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“I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.”- Psalm 138:2

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Longing ~ Karen Kingsbury

Book #3 in the Bailey Flanigan Series.... Loved this book, my favorite in the series. The story of Bailey, Brandon and Cody continues, in this book you will find out who Bailey is going to choose to be her boyfriend, her career choice and where she will be living. It is packed with emotions and makes you get so attached to the characters that you don't want the book to end.

The story has so many ups and downs that you can't put it down, who do you want to see Bailey with? This book may change your mind. If you have not read book 1 & 2 you can still read this book without reading them. But if you have read 1 & 2 then you know what I am talking about when I say that you become so attached with book 3 that when you find out in the end of the book, you don't want it to end and leaves you with mixed feelings.

I would recommend this as a great light read that you can't put down.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netgalley as an ebook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Relentless ~ John Bevere

This book explains the way to get through life and all of life struggles by using your faith to guide you and by using GOD's word you will survive and be happy.

Each chapter starts out with a subject and scripture verse. The chapter continues with an example story and with a detailed description of the christian way to handle all situations for your life. It teaches you that you can handle anything that life deals to you.

I would recommend this book to those that are looking for a self help book, but be warn that it is a heavy read and you will need to concentrate on the contents of this book to get the most out of it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Grumble Hallelujah ~ Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira

Ever feel so miserable that you wonder why GOD makes you go through this pain? Well this book is for you. If you are feeling down, depressed, and wondering why your love for GOD is not making you happy? This is a great helpful book that makes you look at your unhappiness in life and realize that GOD makes that happen to make you be closer to him.

This book has 15 chapters that covers a different situation for you to think about and work on in your daily life. This is a good self help book, daily devotional, or a good group bible study. Each chapter is about a 5 to 10 minute read, you are given a story that Caryn went through, then backed up with biblical explantions (along with scripture references) and then questions for you to review your own life and makes you realize that GOD is making you go through all this to make you closer to him. This book helps you work through unhappiness by learning to greive what you are going through and that GOD is with you and he is making this all happen for his glory, you have to go through the steps of greif, learning and becoming closer to GOD.

I really enjoyed this book and it helped me (as I am going through a difficult time) to realize it is ok to feel sad as long as I know I am getting closer to GOD.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Tyndale book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

One Call Away ~ Brenda Warner

This is the true story of Brenda Warner's life, all her struggle's with heartache, disappointments with life, and how she keeps her love for GOD no matter what she goes through.

When I started to read this book, I could not put it down! It is such a great read, it is real, a GOD glorifiying story. I never imagained what this book was going to contain, but once you start reading, you realize that her life is all of our stories wrapped into one life. I never thought this story would have all of this in it, she becomes a marine, makes her dream of marrying a marine and having children come true ... happy ever after right? Wrong! She ends up having to deal with a handicapped child, divorce, going on welfare, moving back home, going back to college, find new happiness, death, dealing with the media, and each time she picks up the phone her life is turned upside down. How does she keep going? It makes you wonder and it also keeps you reading to find out how she will survive. Brenda keeps going with her faith and her strong belief that GOD is always with her.

I recommend this book to everyone, **caution** you will not want to put this book down. GREAT INSPIRATIONAL READ!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Shelter of God's Promises DVD-Based Bible Study ~ Shelia Walsh

This is a bible study that needs the dvd to go with this book. I received this book as part of the net galley book review program. I was able to look at the bible study, however, without the DVD was not able to give a full review. As I can tell from what I did receive, Shelia does it again..... I have always enjoyed Shelia's work and always know that when you purchase her work you will not be disappointed.

From the workbook I recieved it covers, The ten promises: JESUS, Provision, Peace, Confidence, Love, Grace, Hope, Strenght, More and, Home. It cover what GOD promises with each, what each means, and the fullfillment of each of GOD commitment to us.

Each Week you have a daily lesson (5 lessons per week), with the weekend to reflect, this has group questions and personal questions. You are not able to really understand this workbook without the dvd, but if you are looking for a bible study to do as a group study that is easy to comprehend and great format, then this is for you.

