Merlin’s Shadow by Robert Treskillard (Review)

Merlin’s Shadow (Merlin Spiral Series, Book 2)

by Robert Treskillard

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Publisher- Blink (Zondervan)

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of Pages- 432

Age Group- Young Adult and Adult 

Description of Book- paperback, $9.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73508-3 

In Merlin’s Shadow, by Robert Treskillard, Merlin is on the run with his friends and young Arthur.

Merlin has a lot of trouble as he travels north.  He is trying to keep away from Vortigern .  Merlin’s sister, Ganieda, is also trying, with her Druid skills, to keep them from succeeding.  The further north they go the more trouble they seem to have.  Merlin discovers they need to sail to the far north to get rid of an ancient evil.

Will they succeed?  Will Vortigern or Ganieda stop them?

About the Author- Robert Treskillard currently lives in Missouri with his wife and youngest child.  He has a BA in Biblical; Theological Studies.

My thoughts- I thought Merlin’s Shadow, by Robert Treskillard, was an exciting book.  I have enjoyed reading and studying about the myth and truth surrounding Merlin and King Arthur for years.  I liked the subject so much I even made a class for it when I was in school.

Treskillard has done a wonderful job of weaving fantasy with reality.  This was a book I could read over and over again.  I am sure I could learn something new each time.

One of the most important parts for me was the Christian strength Merlin provided for his group.  He learned how important faith and hope was.  He was beginning to learn about God and how He relates to us.

There is a lot of magic in this book, because of Merlin’s sister, Ganieda, who is a Druid.  You will have to decide if you want to read it, because of that reason.  I highly recommend it though.  I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Informational and Purchasing Links-

Merlin’s Shadow - http://www.amazon.com/Merlins-Shadow-Merlin-Spiral-Treskillard/dp/0310735084/

Author Website - http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php

Participants’ links:

• Red Bissell
• Thomas Clayton Booher
• Beckie Burnham
•  Jeff Chapman
•  Pauline Creeden
• April Erwin
• Victor Gentile
• Ryan Heart
• Timothy Hicks
• Jason Joyner
• Carol Keen
• Jennette Mbewe
• Amber McCallister
• Shannon McDermott
• Meagan @ Blooming with Books
• Rebecca LuElla Miller
• Joan Nienhuis
• Nissa
• Jalynn Patterson
• Nathan Reimer
• Chawna Schroeder
• Jacque Stengl
• Jojo Sutis
• Robert Treskillard
• Steve Trower
• Shane Werlinger
• Phyllis Wheeler
• Deborah Wilson

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Merlin’s Shadow, by Robert Treskillard, to review from Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour and Blink (Zondervan).  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of CSFF Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.

The Wayfinding Bible: Helping you navigate God’s Word from Tyndale House Publishers (Review)

The Wayfinding Bible: Helping you navigate God’s Word

From Tyndale House Publishers

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Bible / NLT / Study

Published by- Tyndale House Publishers

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 1520

Age Group- When you know how to read well.

Description of book- softcover (ISBN: 978-1-4143-8564-8, $29.99)

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible completely?  The Wayfinding Bible, from Tyndale House Publisher, might be just the Bible you are looking for.

This Bible is a New Living Translation and can guide you in three different routes:

• Flyover Route- 54 readings for a chronological overview
• Direct Route- 215 readings for a perspective of the entire Bible
• Scenic Route- 386 readings where you will find known and lesser-known passages of the Bible

There are also other special features:

• Get Your Bearings- two-page articles eight different times, helping you to stay on track
• Scenic Overlooks- maps, photos, charts, and infographics which will help you understand the text
• Side Trips- explore an idea in greater depth

My thoughts- The Wayfinding Bible, from Tyndale House Publishers, was one of the most unique Bible I have ever read or owned.  There are so many unique qualities that I enjoyed.  It was hard to know where to start. 

I liked:

• the photos of historic places.
• the book introductions.
• the Historical Markers
• the different routes, flyover, direct, and scenic.
• the eight different review points.
• the Side Trips and Scenic Overlooks.

I chose the flyover route, because I wanted to see what it would be like to read the Bible in a short amount of time.  I thought the choices were perfect as was the length of each one.  I was able to get a good idea of would be covered in the Bible.  I think next time I will use the scenic route, because I can really get to know the Word of the Bible. 

