right to vote. The challenge was to reach New York in seven months at which time Helga was to be paid ten thousand dollars. Upon their return to Washington Clara chose to strike out on her own and was separated from her family for more than twenty years.

Jane Kirkpatrick interlaces fact with fiction and creates from this point and weaves a captivating scenario as to the reason she left and the ensuing years. I found the book compelling and hard to put down. One can only imagine the hardship of the trip, the emotions of the family at them leaving them for that length of time, the disposition of the community upon their return as well as the nation as a whole. I think Ms Kirkpatrick did an outstanding job of catching the feeling and drawing you into the era.

I received this pre-released book from http://Waterbrookmultnomah.com free for agreeing to give an honest unbiased review.

Pilgrims Journey

2011-03-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

Charles Foster challenges us to take a pilgrimage in his book The Sacred Journey. He shares some reflections from journey’s he has made as well as others experiences. He even advices you what to take should you venture out.

He starts the book “When man was first born…..he began to walk” then continues on through Abraham, (who is the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) to Jesus who “was the archetypal desert Bedouin, Jesus was homeless”.

He makes the point that “humans have never forgotten that they were designed as walkers.” That when things go wrong they go for walks. As Christians we know the journey matters that it’s not all about the destination. The journey is where we are changed in preparation for the destination.

This book is not one you can read through without stopping from time to time and contemplate what Foster is saying. Which I’m sure is the very purpose of the book. We says we have become too comfortable and lost our wonder and child likeness, which I do not disagree with. In the back he has a study guide so it could be used for small groups. I think it is a book that is well worth reading.

How to have a Soul Revolution

2011-03-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

I received the SOUL REVOLUTION by John Burke as a giveaway on Eric Michael Bryant's blog. The book is about how imperfect people become all God intended and he challenges you to do a 60/60 plan. What he asks is for you to set the alarm on your watch or phone for every hour for 60 days to think about God. I usually think of Him throughout the day and often whisper prays when I do. However I took the challenge.

The book is basically written for new Christ followers or someone struggling with keeping focused, or having some type of addiction. However there is enough in it to get even the most seasoned Christ follower to think and grow. The book dragged a few times for me but there was enough testimonies and stories as well as challenges to draw me back in.

Over all I would recommend this book and think it would be a good discussion group activity.

Tandem by Tracey Bateman

2011-02-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

When I received my latest fiction book for review from Water Brook, Tandem by Tracey Bateman, I was surprised to find out it was a Christian vampire story. I know vampires have become quite poplar these days in books, TV shows, and movies and I’m also sure there are those who will question the words Christian and vampire being used together.

I won’t go into what I think about the issue of vampires, however, at first I wasn’t sure I wanted to read the book. Nevertheless, Tracey is a compelling author, and once I picked up the book it held my attention and kept me guessing as to where she was headed and how the mystery would end.

The heroine, Lauryn, struggles with her concept of God and a dad that has Alzheimer’s. Her high school crush is the son of the local pastor who left town to become a missionary after graduation and returns with a child.

Tracey Bateman does write in a way to draw you into the story and hold you captive to the story line, her characters are fascinating, and you will wind up rooting for the heroine, and maybe even one of the vampires. :-)

God's Redemption After Failure

2011-02-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

I received Lost + Found by David Trotter as a giveaway from Eric Michael Bryant’s blog. It is a book about God’s redemption and second chances, although the main portion of the book is about the failure of David Trotter and possibly in too much detail. I couldn’t help but wonder how David’s wife felt reading details of the downward spiral of her husband and his obsession with the other woman. I admire his wife and her ability to trust in God and allow him to work in her to forgive and be reconciled to David.

I’m not sure who I would recommend read this or if I would. Although as I stated earlier it is about God’s mercy and forgiveness, possibly too little time is spent on that with only on chapter out of the whole book. I will say it does hold your attention, albeit almost in a voyeuristic way, as you read how he became entangled in the web of infidelity and the journey that lead to him being hospitalized after the other woman returned to her husband. I am reminded however, of God’s love for each of us and that He is willing to pick us up out of the mud pit.

House of Hope #4 WHO IS MY SHELTER?

2011-02-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

In Who Is My Shelter Neta Jackson concludes the story of Gabrielle Fairbanks. This is a fourth book in a series where she tells of Gabby’s journey from the rich socialite whose husband kicks her out and she becomes homeless. But in the shelter she returns to the God of her youth and with God’s helps rebuilds her life.

Neta weaves a mosaic of people from various ethnic, spiritual and economic lives into a narrative in such a way you feel like you know the individuals in the story. She helps you to see the people as God might see them and you long for the community they have with each other and the depth in their prayers for one another.

The characters deal with issues and learn how to trust in the one who is our shelter.

I love Neta Jackson’s novels so I was excited to see the latest of the House of Hope series in my selections for Thomas Nelson book reviews. I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

What Is the Cause Within You?

2011-02-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

I just finished Matthew Barnett’s book THE CAUSE WITHIN YOU and I have to say I have a deeper respect for Matthew.

He starts out telling the story of how he came to be in Los Angeles, how in the middle of the night God took him out to Echo Park to get his attention and help him see the people that he was meant to reach.

He shares his journey, the things they are endeavoring to do, and the people whose lives are being changed. He relates the stories of others who have come to share the journey and love for the people. It makes you want to pack up and head to Los Angeles to link arms with them.

Matthew is the first to tell you that it is not him that has accomplished all that’s been done but says you need to envision your cause as a relay race, you…hand off the baton to others who will complete legs of the journey that you cannot or should not run. And above all God is the main member of the team and without Him you will not accomplish your dream.

Love the book, gave me a new perspective. Get it digest it.

I received this book from Tyndale Publishing free for agreeing to give honest review.

The Pirate Queen a novel

2011-02-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman was about a spoiled socialite wife whose husband was a philander and after deciding she had enough, was planning on leaving. He informed her he had cancer and wanted to go to the very place she was running to.

I was not optimistic after the first few chapters. The dialog was stilted and unimaginative however it did improve and the book became enthralling. There was a good blend of a Christian principles and evangelism without being preachy.

You found yourself drawn to Sephora and the people in her life. You get a little angry at the lack of sensitivity by some of the community concerning Tobias, the young adopted boy who she befriends. Your heart breaks for the family as Sephora’s husband succumbs to the cancer that steals his life.

I received this book from Waterbrook complimentary for reading and giving my honest review.