I would recommend this as a group bible study, but you must purchase the whole packet, DVD and workbook, and do as a group, this is not a stand alone study you can do on your own.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netgalley as an ebook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Malled ~ Caitlin Kelly

This is a story written about Cailin Kelly and how she leaves a high paying job working as a journalist to work in the retail industry. The story is not that interesting, I felt the book kept repeating itself of the same situtaions each day as a retail clerk. I was expecting more in depth and a deeper look into the retail part, it did not go into detail (each situation was very basic, if you worked in retail, you know you have the situation that she talked about) and each chapter seemed to cover the same issues.

I did not find this book as grabbing onto the reader as I had hoped, and had a very hard time finishing the book. It took a very long time for me to finish as each time I wanted to read, I just could find myself staying with this book.

I would not recommend this book, it is not my type of interest.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netgalley as an ebook. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Worlds Collide ~ Allison Strobel

This is a fiction book about a Hollywood movie star (Jack) and a downhome girl (Grace) and there realationship, not only with each other but with God. This book is written in the tense of a Hollywood reporter that wants to have a breaking story of how these two people survive the turmoil of the media and all the flashy Hollywood stories. It is told by the reporter interviewing Jack and then Grace, you get to know both their backgrounds and all the issues that they have in their closets. Each characters has many skeltons in their closets that surprises the reader. The decisions that each of them has to make, makes the reader wonder if they will survive. It covers everyday decisions that change your life and change the course of what you think your life will be. This book makes you realize even christian's have those difficult decisions to make in life.

This book kept me turning pages as it covered very real and current day challenges that come in life. It makes you think about your own past and how you dealt with difficult situations and how the decision you made, changed your course in life.

I would recommend this story to those that like a great fiction story that keeps you turning the pages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thunder Dog ~ Michael Hingson

This is a true story of Michael Hingson and his dog Roselle who survive the twin towers on 9/11. The adventure is amazing because Michael is blind and Roselle is his seeing eye dog. The story covers the events from the morning of 9/11 and also tells of Michael's challenges growing up blind. It details alot of the stumbling blocks he has as growing up and how his mom and dad never wanted him treated special. They always treated him as every child would be treated, including him riding his bike through the neighborhood and the neighbors calling to complain that a blind kid was riding a bike. It follows many different circumstances that he faced from childhood, to college, to marriage, and working at the twin towers.

I enjoyed this book and it is a great teaching tool for everyone. It shows that just because you are different doesn't mean you have to say I can't do anything because of my condition. It means you can do it, and you try doing whatever you want. If you have a vision you can do anything you set your mind to do.
I would recommend this book to everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger ~ David Gregory

This is a great book, and is a quick read. It is about a guy named Nick who gets an invitation to have dinner with Jesus of Nazareth at a fancy resturant and thinks that this is a joke from his friends at work. He attends the dinner and keeps looking for his friends to show up and say to him the joke is on you. That doesn't happen at all.... Nick is face to face with Jesus and learning that it isn't about being good in life to get to heaven, it is all about accepting Jesus into your heart. The whole book goes through each coure during dinner (appetizer, dinner, dessert, coffee) and covers different questions that Nick asks at each course. It explains salvation in a way that I never thought of explaining it and uses examples that make you think. This is a great story to use as a tool for bringing people to know GOD and your salvation.

I would recommend reading this and buying it to give out to all your friends and family. It is a really quick and easy read, with a message that following Jesus is the only way to eternal life. As I was reading this book I kept thinking, what if I was in the place of Nick and Jesus was sitting across the table from me? What would I ask and how would I react? As soon as I got done with this book, I handed it to my husband and told him, this is a must read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, July 11, 2011

Peace from Broken Pieces ~ Iyanla Vanzant

This is the true life story of Iyanla, the women that was once a monthly feature on Oprah to staring in the show Starting Over (helping women change their lives). I starting this book and finished it in 2 days, I couldn't put it down. Iyanla is so honest of her life story and how she has overcome the mistakes she has made in her life. She is not shy to tell of the violence in her childhood and her adult life, teen pregnancy, bankruptcy, cancer, protecting your children and much more. She does not pull any punches in this book, she tells it exactly how it was and is today. She teaches through her heartache of how to look ahead and see how your life is and how you can also work on yourself.