I would really like to see this style of Bible in a different version.  I would like to be able to read this one in the King James version.  This one was too modern for me.  A Bible study that goes along with the readings would be nice too.  I want to be able to learn more about the Bible.

I would highly recommend this Bible to everyone.  It was a great way for me to read the Bible all the way through in an organized way.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Wayfinding Bible, from Tyndale House Publishers, for free from the publisher.  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.  All links were current when posted.

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson (Review)

One Imperfect Christmas

by Myra Johnson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2009
Number of pages- 274
Age Group- Adult 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-0070-5

In One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, Natalie Pearce has been under a cloud of guilt for almost a year.  She blames herself for the stroke which put her mother in a nursing home.  She has put her entire life into caring for her mother and her job as a graphic designer.  She has put up barriers between herself and her family.  Her husband, Daniel, doesn’t know what to do anymore.  Lissa, their daughter, is going through a rebellious stage.

Will Natalie be able to rid herself of the guilt for the sake of her family.  Will she be able to make it through Christmas?

About the Author-  Myra Johnson currently lives in the Carolinas with her husband and two dogs.  She is a full-time writer and is active in her church.  She has written a number of other books as well. 

My Thoughts- I thought One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, was interesting.  This book is not a book I would have continued reading if I had not been reading it for a review.  I do not like reading books where the characters dwell in their own misery and guilt for the entire book.

This book could help a lot of people though, who are having a difficult time in their lives and are unable to cope with it.  Natalie Pearce was unable to cope with her mother’s stroke.  She blamed herself for it and shut everyone out, even her husband, Daniel.  I understand that everyone may not feel the extreme guilt Natalie did, but many may.  They may be able to use this book as a beginning point to help them recover.

While this was not my type of book, I thought it was well written.  You will have to decide for yourself if this is a good book or not.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, for free from Abingdon Press.  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.  All links were current when posted.

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman (Review)

The Christmas Quilt (Quilts of Love series)

by Vannetta Chapman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance / Amish 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 256
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-5277-3

In The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, Annie Yoder is preparing to make a quilt for one of the babies, her brother and his wife are expecting.  Unexpectedly the babies are in danger of coming early, so Annie spends time in the hospital with Leah.  She hopes to finish the quilt on time, but she may not be able to.

About the Author- Vannetta Chapman currently lives in the Texas hill country.  She is the author of five books about the Amish.

My Thoughts- The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, was a heartwarming Amish story.  I have always enjoyed reading about the Amish.  Chapman’s book was unique, because it included a lot about our own world.  Leah needed to be in the hospital to postpone the birth of her babies, so Annie stayed with her.

I thought the best part of the book was the different stories that Leah and Annie told while they worked on a quilt for one of the bopplin (babies).  The quilt would have nine Dutch children.  God showed nine fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Leah decided that they should tell one story per Dutch child square about a specific fruit of the spirit.  She thought that while she was in the hospital she would work on improving herself.  That is something I need to do in my daily life, so this was an inspiration to me.

I highly recommend this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Christmas Quilt, by Vannetta Chapman, for free from Abingdon Press.  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.  All links were current when posted.

God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller (Review)

God of the Underdogs: When the Odds are Against You, God is for You

by Matt Keller

(received for review purposes)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 190

Age Group- Adults and Teens

Description of Book- paperback, list price $16.99, ISBN 978-1-4002-0496-0

In God of the Underdogs, Matt Keller finds ordinary people in the Bible and shows how their excuses were not enough to stop God from doing extraordinary things in their lives.

Keller uses his experiences and those of David, Paul, Mephibosheth, Esther, and five others.  He shows how God worked in those lives and how it can work in your life.

There is a code you can scan with your phone and a website link at the end of each chapter, so you can experience more.

What are you waiting for?  Read this book!

Author- Matt Keller currently lives in Florida and is the founding pastor of Next Level Church.  He travels and speaks frequently.  His website is www.MattKellerOnline.com.

My Thoughts- God of the Underdogs, by Matt Keller, was well written and researched.

I will tell you right away what I did not like so I can share what I liked.  I know that many people have smartphones, so they could scan the code, but I do not.  I do not see the use of using a phone with a book.  There was also a website address, but I was reading the book, so I would have preferred the information to be in the book.

