When the Clouds Roll By by Myra Johnson (Review)

When the Clouds Roll By (Till We Meet Again, Book 1)

by Myra Johnson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Fiction / General 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 352
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-5356-5

In When the Clouds Roll By, by Myra Johnson, Annemarie Kendall is waiting for her fiancé, Lt. Gilbert Ballard, to come back to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  He has been serving overseas in World War I.  He was injured in the war and is coming home, where he has decided to end his engagement to Annemarie.  Lt. Ballard’s new friend, Army Chaplain Samuel Vickary, tries to convince him that Annemarie will always love him.  Army Chaplain Vickary finds himself falling for Annemarie.

Annemarie is unsure about what she should do.  Her fiancé doesn’t want to be engaged anymore and she is beginning to have feelings for his best friend.  What is she going to do?

About the Author- Myra Johnson currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and pets.  She has written several books and is active in local and national writers group.

My Thoughts- When the Clouds Roll By, by Myra Johnson, was an excellent post World War I book about young love.

I enjoyed this book very much.  I enjoyed the detail, dialogue, and each chapter seen from the viewpoint of a different character.  It was the attention to detail that first captivated me.  I felt as if I was there in Hot Springs, Arkansas with Annemarie Kendall and Lt.  Gilbert Ballard, seeing what they saw and tasting what they tasted.  The dialogue also intrigued me.  It helped me know Annemarie, Gilbert and Army Chaplain Samuel Vickary very well.

Although it took place after World War I, it reminded me of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how the soldiers are coming home wounded.  I think many people would enjoy reading this book.  I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received When the Clouds Roll By by Myra Johnson 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.

Apostate by Kevin Swanson (Review)

Apostate: The Mend Who Destroyed the Christian West

by Kevin Swanson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- Generations With Vision

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 312

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- hardback (ISBN 978-0-9853651-5-8, $26.95)

Apostate, by Kevin Swanson, discusses the decline of true Christianity in the Western world.  Sixteen men are discussed in this book: Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, John Locke, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and more.  All of these men are well known, some of them more than others, like the authors.  They were born into Christian families, yet they all added to the apostasy by being great leaders and not being Christians.

Also included is a biography, name index, subject index, and scripture index.

Read an excerpt! 

About the author-

Kevin Swanson currently lives in Colorado with his wife and five children.  He leads a discipleship center in his home for young men and has has a daily radio show.  He is also a pastor in Castle Rock, Colorado.

My thoughts- According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, apostasy means, “a person who renounces a religious, or political belief, or principle.”

Apostate, by Kevin Swanson, discussed sixteen men who have changed Christianity.  As a homeschool mom, I found this book to be captivating and important in protecting my children from the educational system.  It also helped me realize how I can help them to live a Biblical worldview life in today’s society.  I personally found the information on John Dewey to be captivating.  I had thoughts on why I wanted to homeschool, like more freedom to travel when we need to or how the schools in our area always do so badly in the state tests, but John Dewey is the reason why I homeschool.  My children do not need to go there to learn how to be plugged into social consciousness.

I did not know how many of the literary giants in the United States, like Mark Twain and Ralph Waldo Emerson were apostates.  I had always enjoyed the stories for what they were, just stories.  I did not know there was more to the author’s.  In the future I will need to have a more discerning eye on who writes the books my children read.  There may be some classic books we read when they are older and can understand meaning behind the story. 

I think every Christian needs to read this book, research the people mentioned, and determine their own opinions.  I think parents, especially ones who are uncertain as to whether they want to homeschool or not should read Apostate.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Apostate: The Men Who Destroyed the Christian West by Kevin Swanson 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.

Finally Free by Heath Lambert (Review)

Finally Free: Fighting for Purity With the Power of Grace

by Dr. Heath Lambert

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / General

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN 978-0-310-499237, $14.99)

Finally Free, by Heath Lambert, is filled with practical information on how to break free of pornography.  Dr. Lambert used the foundation of grace and based his advice on the works on Jesus.  He includes eight strategies: accountability, humility, confession, gratitude, radical measures, a relationship with Jesus, sorrow, and your spouse to help you change in your struggle.

Read an excerpt! 

About the author-

Dr. Heath Lambert is married and is the father of three children.  He is currently the executive director of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors.  He has written two other books as well.