I enjoyed this book tremendously and think all women should treat themselves to this story. It is a great blessing that Iyanla shared her story with all those that are willing to stop and take the time to read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from the publisher through the www.netGalley.com website. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Tuesday, July 5, 2011

The Quotable Rogue ~ Matt Lewis

This book is all Sarah Palin in her own quotes and words on all subjects. It is a book that you can use as a reference to what she really believes and for those that do not want to believe she is an honest and patriotic woman. The book covers many subjects: Health Care, Crime, Education, Family, Faith, Tea Party, Tina Fey, Washington and the list goes on. This book has it all, and all from what Sarah is about, everyone should read this book and know that she is good for this country! She is really what America needs to bring back what America is all about.

I enjoyed this book and it is a great reference to use when people are against what Sarah does, believes or has said.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Final Summit ~ Andy Andrews

This book is the second book about David Ponder and the great way he gets to see history and the meaning behind life. I describe this book along with the first book - The Traveler's Gift as the modern version of the Christmas classic, It's a wonderful life. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy this book. The 2nd chapter covers the whole meaning behind the first book and gives a very brief catch up version. This version has Gabriel the Archangel, come back and join David to get all of the so called "travelers" to gather and save all of humanity. The story continues with many twist and turns.

I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It really makes you realize that history is a way of life and you can not change or control the outcome. Everyone is put on earth for a reason and everyone has a purpose, you just don't know what it is until it is time for you to know. I really enjoyed both books.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

We Shall See God - Randy Alcorn

This is a daily devotional book that is all about HEAVEN. It is a book that combines the Sermons from Charles Spurgeon and comentary from Randy Alcorn on each day. You will find the setting to be the same on each daily devotional, it will start with the title and reference of the sermon, a date of when it was preched and the place it was preached at. It explains in a short paragraph of the background of why Spurgeon was preaching on the subject that day and includes scripture. It then gives a short condesed version of the sermon (which if you want the whole sermon you can research it from Spurgeon's many volume's of printed sermons- the begining of the devotional explains where to find more information.) After the sermon, you then receive a commentary from Alcorn.

This is a very small, hand held devotional, that is a great and fast read for each day. You can use it as a daily devotional or you can just pick up and start reading anyplace you want. Each day has a title, so you are able to know the subject of that daily devotion. (in case you are looking for something)

I would recommend this to everyone, it is a true gift of GOD's word and all about Heaven.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Tyndale book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The Whole Bible Story ~ Dr. William H. Marty

This book is the whole story of the bible in plain english and reads like a story book. This book is not the bible with details or sermons it is to be used as a tool. It is a great read to use as a study guide then you grab your bible and read the real stuff with all the details. I liked how it read and you could just pick it up and read from begining to end, or just pick any chapter. It covers all the people of the bible and gives you the basic of what their purpose for GOD's use was. At the begining of each chapter it gives a list of characters and place of setting so you are able to look up certain people you would like to know about. Each chapter ends with a short summary and contains maps and reference verses throughout the whole book.

I would defientely recommend this book to everyone, it is a great read!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Radical Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream ~ David Platt

I was excited to read this book as everyone was raving about it. The book started with good expectations, I loved the first chapter that explained how American churches were using the bible and turning GOD into an "American GOD". It is heavy with missionary work and going to the ends of the earth theme. I am a firm believer in Mission work and spreading GOD's word as the bible tells us to. However, this book is just that, each chapter is the same message. It is a great book to teach mission work and makes you realize how other countries are not as blessed as Americans are to be able to have freedom to worship and tell about JESUS. I hope this book reaches those American's that take our freedom to tell the truth of GOD for granite just what others have to do to learn and what they sacrifice for the word of GOD.

The end of the book gives a one year challenge for all to take. It contains the following challenges: Pray for the entire world, read through the entire Bible, sacrifice money for a specific purpose, spend time in another context, commit to a multiplying community.