I liked how Keller found nine underdogs in the Bible and used their successes along with his own experiences to show how we can succeed with God at our side.  The table of contents was very helpful, because it listed the excuse and the person who had the excuse.  I thought it was great, because I could find my excuse and see how the person in the Bible was able to succeed.

I highly recommend. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God of the Underdogs, by Matt Keller, for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze 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.

Blame it on the Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin (Review)

Blame it on the Mistletoe: A Novel of Bright's Pond (Book 4)

by Joyce Magnin

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2011
Number of pages- 368
Age Group- Adult 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1162-6

Life is always exciting in Bright’s Pond and this Christmas is no different.  Griselda Sparrow has to decided if she wants to marry her longtime on and off again boyfriend, Zeb, or become involved with the man, Cliff, who is teaching her how to fly a plane. 

The Greenbrier Nursing Home, where Griselda’s sister, Agnes, lives, has something strange happening.  The residents are behaving as if they were decades younger.  Leon Fontaine could be the reason.  Nobody is sure.

Will the residents stay safe?  Who will Griselda chose?  Will she marry him?

About the Author-  Joyce Magnin currently lives in Pennsylvania.  She is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship and frequently is a workshop leader.  She has written three other Bright’s Pond novels.

My Thoughts- I am pretty sure this is my first time reading one of the books in the Bright’s Pond Tales series.  I thought Blame it on the Mistletoe was interesting.

Now that I have read the book, I don’t understand how it could have that title.  The book had nothing to do with mistletoe.  I don’t even remember mistletoe being mentioned.

I thought there could have been more faith in God embedded in this novel.  To me it was simply a feel-good-story with everyday problems people face.  I think if a book has Christian written on the back, then there needs to be more of a message about God and faith.

The characters were described very well.  I could close my eyes and imagine what Agnes looked like or see Haddie Grace riding her tricycle in the hallway at the Greenbrier Nursing Home.

You don’t need to read the other books in the series to enjoy and understand this one.  If you enjoyed the other books in the series, then I am sure you will enjoy this one too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Blame it on the Mistletoe, by Joyce Magnin, for free from Abingdon Press.  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.  All links were current when posted.

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins (Review)

The Christmas Star

by Ace Collins

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2012
Number of pages- 226
Age Group- Adult and Older Teen 
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1468-9

In The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, Jimmy Reed is on the fence between a life God would like him to lead and the other kind of life.  It is due to his father’s passing away in the early part of World War II and the Congressional Medal of Honor that hangs on their Christmas tree.  For Jimmy, that medal doesn’t represent honor and sacrifice, but pain and loss.

Through the grace of God and a man named Calvin, Jimmy is able to feel hope, but is it too late for him?  Will he lead the life of a criminal?

About the Author-  Ace Collins currently lives in Arkansas.  He has written more than fifty books and sold more than 1.5 million copies.  Some of his books have become movies and he has appeared on t.v.

My Thoughts- The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, was one of the most captivating and memorable Christmas stories I have ever read. 

The best part for me was the last half of the book, when I was really able to see the hand of God working in Jimmy’s life.  It began with a man named Calvin and Matthew 25:35-40.  Jimmy knew then how much trouble he would be in if he continued on the path he was taking.  He knew he wanted a way out, but he didn’t think he would be able to do it.

I learned a lot about hope and listening to what God is telling you.  Some of the other people who were going to participate in the criminal activity were able to change, because God was talking to them and changing their lives.  They all also knew there was always hope.

I think every adult and older teen should read this book.  It could help turn their lives around.  Please find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Christmas Star, by Ace Collins, for free from Abingdon Press.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Prayer of the Week- Thank You for Your Patience

Dearest Lord,

Thank you for the sunshine today.  It is always nice to be able to see the light and feel the warmth You have given us here on earth.

Your words and thoughts have really spoken to me, especially that of Your patience.  Thank you for being so long-suffering with me and all people.  We would never be able to persist in our lives if You were not so patient with us.

Thank you for the verses in the Bible which show us how we know You are patient and long-suffering: 1 Timothy 1, Ephesians 3:20, Exodus 34:6, Nahum 1:13, Titus 2:11-12, and 2 Peter 3:9.  We know You sent Your Son to died for us, so we need to remember you would never leave us.  You have a job for us to do on this earth.  Please help us to remember that and put us in the service area You want us to be.