My thoughts- Finally Free, by Heath Lambert, was a powerful book.  I believe that all men and even women who struggle with pornography could benefit from this book.  Dr. Lambert has written a book which will enable anybody who is struggling.  Jesus is the only one who can truly help us to break free from what troubles us.

I thought it was great that he began with a foundation of grace and branched off from there.  He included accountability, humility, confession, gratitude, radical measures, a relationship with Jesus, sorrow, and your spouse.  He always used the foundation of grace and based on the works of Christ.

One of the best parts of the book was in the introduction, where Dr. Lambert mentioned that he wanted to write a book that would not embarrass him or tempt his children to be impure.

I highly recommend this book to those who are struggling or know someone who is.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Finally Free: Fighting for Purity With the Power of Grace by Heath Lambert 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.

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ (A Discover Together Bible Study) by Sue Edwards- Week Two: Sit and Pray

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 new Bible study that I am participating in by Sue Edwards.  I participated in her 1 Peter Bible study and thought it was rewarding.  I worked on the Ephesians Bible study this past week with “Lesson Two: Sit and Pray.”  I’m excited to share what I have learned with you.

This week’s focus was prayer and how we should have a constant attitude of prayer.  I read Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21

“Taking Stock”

• I know I don’t pray as much as I should.  I need to pray every morning.  We do pray at meal times and before bed.  I don’t always have a life of prayer, because I feel I don’t have much time.  I always try to rely on God, but it doesn’t always happen.

“Knowing God”

• The Ephesians were known for the faith in Jesus and the saints.  Paul thanks them and prays for them to express his love.  Paul prays that God gives the Ephesians the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God.  Prayer plays a daily part in my life, but I’m not sure if it is helping me know God more.

“The Eyes of Your Heart”

• Paul prays that the Ephesians eyes of understanding are enlightened.  He wants us to understand the hope we are given.  I pray with hope.  If I know there is hope, my prayers will be more positive and for others.  I’m not sure how I’m living, but I hope I’m living like an heir and not a pauper.

“Power for Daily Living”

• If God can raise the dead, Jesus, than anything can be done through Him.  I know I can pray for the big things and the little things and they can be answered.  Jesus has to return so everyone can truly realize the power of God.  We can do him homage and honor by doing what he asks of us.  As a homeschool mom and wife, I can do it by reading the Bible and doing what it says.

“The Glorious Riches”

• Paul kneels as he prays and it shows that he has a heart attitude of submission, as Jesus did when he washed the disciples’ feet.  I have prayed by kneeling, but it hurts one of my knees and it distracts me from praying.  To be filled with God’s fullness means to have the Holy Spirit active in you.  God’s love is real to me, because I can feel it.  It is important to remember that His love is vast.  Remembering that His love is vast helps us know He is always there for us and we can lean and depend upon Him.  God can use us to do great things. 

“Iron Sharpening Iron”

• Prayer will help me know God’s depths and love more each time.

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.

The Hidden Deep (Threshold Series, Book 2) By Christa Kinde (Review)

The Hidden Deep (Threshold Series, Book 2)

By Christa Kinde (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / Religious / General

Published by- Zonderkidz

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- Young Teens and Tweens

Physical description of book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72489-6

The Threshold Series by Christa Kinde is about Prissie Pomeroy and her friends, who just happen to be angels.  Prissie is introduced to new angels in Jedrick’s Flight and school is back in session.  Her best friends are distancing themselves from her, a kidnapped angel is in pain, and her father’s new helper is not making her life better.

What will happen to the angels?  What will happen to the relationships Prissie has with her friends, human and angels?

A couple of extras are a wonderful description of the different types of angels and discussion questions.  There is also a chapter from the next book, The Broken Window.

About the author- Christa Kinde currently lives in California with her family.  She has written fifteen volumes in the Women of Faith study guide series  She has also written study guides and workbooks for authors such as Max Lucado.  Her website is www.christakinde.wordpress.com.

My thoughts- I must say that I have enjoyed reading, The Hidden Deep, more than I did the first book in the Threshold Series, The Blue Door, because of the addition of new angels and the lessons and faith Prissie needs to gain.

One of the most intriguing angels goes by the name of Adin.  I cannot tell you if he is a good angel or a bad angel, because it will spoil the end of the book.  I can tell you though that I was intrigued each time he showed up.  I was not sure why he was there or what was going to happen.

