Mondays with my Old Pastor ~ Jose Luis Navajo

This is the true story of Jose a pastor who is burnt out of the ministry and ready to call it quits on the church and all the needs of everyone.  When he is going to leave his wife suggests that he call his old pastor and go talk with him.  The pastor and his wife are now retired and have moved to the country away from everyone and have a very quiet home to be only with GOD. 

Jose starts one visit and then continues each Monday meeting with the pastor as they talk about their lives and how the past was, GOD works on Jose's heart and soon he realizes that his passion and knowledge is just the plan GOD has for his life.

This is a great book for everyone to read, each chapter covers a different emotion, it is told as a story each chapter is a Monday meeting.  It makes you think and know that everyone goes through the same set of emotions, even pastor, church leaders and the congregation.... This book is a wonderful and very enjoyable read.

The book goes through 15 principles to live in life, I just wish it had bible verses to back up each principle.  I felt this book was missing the bible back up that other books I have read have included in each lesson.

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

By Faith, Not By Sight ~ Scott MacIntyre

This is the life story of musician Scott MacIntyre, some may know him as a top 10 contestant on America Idol.  His story is how he was born blind and his parents always encouraged him to not use his blindness as a handicap.  He shares his story of how he has overcome obstacle in his life.  Scott tells of how he was diagnosed with the scare of a brain tumor (directly after graduation), having a rare kidney disease, having a kidney transplant, going to London for school, learning to play the piano and recording songs without reading sheet music, going on American Idol, learning to deal with society, media and dealing with his family and his belief in his love for GOD, his faith, family and what keeps him going without giving up.

This is a very encouraging story of dealing with life's up and downs and understanding that trusting in GOD is always the answer to your prayers.  I enjoyed this story.

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.”

Home Coming ~ Karen Kinsbury

The Baxter family is back and ready for a reunion.  Karen has done it again, she has written another book for us fans.  I have been following the Baxter family from the begining and always look forward to the next one as soon as I finish the current one.  This story is the end of the Baxter's family as she has bought everyone together for a family reunion, only to have the usual twists, turns, and faith that Karen always brings us.  This story can be read by all of us fans and also by the new fans, Karen has done a great job to allow everyone to this book.  She has written it so that you will know what is going on along with those of us that have been involved with the family will get closure to certain characters stories that we became touched by.  For those that have not been following the Baxter family this book will make you want to read the others, and I encourage everyone to do that.  You will laugh, cry and think you know what is going to happen, but don't be so sure as the story always has GOD to take care of how to show the faith this family has.   The book starts as a happy story and then tradegy strikes and makes the family turn to GOD, show love for your family and realize that forgiveness, love and following your faith is what life is all about.

I loved this book ..... I read this in one sitting as I always do, because you can't put the book down you just have to know what is going to happen.  My husband always dreads when I get a new Karen book because he knows as soon as I open the cover he will not see me until I reach the last page.  When I finished a Baxter family series adventure, I would always count the days until the next one, this is a sad day for me, as she has said this is the last book in the Baxter family ;-(.  Thank you Karen for allowing this book to be on Netgalley and blessing me to be able to read it and review!

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

Seal of God ~ Chad Williams

This is the true story of Chad, who has a dream of becoming a Navy Seal and will stop at nothing to do that. Chad goes through his life from being a troubled teenager with alcohol and drugs to having a relationships with the love of his life, and dealing with the death of his mentor and very close friend.  He tells of how hard the training of a Navy Seal is and explains what he has to go through, and what he is willing to go through to see his dream come true.  This book is all about true passion and commitment of how GOD can change your path anytime and any place.  Chad's story tells of how he has plans for his life and thinks he is in control and then at the blink of an eye GOD changes all of that and puts your life on the path that HE wants you to go through. I do not want to spoil it for anyone, so I will only say, hold on, GOD changes Chad's life many times in ways that you would not expect. 

I loved this story, at first I was not sure as I thought this was going to be a "guy" book, but I guarantee you this book is the true side of life that GOD takes you on the journey HE wants you to be on.  I hope that this book will touch many and make them pass this on to friends as I have.  I could not put it down, as it keeps you going and you just don't want it to end, you will become very involved with this story.

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.”

To Heaven and Back ~ Mary C. Neal, MD

This is the story of Mary and her experience with going to heaven.  Her story is touching and makes you think about your own experiences and how you can relate to her story.  Each chapter is about how GOD touches her life and how she interpets what it is suppose to mean.  Mary was an average mom and Dr. that was going through everyday life, just like you and me, busy, busy, busy....as her husband and her go kayaking one day Mary's life is changed forever, she gets trapped underwater and then thrown out of the kayak and floats down stream stuck in the current.  She has stopped breathing for over 10 mins. and goes to heaven, GOD sends her back as HE is not done with her on earth.

 This is not the typical books that have been written about heaven experiences, this book used scripture and everyday life to make you see how GOD does have angels and uses your life the way GOD plans to use it.  Bad things don't happen, they are GOD's plan to get you on his road and to get done what HE has planned for you to do.

This book is one of the best I have read on why things happen.... I read this book in two hours as I could not put it down, it just touches you and makes you realize in your own life how GOD has been with you and how certain situations were meant to be in a way that you have never thought to think of them before.

I recommend this reading to all ages, it is very easy to read and a great afternoon book you won't want to put down.  When you do finish; it makes you keep thinking of everything in your life and makes you think how GOD is with you at all times and how he has his angels all around us.

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.”

Lucy Come Home ~ Neta and David Jackson

As a fan and avid reader of the Yada Yada Prayer Group and Yada Yada House of Hope I couldn't wait to read this book, if you are a fan of these series you will want to read this book also.  It is the story of Lucy the 80 yr old homeless lady who we have met in the series.  I have always wanted to know about Lucy and her real story and this is the book. 

Lucy's life is about having tragic events in your life, love and being homeless.  It fills in why Lucy is homeless and covers her life events and why she is the way she is.  The book takes you on the journey of the present (also from yada yada series, a review if you have read the books) and then back to the past with new characters to fall in love with.  You get to meet Bo the love of Lucy's life and the life they lead being with the carnival after running away from home and the journey of much heartache and sadness for Lucy to encounter.  ( I can not share all with you, as I want all to read and enjoy the book without any spoilers).  If you have not read any of the series it is ok to read this one as the authors have added in the information you need to know, and review for those that have read them.

I recommend this book to all friends, it is a great and fast read. (as in you can't put the book down because you want to know what is going to happen next.).

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13501702/lucycomehome
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through theLitfues group 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.”

God Loves Broken People ~ Shelia Walsh

I enjoy Shelia's books, and this one included. This is a different format then Shelia's regular writing. This book includes everyday situations of depression, death, heartbreak, health conditions and many more... from the people in everyday life story's. Covering difficult times that people go through in life, each story is backed with a bible verse and biblical examples of why GOD loves people so much and why when bad things happen they are the blessing of GOD.

I enjoyed this book, it was a not in your face book, it was a way of looking at sad and uncontrollable situations the way GOD intends them to.

I would recommend this book to others, espically those that are going through a very difficult time.

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.”