In Jesus’s name we pray.  Amen.

Thank you for reading this prayer.  I hope it helps you on this day.  There are other verses in the Bible about God’s patience.  Please search for them and let me know the ones you have found.  Thank you.  Have a wonderful week!

The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion (Review)

The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, A Historiographical Approach to Origins

By James Stroud

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Philosophy / General

Published by- Tate Publishing and ENTERPRISES, LLC

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 328

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-62854-480-0, $22.99)

 The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, by James Stroud, shows how Naturalism is false and why it should not be used to influence how history is studied.    The book discusses four different historic events:

• “Origins of the Universe and Cosmological Constants.”
• “Origin of Life- Cambrian Explosion and Human Origins.”
• “Origin of Civilization before the Common Era.”
• “The Common of Era of the Historical Jesus.”

About the author-

James Stroud currently lives with his wife in the Midwest.  He has a MA in Ancient & Classical History and BA of Philosophy of Religion.  He is a member of the Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Association of Ancient Historians, Society for Historical Archeology, and the Philosophical Research Society.  His website is www.ThePhilosophyOfHistory.org.

My thoughts- The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, by James Stroud, was very interesting and I agree with what he said in his book. 

The only negative that I saw when I read this book was, that since it was originally written for the academic setting it would be difficult for the average person to understand.  I think though that this book is important for everyone to read and understand, because naturalism is false and we should not use it to learn about ancient history.  This book can be very technical, so it would be a wonderful college text.  I also think this book would needs to be read by the experts in the media.  It is the media who will help change the way people think.

Everybody deserves to a chance to know how the world really began and what happened in ancient history.  This book will help spread the truth.  Please find a copy, read it, and pass it along to someone who would enjoy it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Philosophy of History: Naturalism and Religion, A Historiographical Approach to Origins, by James Stroud, for free from the author and publisher.  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.  All links were current when posted.

A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman (Review)

A Simple Amish Christmas

by Vannetta Chapman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance / Amish 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2010
Number of pages- 288
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1066-7

In A Simple Amish Christmas, by Vannetta Chapman, Annie Weaver’s rumschpringe has come to an end, because her father was hurt in a buggy accident.  She will need to take care of him for her family.  She isn’t sure if she should tell the others in her family that she is a registered nurse.

Samuel Yoder is the person who has been watching Annie’s father since he came home from the hospital.  Samuel is suspicious of Annie.  He doesn’t think she can do the job.  He is sure in for a surprise. 

Will they have a good working relationship?  Will she tell him what she has been doing in Philadelphia?

About the Author- Vannetta Chapman currently lives in the Texas hill country.  This book is her debut novel. 

My Thoughts- I really enjoyed reading Vannetta Chapman’s debut novel, A Simple Amish Christmas.  It was the first book I have read about the Amish where somebody’s rumschpringe actually had a major impact on their community.

I was impressed with Annie Weaver.  She was strong when she was faced with all of the negativity from Samuel Yoder.  Samuel never realized how strong Annie’s dedication was to her father, family, and her community.  He was still thinking of her as someone with an eighth-grade education, a child.  She was so much more than that.  As a romantic, I’m glad they came to an understanding and were able to work with each other.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the end, because of the glossary of Amish words and the interview with Chapman.  An interview is a great way to learn more about the author and the book.

I recommend reading A Simple Amish Christmas.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Simple Amish Christmas, by Vannetta Chapman, for free from Abingdon Press.  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.  All links were current when posted.

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer Allee (Review)

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

by Jennifer Allee

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Romance
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2012
Number of pages- 224
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-5249-0

In A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, Grandma Isabella has recently passed away and now Izzy Fontaine has a mystery to solve.

Grandma Isabella’s friend, Virgil, gives Izzy her grandma’s Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt.  It’s supposed to lead her to a treasure.  Virgil’s grandson, Max Logan, a curator, says the quilt is supposed to go to him at the museum.  There is a lot of disagreement, especially when Izzy’s family thinks it leads to a real treasure.

What will happen to everyone’s relationships, will they strengthen or fail?  Will Grandma Isabella’s plan succeed? 

About the Author- Jennifer Allee currently lives in Los Vegas with her family.  She has written other novels.

My Thoughts- I thought A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, was both touching and funny.