I was really glad to see a positive development in the relationship between Prissie and Ransom.  They both have so much to offer in a Christian relationship.  My favorite part was when Ransom asked her to explain what she believed and she could not.  That is so me and many others in this world.  We need to be able to help others understand Christianity.  I am glad that Ransom was able to explain what he knew to be true.  I know I need to be able to explain it as well as he did.

I believe that many young ladies and gentlemen would enjoy reading, The Hidden Deep.  It is a good book to read and there are many parts that would be excellent jumping off places for discussions.  I highly recommend it.

My review of The Blue Door.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Hidden Deep, by Christa Kinde, for free through DJC Communications.  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.

In Capable Arms: Living a Life Embraced by Grace by Sarah Kovac (Review)

In Capable Arms: Living a Life Embraced by Grace 

by Sarah Kovac

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction / Autobiography 
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 192
Age Group- Adult (Women)
Description of book- hardback, listed price- $19.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-5695-5

Sarah Kovac gives a very encouraging message of hope and inspiration in her new book, In Capable Arms.  She was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), which means she has very limited use of her arms.  She had very supportive parents growing up and always had faith in God. 

This is her story of growing up and how she has developed strategies to care for her new baby, while always having  faith that she will overcome all odds.

About the Author- Sarah Kovac and her family currently live in Missouri.  She lives with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) and has gained national attention with her message of hope and love.

My Thoughts-

I was drawn to Sarah Kovac and her story from the first chapter. 

She may have been born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), but she never let it stop her.  Her parents were such a good support system for her growing up and while she had limitations and feelings of inadequacy, she blossomed.  I was proud of her, she talked about how people pitied her or doubted her and she never let anything stop her.  I don’t think I would have done either one if I had known her, she seemed so strong.  I would have been proud to be her friend and I’m sure she could have taught me a lot. 

Kovac was such an inspiration to me.  I highly recommend that everyone read this book to learn that nothing can stop them from being who they truly want to be.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received In Capable Arms: Living a Life Embraced by Grace by Sarah Kovac 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.

Thrive: Live Like You Matter by Lisa H. Toney (Review)

Thrive: Live Like You Matter

by Lisa H. Toney

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction /  
Published by- Abingdon Press 
Copyrighted- 2013
Number of pages- 192
Age Group- Adult (Women)
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4267-5696-2

Based on Proverbs 11:28, Thrive, by Lisa H. Toney, shows us the way we can have the life God wants us to have.

Toney offers practical advice in building and keeping relationships, goal setting, how to say no, righteous living, and more.

This book also includes areas for taking notes and questions at the end of each chapter.

About the Author- Lisa H. Toney currently lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.  She is a regular speaker around the country and is Associate Executive Pastor of a large church.

My Thoughts- Thrive, by Lisa H. Toney, was spot on for the best way to live a righteous life according to Proverbs 11:28.

There was so much to like about this book.  Two of my favorite parts included good tips in the chapters (they helped me thrive) and the questions at the end of the chapters (they really helped tied the chapter together and helped me think about my life).  My favorite part was the description of each chapter in the first chapter.  The descriptions gave me a lot to look forward to and I couldn’t wait to read more.

I learned the best ways to have a righteous life is to have the best relationships possible with God and others.  Some of the ways were:

• say no when I need to.
• have a focus and set goals, not just wish for things.
• have hope, faith and love.
• we need the Sabbath and patience.
• have a balanced and focused life.

I highly recommend Thrive, everyone needs to read this book. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Thrive: Live Like You Matter by Lisa H. Toney 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.

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ (A Discover Together Bible Study) by Sue Edwards- Week 1 Learn to Sit

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

by Sue Edwards

(I received this book for review purposes.)

I am excited to bring to you a new Bible study that I am participating in by Sue Edwards.  I have participated in her 1 Peter Bible study and I thought it was great.  I have been working on Ephesians this past week.  I am excited to share what I have learned with you.

This weeks focus is “Learn to Sit” and I read Ephesians 1:1-14

“The Greeting”

• Paul describes himself as an apostle of Jesus.  The Ephesians are described as faithful saints.  Peace to me means tranquility and grace means free passes and tranquility.

“Blessings in the Heavenly Realms”

• God has blessed us with every blessing in heaven.  We belonged to God before the world was even formed!  We were chosen to be holy and without fault. 

“Adopted into God’s Forever Family”

• We were adopted by God, because it gives him pleasure.  To be adopted means to be a part of a family and somebody will always take care of you.  In Ephesians 1:6-8 I think Paul was awe struck by what God did for us.  He was really thinking about what God did for us.