I would recommend this book to others and would encourage this book to be read by everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Knock'em Dead 2011 25th Anniversary ~ Martin Yate CPC

This book is for those on a job search or ready to change careers. The book covers doing a resume, questions from the interview, negotiating pay, interview followup, where the jobs are, and gives the fast growing occupations.

I found this book very helpful and useful as I was in the middle of a career change when I received this in the mail. I read over the questions and it was helpful, but readers of this book need to realize this is a tool.... don't memorize the answers you need to study the question and answer it to what fits your need. I felt this book was a help in my next career search and would recommend it to those that are ready for the next chapter of their careers. It does have chapters that caterer to those right out of high school of college.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, April 18, 2011

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World ~ Susan Veness

This is a very fun book about all 4 parks at Walt Disney World in Florida. It covers each park and talks about little things that go unnoticed. Reading this book it will have you looking for those little unknown things when you go to the park next time. It tells the reader about the history and also of the changes that certain rides have gone through. The book is very organized by park and detailed of the ride name and a map of each park is enclosed. If you are an avid Disney fan, as I am you will enjoy this as fun addition to your collection. This is the type of book that you can just leave on your coffee table and use as a conversation piece. It does make you smile and realize all the little details that goes into the Disney parks. I would recommend this book to anyone and it is a fun read. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Max on Life ~ Max Lucado

This book is the new one from Max and the title is exactly what it covers, questions on life. It is broken down by subjects and has an easy to look up index, allowing the reader to find just what they are looking for. Max has put a question on top of the page and then answers it, in a very easy to read and easy to understand form. The book has covered the basic questions on faith and refers the answers to be found in the bible. I am a big Max fan and have read most of his books. This one is a very light read for me, since I am used to his more in depth and one subject books. I found that some of the material in this book has been covered in other Max books. This is a good book to give to those that have the basic questions of faith. It is also a good reference book when you need to give the quick answer when asked a certain question. I would recommend this book as a light read, a reference guide and could be used as a daily devotional. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Kingdom Keeper 1 ~

As a tween book, if you love Disney, you will also read this book. This is a series set. The story is of 5 teenagers that become hallo grams for Disney's Magic Kingdom, and the main theme is Good happens during the day and Evil happens at night at the Magic Kingdom.

The kids find out when they go to sleep at night they are transformed into the MK to save the world from the evil overtakers. This book takes you through the rides at MK and give a sort of Harry Potter magical feel. They journey through the haunted house, space mountain, it's a small world, pirates of Caribbean, Cinderella's castle, splash mountain, thunder mountain and Walt's private quarters over the firehouse on main street.

It's a fun and magical journey of how the kids save Disney World. I would recommend this for all Disney lovers.

book was borrowed from Maine State library.

To be perfectly honest ~ Phil Callaway

This book is hilarious and an excellent fun read! The book is about how Phil decides not to lie for a whole year. It is in the setting of a diary type read, Day 1, Day 2 and etc. At the end of each chapter is a recap of the chapter and allows you to reflect on your own feelings.

I loved how Phil's wife asked for him to mow the lawn, he hates mowing the lawn and says "sure" then realized that he is on this mission to not lie for a year, and tells her "I don't want to, but I will". He mows the lawn and shares of his afternoon of mowing. Made me laugh out loud. Another funny is when his mother in law asks if he wants to come for dinner, he stops and says, how do I answer this one truthfully and still have a relationship with her? His story about the music each Sunday at his church, is something that I think all of us has had to go through. Each day is a great read and has you thinking about your own life and what you would or wouldn't say.

I started to read this book when I got it out of the mailbox, and couldn't put it down. I loved it! It came just in time, as having a bad day at work, this was a wonderful book to come home to, it just made me laugh and realize it isn't that bad of a day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Vicious Cycle–Book 2 ~ Terri Blackstock

Again, I started a Terri Blackstock book and couldn't stop reading until I was done, I new when I started this book at 10pm I was in trouble, I had to stay up until it was over....6 hours later, I have no regrets. This is the 2nd book in the series and as great as the 1st book.