Izzy Fontaine’s grandmother was really smart when she made a treasure map, of sorts, for the family to use after she passed away.  Grandma Isabella knew her idea would bring her family closer together and mend what was broken between them.

Virgil and his grandson, Max Logan, were excellent additions to the mystery behind the Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt.  Grandma knew how much the quilt and it’s historical story would bring everyone together, even those who didn’t know one another.  It was even better when different people held the clues to solve the mystery behind the quilt.

If you like a fun mystery with a little romance, you will really enjoy this book.  I did.  Find a copy to read, then pass it on to others who would enjoy the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, by Jennifer Allee, for free from Abingdon Press.  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.  All links were current when posted.

God’s Great Plan by Melissa Cutrera and illustrated by Matthew Sample II (Review)

God’s Great Plan

By Melissa Cutrera and illustrated by Matthew Sample II

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian / Juvenile

Published by- Shepherd Press

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 27

Age Group- Juvenile (young children)

Description of book- hardback (ISBN: 978-1-936908-813, $16.95)

Are you in need of a book which will teach young children about God and the plan he made to save us?

God’s Great Plan, by Melissa Cutrera and illustrated by Matthew Sample II, is about the story of Creation, Fall, and Redemption.  This book contains concise rhyming and discusses the creation, fall, redemption, sanctification, and glorification.

The children looking at the illustrations will see the truths being taught to the two children in the book by their grandfather.

Link to the video.

About the author- Melissa Cutrera currently lives with her husband and two children in Utah.  She has many interests and has been a nursery director, public school teacher, and a French teacher to homeschool students.

My thoughts- God’s Great Plan, by Melissa Cutrera and illustrated by Matthew Sample II, was a great book to illustrate what God has done for us.  I thought it was great to have two children who are being shown by their grandfather what God did for us.  To me, that shows children who read the book or have it read to them how people can tell other people about God’s story.

This book was short and to the point, which made a lot more sense to me than having a longer story which may not have said so much.  To me, the most important part of this book was the illustrations, because they were able to say so much more than the text did.  I could really understand the point of the story by looking at the illustrations. 

This book would have been perfect if there had been a list of questions in the back of the book for parents to discuss with their children.

My eight-year-old daughter said, “I liked the illustrations.  I liked reading the book.  It would be good for children younger and older than me.”

My almost ten-year-old son said, “I liked the picture of God forming Adam.  I think this book would be good for children my age.”  

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God’s Great Plan, by Melissa Cutrera and illustrated by Matthew Sample II, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church by James Stuart Bell with Patrick J. Kelly

Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church

By James Stuart Bell with Patrick J. Kelly

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Church / Leadership

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- hardback (ISBN: 978-0-310-49450-8, $18.99)

Are you looking for a new devotional for yourself or someone you know?  Awakening Faith, by James Stuart Bell, along with Patrick J. Kelly might be what you are looking for.

Awakening Faith contains 366 Scripture readings and devotions from some of the earliest Christian Church Fathers.  Bell and Kelly have updated the language to make the language easier to understand. 

Some of the Church Fathers include Patrick, Tatian, Ambrose, and Hippolytus.  In the back of the book is a list of the Scriptures and short biographies of the Church Fathers.

About the authors-

James Stuart Bell currently lives with his family near Chicago.  He has written, edited, or compiled more that 140 books.  He has worked at Doubleday and Moody Publishing.  He currently owns Whitestone Communications, Inc., a literary development agency.

Patrick J. Kelly currently lives near Chicago and has degrees in English, philosophy, and systematic theology.

My thoughts- I thought Awakening Faith, by James Stuart Bell and Patrick J. Kelly was an excellent resource and daily devotional.

I really liked that I could study the works of the Church Fathers from the first eight centuries.  I was especially appreciative of the fact that Bell and Kelly took the time to modernize the language.  I do have a degree in English with an emphasis in Old English, but the language has always been hard for me to understand easily.  The modern English language made the devotions a joy to study and I felt that I really began to understand how the Church Father’s thought and what their lives were like.

At the top of each page it listed the topic of the devotion.  I would have liked to see a list of those topics in the back of the book with the corresponding devotions.  I enjoyed reading the biographies of the Church Fathers.  I would have liked the section in the front though, so I could have learned about them before I read their writings.

