Fly a Little Higher ~ Lura Sobiech

Excellent, Inspirational, Extraordinary!!  Must read this book!!  When I picked this book, I was not sure I would be able to read it without a box of tissues.... Well I read it from cover to cover in one day and only needed a tissue at the very end.  After reading the reviews of others and how emotional they were reading this I thought am I heartless?  Then I finished and thought about the story and realized, I got it!  I understand Zach's message, the story of Hope and an act of GOD's grace, it is so inspiring that if you believe in the power of GOD and HIS works then you will understand where Zach was in life.  Don't misunderstand me, Zach's story is sad, however, his love of life and his faith in GOD brings perspective to his journey in life and dealing with death at such a young age.  It is so inspirational and filled with love that you are feeling sad, but have that peace in your heart that says live, love, laugh even if you only have a short time on this earth. 

Laura, Zach's mom, tells the story of Zach's journey with a very rare cancer (Osteosarcoma) and how he wrote a song to say goodbye,  "Clouds" became #1 and the Hope for everyone to never give up the fight, always keep fighting till the end.  She tells of family, friends, and all the people you touch in your journey through this life.  

I want everyone to read this story and share it!!  It is the best book I have read in a long time.  So much love is in this book that you can't put it down.  Laura did such a classy job telling this story that you want everyone to hear her side of being a mom and dealing with such an emotional rollercoaster of dealing with your son having cancer.   Buy this book and then share with everyone, you won't be disappointed nor will you be able to put this book down.  Thank you Laura for sharing such an emotional and encouraging part of your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze. 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

Beautiful on the Mountain ~ Jeannie Light

This is a true story about Jeannie Light and how she moved from the big city to the a little country town of Grave Mills in the Blue Ridge Mountains.   Jeannie meets and becomes the friend of a man that talks her into opening up the old country church that has been closed for many years.  You get to learn about Jeannie and many stories of her old and new friendships, how GOD is in control of your life as long as you follow him, and what GOD will provide when you do HIS will.  This is a very inspiring story and all the obstacles that are put in your way and how your plan may not be GOD's plan.  If you follow what GOD wants you to do then you will have grace and many blessings to follow.  If you have your own plan then GOD will create problems and turmoil to get you to do HIS will for HIM.

I recommend this touching story, it is a very interesting and a fulfilling true story.  It really shows how if you follow with GOD's plan then you will be so blessed and happy.  The road of GOD's plan is not always easy, however, the end results is priceless.   If you want a touching summer read, buy this book.  I would give this to my friends that enjoys a good old fashion real story and for all those people that want to do GOD's work and are afraid to step out of the box.  Jeannie shows and tells how to follow what GOD wants you to do, she is a great inspiration!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Tyndale. 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

New Spirit~Filled Life Bible ~ NIV Thomas Nelson

I really like this bible, it is filled with a lot of new material that I hadn't seen before.  I like the 41 themes throughout the bible that refers to our values called "kingdom dynamics" with a topic, verse reference, explanation.  Great way to study a special topic.  Gives a word wealth index along with reference and Strong's reference numbers. The truth in action is one of the features I really liked it is a reference box that on the left side it gives a truth  and on the right side references the action that shows how the Holy Spirit is issuing in the word.  They are action words that allow you to use in everyday life.  The maps are helpful, very easy to read and to understand. 

I would recommend this bible to everyone, it is refreshing and has so many new features that I have not seen before.  I enjoyed reading and skimming through this bible it kept my attention and had a really easy format to understand.  It does have very good index's to find the information you are looking for in a fast and efficient way.  If you want to give a great bible, give this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze. 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

10 % Happier ~ Dan Harris

This is the story of Dan Harris, Good Morning America's weekend host and how his life has been since having an anxiety attack on live TV.   I thought this book was going to be a Christian book, but be warned it is not, it is about meditation and Buddhism.  Dan tells his story of going to a retreat and how he learns to meditate to make himself happy.  I kept reading this book because I thought being from Litfuse  that Dan would find what true happiness is all about, GOD.  That never happens and this book is clearly not of my beliefs or values. 

I can not recommend this book as I do not believe that becoming happier comes from not believing in GOD.  GOD is my happiness and praying daily is my answer to a calmer life.  I was surprised that this book was so misleading by the cover and the description.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Litfuse. 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

Christianity Lite ~ Glen Berteau

This is a great book that explains about how in today's world Christianity has become about people and material things then about GOD.  Glen Berteau tells about how people have lost their commitment to GOD by wanting a big church, no pain, being entertained instead of worship and have become very selfish to their wants and needs.  People need to realize that GOD is all about being committed to him and all the sin, sadness and sacrifices you have are apart of your salvation.  This book is a great and easy read to understand how you are subject to sin everyday and the temptations of how you handle it is what the grace of GOD is all about.  Each chapter is based on transformation into all of GOD not just what you want HIM to be. 

I would recommend this book to everyone, it is a great read that really makes you think and is all bible based.  Each chapter makes you feel you are in a sermon that is feeding you GOD's word, it also includes questions at the end of each chapter that makes you think.  This book can be used as a bible study for a group or individual. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through  Booketeria. 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.

Lost & Found ~ Sarah Jakes

Sarah tells her story in a very down to earth way.  If you are looking for something that is filled with gossip of a 13 year old pregnant girl whose father is a very famous pastor, this is not what the book is all about.  This is the story of a girl that made choices and had to deal with the consequences. Sarah is very honest and open about what she has gone through during her teen years. 

This is a great book about following GOD and the plan he has for your life.  It makes you realize that what you see and wish for is always the way it appears.  You wish you had someone else's life because you see them as having everything, and in reality that person is going through some very difficult times.  This book proves that your happiness comes from the grace that GOD gives you and the choices you make to follow HIM. 

I would recommend this book to teen girls and women.  It is a great book about mistakes in life and then changing the way you are living for the glory of GOD.  It is a great read about growing up and having faith in GOD.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Bethany House. 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.

A Promise in Pieces ~ Emily T. Wierenga

This is a book from the quilts of love series, second one I have read and can't wait for more.

This story is all about Clara and how one quilt changes her life.  She tells her life story from being a child, a nurse during the war, coming home after war, having friendships, finding love, being a midwife, becoming a wife, having children, being a grandmother and above all how GOD becomes the most important thing in life. 

I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.  It captures your heart and makes you want to keep reading to see what is going to happen to Clara.  The story has a great morale and keeps this through the whole book.  The part of how the quilt becomes the most important part of Clara's life and how it brings families together just tears at your heart.  I recommend this to all women and especially those women that quilt.  I don't quilt and still loved it, however, I have friends that do quilt and they said they found a great connection and inspiration throughout the whole book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Litfuse. 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