This is about today's teens and addiction to meth. The main character in this book is Jordan, a teen girl who is 15, addicted to meth, pregnant and comes from a broken home where her mother and brother is addicted to meth also. Emily (from the 1st book) is graduating from rehab and her family is estatic, they have become friends with Jordan through rehab. As Jordan decides not to continue treatment and leaves rehab and goes back to her mother, her mother, a meth addict has her own agenda to sell the baby to sex slavery ring and use the money so that she may buy more meth. Emily's family steps in to help and the adventure begins. This is an excellent book with lots of twist and turns.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a great read.

I borrowed this book from the Maine State Library.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life ~ Nick Vujicic

This is the true story about Nick, he was born without any limbs. It is not your typical life story of from when he was born to his life now, it is a book of encouragement for your life. Nick tells of certain obstacles that he has faced in life and then shows you how you can overcome the same type of situations.

Throughout his story he gives you encouragement, guidance for finding your purpose, being hopeful, believing in yourself, maintaining a good attitude, acting with courage, practicing resilience, mastering change, forming empowering relationships, and acting upon opportunities that move you closer to your dreams. He always has a positive attitude and wants you to have the same outlook in life.

This is an excellent book for EVERYONE to read, it is a GREAT read and has so much feelings that you don't want this book to end. I was very impressed of how Nick expresses that GOD is always in control and HE never leaves you nor forsakes you.

I will recommend this book to EVERYONE and plan to give it as gifts this year!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

We Be Big - Rich Burger and Bill "Bubba" Bussey

This is the book about Rick & Bubba, 2 good old Alabama boys that now have a morning radio show that promotes the "Glory of God". Their story is about how it was not that easy to make it to the top. They share about their high school years, career paths and how GOD was the control of their success. They never gave up even though; it would have been easy to do as they had many ups and downs. The book does have funny stories, heartbreaking situations and the Grace of GOD that gets them to the top. This book is a very light read and is interesting for the reader to see how many problems they had to overcome. They tell us about how GOD's path was not one they had envisioned. Their belief in GOD and being obedient to Him is how they got to where they are today. I would recommend this book to friends only if they want a light read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, February 25, 2011

Mere Churchianity - Michael Spencer

The book is told by the author, Michael Spencer of how in today's world the church has become a place of what the people want, not what GOD wants. He explains chapter by chapter of certain situations that are occurring in all churches across the America. Each chapter is the story of how churches are becoming more of a club or organization then a place to worship GOD. He does a great job of getting you to realize that church is a place to worship and GOD is all about a relationship with him. His whole morale to the book is to get people to stop and look at your life and ask yourself is my church running my life or is my life running by a Jesus-shaped spirituality?

This book is about your relationship with Jesus, the way the church teaches and how you can determine what is right for you. I think alot of people are negative or defensive to the author is because he hits home and he hits you hard with the truth. This book makes you take a look at the church life and if you are really going to church for the right reasons or you think you are there for the right reasons. It makes people think about everything the church does and if you are in a club setting or a true christian setting. GOD is not about church, he is about you and how you feel towards him and if you are really doing what Jesus would do. I enjoyed this book and it made me smile and think long and hard about alot of things that churches have talked about, events they have sponsored, programs they run, attitude of the church members and the sermons they preached... was GOD in all these times or was it the way the people wanted.

I would recommend this book to pastors, church members and all those that have left a church and not going back. It makes sense and gives the other side of the coin to think about. When you read this book and get upset about something (thinking it is negative) you need to stop and look at what it is.... is GOD speaking to you?..... is this why you are having these feelings?.... this book speaks to everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




Thursday, January 27, 2011

Divine Appointment - Book 2 in Series ~ Charlene Ann Baumbich

This is a story about many characters that all have many situations and their lives are being intertwined together by divine appointments. The books main character is Josie a 47 yr old, single, business women that her job is to downsize companies in today's economy. As she takes on her new job in Chicago, she recommends for many positions to be terminated due to a new computer system being put in place. The company takes her recommendations and does a massive lay off. That is when you meet all the other characters in the story and how they handle being laid off in today's world. The story is tied around snowglobes that were purchased at a flee market and keep the story going around the characters with how the globes are effecting them.