Awakening Faith was an excellent book.  I highly recommend it to everyone who is looking for a new devotional.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church, by James Stuart Bell with Patrick J. Kelly, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret by Larry Osborne (Review)

Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret: Why Serial Innovators Succeed Where Others Fail

By Larry Osborne

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Church / Leadership

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- hardback (ISBN: 978-0-310-49450-8, $18.99)

Are you a leader in your church or business?  Do you want to learn more about being a leader when innovation is involved?  Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret, by Larry Osborne might be just the book for you.

This book is packed with a lots of valuable information on how to make your innovations work and what to do when they fail.  Some of the topics are:

• How to have an exit strategy.
• How to begin and accelerate your innovation.
• The importance of a vision and what to do when plans are not working as you wanted them to.

Link to the Video.

About the author-

Larry Osborne currently lives with his wife in California.  He is the senior pastor at North Coast Church.  Osborne is a consultant to different leaders and speaks about leadership and spiritual formation.

My thoughts- I thought Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret, by Larry Osborne, was an excellent resource for all leaders and those who want to be leaders.  I have been a leader in various clubs and at work.  I think that if I had been able to read this book before I took those leadership positions, I would have been a more effective leader.

I enjoyed reading and learning from this book, because Osborne used an easy writing style.  The writing style did not detract from the all of the important information that he needed to give, it made it easier to understand and remember.  I thought the setup of the book was very good.  It was helpful to have the book divided into different parts, so that at a later point in time I can go back to the section of the book that I need.

Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret is a very important book.  I know that all leaders will learn a lot of information and it will help them succeed where previously they may have failed.  Please buy a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret: Why Serial Innovators Succeed Where Others Fail, by Larry Osborne, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Severed Trust by Margaret Daley (Review)

Severed Trust (Book 4 of Men of the Texas Rangers Series)

by Margaret Daley

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Suspense 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 320
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-6186-7

Severed Trust, by Margaret Daley, is Book Four of the Men of the Texas Rangers Series.  In this book, Texas Ranger Ethan Stone is investigating the mysterious death of a high school student.

Sadie Thomson, a teacher at the high school, becomes involved with Ranger Stone and discovers that there is a lot of prescription drug abuse in the high school and the community.  Ethan’s niece, Lexie, is drugged and now everyone thinks that she is a drug abuser.  Then Lexie’s friend commits suicide.  Lexie, Sadie, and Ethan are determined to find out what has happened.  Will they be able to find out what happened?  Will they be able to keep Lexie safe?

About the Author- Margaret Daley currently lives in Oklahoma.  She has written more than sixty-five books and mentors other authors.

My Thoughts- I liked Severed Trust, by Margaret Daley, because it discussed a subject that many of us may not know a lot about, prescription drug abuse.  I didn’t know a lot about drug abuse before I read the book.  Now I realize how easy it is for everyone to have access to prescription drugs.  People really need to keep track of their prescriptions, because other people can be taking them.

I enjoyed the characters in this novel.  Sadie Thompson, Texas Ranger Ethan Stone, and Lexie Alexander were strong characters and dedicated to solving the mystery of the mysterious deaths of Jared Montgomery and Kelly Winston.  There were also other strong characters, but they were the ones who had done the crimes. 

I would recommend this book to both men and women.  There is a lot to learn about prescription drug abuse and what may happen when teens abuse the drugs.   

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Severed Trust, by Margaret Daley, for free from Abingdon Press.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ (A Discover Together Bible Study) by Sue Edwards- Lesson 9: Sit Down to Stand

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ (A Discover Together Bible Study)

by Sue Edwards

(I received this book for review purposes.)

I’m excited to bring to you a Bible study that I am participating in by Sue Edwards.  I participated in her 1 Peter Bible study.  It was rewarding.  I worked on the Ephesians Bible study this past week with Lesson 9: “Sit Down to Stand.”  I’m excited to share my thoughts with you.

This week’s focus was standing with Christ, by putting on the full armor of God and this is our last week of lessons.  I read Ephesians 6:10-24.  The memory verse was Ephesians 6:11-12.

“Your Source of Strength”

• The command in verse ten is be strong in the Lord.  Many people look for power in their jobs or with their wealth.
• God is our source of strength.  A woman who looks to the Lord for strength and power is a Proverbs 31 woman.
• To be strong and stand firm we need to put on God’s armor.  Jesus is our armor.

“Your Vicious Enemy”

• My enemy is Satan.  Satan is always behind our difficulties.  He is in the unseen world.
• I think that if you know that Satan is behind other peoples negative actions, that we can forgive and help those people more easily.

“Your Armor”

• I think we should always be on the offensive, because we need to be proactive in our actions against evil.
• Take a look at Ephesians 6:14-17 and identify the character quality or spiritual resource for the armor.  There is the belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword.  There are more verses about how Christ is our armor in other verses of the New Testament, like Ephesians 2:14 and Revelation 19: 11 and 13.
• When we put on the armor of God we need to pray consistently, be thankful, ask God for wisdom, and we should not stifle the Holy Spirit.
• When we have Christ as our armor we have nothing to fear.

“Battle Prayer”

• We need to pray for others and be a prayer warrior. 

“Parting Words”

• Paul’s closing and opening of his letter to the Ephesians had repetition, because those were some of his most important thoughts.

“Conclusion and Endings”

• Standing is being firm and not moving from what you believe you.  You have to learn to be with God and work with others in God, then you can stand firm with your armor on.
• In five years, I will remember to talk well, live in the light, how to treat one another, the Lord is here for us, and Don’t Fear

Genre- Bible Study 
Published by- Kregel Publications 
Copyrighted- 2012
Number of pages- 128
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4309-1

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Ephesians by Sue Edwards for free from Open Book Promotions and Kregel for this Bible Study.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Seasons of the Heart compiled by Donna Kelderman (Review)

Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another

compiled by Donna Kelderman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Devotional

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 416

Age Group- Adult (women)

Description of book- hardback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-272-4, $20.00)

Women, are you looking for a new devotional for this next year?  Men, is there a special woman in your life who needs a new devotional?  Seasons of the Heart, compiled by Donna Kelderman, might be what you are looking for.  

This book is filled spiritual insights from twelve women from Great Britain and America who lived from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries.  Some of the women were published authors, some were not, they wrote in journals and letters.  These women included Ruth Bryan, Isabella Graham, Susan Huntington, and Anne Steele. 

The back of this book includes biographical sketches and scripture index.

About the author-

Donna Kelderman currently lives with her family in Michigan.  Her husband is dean of students and spiritual formation at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.  Kelderman works with the seminary’s Ministry Wives Institute.

My thoughts-

I thought Seasons of the Heart, by Donna Kelderman, had a lot of good spiritual advice that is as important now as it was hundreds of years ago.

Kelderman had a great idea when she decided to compile this information from all of these wonderful women.  It was helpful for me to have this advise in short pieces, because some of their dialogue was difficult for me to understand.  When it is hard for me to understand something I have to spend a lot of time going through each sentence, so shorter pieces don’t take a lot of time in my hectic life and still allow me to learn a lot.

The only thing I would have done different in this book, would be to place the biographies in the front of the book.  I would have liked to learn about the women before I started reading what they wrote.

I’m glad that there were 365 days of devotions.  It can give me time to get to know these women better.  I think that many women can learn a lot about these women and themselves from studying these devotions.  I recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another, by Donna Kelderman, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

For Love or Loyalty by Jennifer Hudson Taylor (Review)

For Love or Loyalty (The MacGregor Quest Series, Book 1)

by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Historical 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 352
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-4267-1469-6

It is the MacGregors against the Campbells.  The Campbells have sold Malcolm McGregor’s mother and sister into servitude in the United States.  The ship has already left Scotland, so he takes a drastic move, by taking Lauren Campbell.  They go on one of the next ships to the United States.

Lauren doesn’t realize it, but she is going to be the one that is traded for his mother.  Lauren stays strong in her faith in God, the God Malcolm’s mother taught her.  Malcolm begins to trust and love her on the ship ride.  What is he going to do when they get to the United States?

About the Author- Jennifer Hudson Taylor graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism.  She writes historical and inspirational fiction.  Her website is www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com

My Thoughts- Jennifer Hudson Taylor is one of my favorite authors.  I really enjoyed For Love or Loyalty.

This book starts with the Campbells fighting the MacGregors and it ends with fighting.  The epilogue will please you though.