I found this story to be very slow for my reading. I found it a chore for me to keep reading. I don't think I would recommend this to all my friends. I could recommend the book to friends that just read slowly for passing time, but for avid readers, I would let them know this is a very slow pace book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Unlikely Blessing, Forever Hilltop Series # 1 - Judy Baer

I loved this story of Alex Armstrong a young pastor that is from the big city and moves to the country to pastor a small town church. He has to adjust to everyday living in a small town and where everyone knows everyone and all share each others business. Alex is not used to people who will cook for each other, help each other, and know what is going on with everyone. It has many different characters and gets you very involved with their lives and story. This is the first book in a series and I really look forward to the continuing story of Alex.

About the book: An Unlikely Blessing is a heartfelt story about a new pastorand life-long city dweller Alex Armstrong, who reluctantly accepts his first assignment, a two-point parish in the wilds of North Dakota. HilltopTownship, a farming community, blooms from the prairie like a wild pinkrose-lovely and prickly all at once, much like the people who live there. Unlikely Alex quickly finds that this lovely place is in quiet peril. Farmers are struggling to make ends meet: Jonas Owens, a faithful member of Hilltop parish, is on the brink of losing the farm. Alex believes that part of why God called him to Hilltop was to help turn things around, and steps in with ideas for saving the Owens' land. But can even God's minister help save this rural community? There are a lot of firsts for the new pastor-the annual Hunter's Breakfast, jule bukking (also called Christmas fooling), King Oscar's fish balls, and the melody of the musical saw. And the new, single pastor creates remarkable excitement among the unmarried women in the community. If you could die of hot dish overdose, Alex would be a dead man. Whether performing weddings, counseling his flock, or herding cattle by snowmobile, Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he will teach them. Day by day, he falls more in love with the people of Hilltop Church. People may leave Hilltop, but Hilltop never leaves them.

Link to Buy the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Blessing-Forever-Hilltop/dp/0824948149/ref=sp

About Author: Judy Baer is the author of over seventy-five books for adultsand teens. She has won the Romance Writer of America Bronze Medallion and has been a RITA finalist twice. She lives in Elk River, Minnesota with her husband. Follow the Hilltop characters on Judy's blog and find out more about Judy and her books at
http://www.judykbaer.com/

About the Unlikely Blessings Giveaway In celebration of the release of An Unlikely Blessing, Judy is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.

One lucky winner will receive: * Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi* A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com
To enter just click HERE (
http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/an-unlikely-blessing-by-judy-baer.html) and then tell your friends!

Winner will be announced on February 21st onJudy's blog,
http://www.judykbaer.com/wordpress


Blog Tour Schedule:
http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/an-unlikely-blessing-by-judy-baer.html )


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the liteuse group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Gray Matter: A Neurosurgeon Discovers the Power of Prayer ~ David Levy, MD

Dr. Levy has but together a great book on a man having great faith and willing to stand by his faith and share with others. This book tells the story of how he has used his daily work as a doctor to witness to others. It has true stories of patients and how he touched their lives while treating them. (all names have been changed to hide identity.) The stories of each patient is different by the way he approaches patients and how they accept him. Dr. Levy shows how going out of the box and following what GOD wants you to do can change your life. I was very impressed by this book and it showed both sides of the story, either by a good or bad outcome.

If you would like a good and very different book then pick this book up. I would recommend this story to anyone. It would be a great book for a book group and even better for people that are so scared to speak their faith and witness to others.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book.

Voice of Faithful (book 2) ~ By Beth Moore, Kim P. Davis, International Mission Board

This is a daily devotional book with true and encouraging stories about missionaries all over the world. You can read a story everyday or skim through and pick a story to read, it is up to you. The book is divided into many different subjects (very easy for picking up and reading or praying for certain areas). Each day starts out with a date, bible verse, story of a missionary and ends with a quick prayer for the day. Each day can be read in less then 10 minutes or you may spend 30 minutes, it is up to you, that is the blessing in this book. This book is what you want it to be, and you can put as much or little into it.

I have book 1, and loved it !! Book 2 is in the more of the same!! My book 1 is hardcover and my book 2 is soft cover. I found the softcover is much easier to travel with and more flexible to carry. I would recommend both books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”