The details in this book were very good.  I felt like I was on the ship with Lauren and Malcolm.  I also felt like I was with Lauren, when she was an indentured servant.  Taylor must do a lot of research to be able to include such great details in this book.  Based on all of the details in For Love or Loyalty, I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

If you like adventure, history, and romance, then this book is for you.  Make sure you buy a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Love or Loyalty, by Jennifer Hudson Taylor, for free from Abingdon Press and the Early Reader 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.  All links were current when posted.

The Shadow Lamp by Stephen R. Lawhead (Review)

The Shadow Lamp (A Bright Empires Novel, Book 4)

by Stephen R. Lawhead

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary

Publisher- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of Pages- 388

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- Hardback, $26.99, ISBN: 978-1-59554-807-8 

This is the fourth book in The Bright Empires Series and The Shadow Lamp is filled with adventure and mystery.  Everyone is still searching for the skin map and only one person knows where it is.

Mina has gathered with her friends at her coffee house and they have decided they would like to like to find the Spirit Well again.  Two of her friends, Haven and Giles, leave with Sir Henry’s Green Book.  Cass, Kit, Mina, and Gianni now need to decide what they are going to do and where they are going to go.

Cass’s father has become involved with the Zetetic Society and they have discovered that it is very important to find and solve the Skin map.

About the Author- Stephen R. Lawhead currently lives in England with his wife.  He is the author of The King Raven Trilogy, The Song of Albion Trilogy, and The Dragon King Trilogy.

My thoughts- I have read the other books in The Bright Empires Series, by Stephen R. Lawhead, and I didn’t think they were very interesting.  I did like The Shadow Lamp.  I thought there was a lot of detail and action. 

I thought it was interesting how there were so many different characters and they were all in different places, doing different things.  At first I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters, but there was a list of characters at the front of the book and it helped out a lot.  I could not have kept track of everyone without it.

I did think there were some problems.  At one point Lord Burleigh and his men were on the way to China, then a little while later they were in Mina’s 16th-century coffee house.  It did not make sense to me, what did they do in China?

I enjoyed reading the description of the elephants that Haven and Giles saw.  I knew exactly what it was from the description. 

I thought this was an interesting book.  It is not the type of book I would usually read, but it was good.  I recommend it if you like this style of book.

Informational and Purchasing Links-

The Shadow Lamp - http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Lamp-Bright-Empires-Quest/dp/1595548076/

Author Website - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

Author Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-R-Lawhead/84503526872

Participants’ links:

• Julie Bihn
• Red Bissell
• Thomas Clayton Booher
• Thomas Fletcher Booher
• Beckie Burnham
•  Jeff Chapman
• Karri Compton
• Theresa Dunlap
•  April Erwin
• Timothy Hicks
• Christopher Hopper
• Becky Jesse
• Becca Johnson
• Jason Joyner
• Carol Keen
• Rebekah Loper
• Shannon McDermott
• Meagan @ Blooming with Books
• Rebecca LuElla Miller
• Mirriam Neal
• Nathan Reimer
• Chawna Schroeder
• Jojo Sutis 
• Rachel Starr Thomson
• Robert Treskillard
• Steve Trower
• Rachel Wyant
• Phyllis Wheeler
• Deborah Wilson

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of The Shadow Lamp, by Stephen R. Lawhead to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of CSFF Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.

Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein (Review)

Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation

by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-268-7, $12.00)

Do you think of Christ only as a child or do you think of him also as a grown man?  This book focuses on 31 different things that the Lord came to do for us. 

Some of the subjects discussed are:

• “To Serve”
• “To Bring Peace”
• To Bind of Broken Hearts” 
• “To Reign as King”

About the authors-

Joel R. Beeke is currently the pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Michigan.  He is also the president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

William Boekestein is currently a pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Pennsylvania.

My thoughts- Whenever I am feeling down, I know now that I can turn to Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation, by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein.  This book shared 31 meditations on what Christ came to do.  I know that he came for me, but this book can give me the specifics about why He came, like to serve, bring peace, and bring judgment.

The preface of this book discusses how we, as a society think about the Christ of the Christmas story.  There is of course more to Christ and that is what this book is all about.  This book discusses 31 different reasons why Christ was on this earth for us, not just the Christmas story.

This is definitely a book that is for all Christians, but I would certainly recommend it for new Christians.  They can get 31 concrete reasons on what Christ has done for us.  Please find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation, by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.