“A Great Mystery”

• The mystery revealed in Ephesians 1:9-10 was everything will be united under Christ and I don’t know when it will happen.

“Your Purpose”

• We need to bring praise and glory to God. 

“Sealed Forever”

• We have been marked by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the earnest money from when God purchased us.  He now owns us (verses 13 and 14).

“Your Identity”

• From 1:1-14 the benefits and blessings I enjoy as a Christen are- God is my family, I am forgiven, I am sealed in the Holy Spirit, and I have been given grace.  I can thank God by praying and being a better person.  I am a child of God, but I can do much more by utilizing the Holy Spirit and reading the Bible.  I need to always think before I speak.

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.

Skull Creek Stakeout (The Caden Chronicles, Book 2) by Eddie Jones (Review)

Skull Creek Stakeout (The Caden Chronicles, Book 3)

By Eddie Jones (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General

Published by- Zonderkidz

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 192

Age Group- Young Teens

Description of book- paperback, list price $7.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72390-5

In Skull Creek Stakeout, by Eddie Jones, Nick has been sent by the editor of The Cool Ghoul Gazette to investigate a murder.  This is no ordinary murder, the victim has fangs, bite marks, and a wooden stake in his chest.  The victim lived in Transylvania, North Carolina.

Nick has his Aunt Vivian, who lives in town and he befriends, Meg, the coroner’s assistant.  Together they plan to solve the crime.

Will they find out who it is, before it is too late?

About the author- Eddie Jones lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.  He has written nine book and 100 articles.  His novel, The Curse of Captain LaFoote, won the 2011 Selah Award in young adult fiction.

My thoughts- When I wrote my review of the first book in The Caden Chronicles, Dead Man’s Hand, by Eddie Jones, I was looking forward to finding out if Nick and his family had change their views on Christianity.  They didn’t.  In this book, Aunt Vivian was the Christian strength for her family.  I can only hope in future books that Nick can come to believe in God.

Skull Creek Stakeout was full of adventure and danger.  I enjoyed the possibility of vampires as Nick was going to be in Transylvania, North Carolina.  He knows though that there are no vampires, but a real murderer.  I was guessing until the end of the book.  I did not know who it was.

I think young adults will enjoy this book.  I do find it hard to believe that Nick is only fourteen.  He acts much older.  I do recommend this book.  I cannot wait to see if he becomes more interested in Christianity in future books.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Skull Creek Stakeout by Eddie Jones for free through DJC Communications.  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 in My Everything by Ken Shigematsu (Review)

God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God

by Ken Shigematsu

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Personal Growth

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN 978-1-60178-228-1, $16.99)

You don’t need to be a monk or a nun to have a God-centered life and Ken Shigematsu can show you how in, God in My Everything.  We can all have a wonderful spiritual life and we can do following his eight guidelines and building our own rules of life.  We can use the trellis which consists of Roots, Relate, Restore, and Reach Out and we can stay flexible.

Read an excerpt! Watch a book trailer!

About the author-

Ken Shigematsu currently lives in Vancouver with his wife and son.  He is the Senior Pastor of Tenth Church in Vancouver.  He also received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal.

My thoughts- I enjoyed God in My Everything, by Ken Shigematsu, from the beginning.  I liked the trellis, because it had Roots, Relate, Restore, and Reach Out, everything we need to be doing as Christians.  I thought his eight guidelines were essential.  The ones I thought were the most important to me were “build slowly,” “stay flexible,” and “make time for fun.”

Some more things I thought were important:

• Our lives don’t need to be perfectly balanced, just centered.
• We need to memorize scripture and we can do it by imagining what is happening in the scripture we read (I had never thought of doing that). 
• Multiple samples of “Rules of Life,” so I had an ideas to help me write my own.

The only part of this book that didn’t mesh with me was the suggestion of picking a day to make as my Sabbath day.  The Sabbath only occurs on one day a week.

I certainly learned a lot from Shigematsu.  I hope you read this book and learn how to center your life around God.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God by Ken Shigematsu 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.

Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story by Rick Houston and Dr. David Hilmers (Review)

Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story

By Rick Houston and Dr. David Hilmers (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 144

Age Group- Tweens (ages 9-12)

Description of book- paperback, list price $6.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73613-4

David Hilmers grew up in Iowa.  It was through his faith in God that he became an astronaut and then a missionary doctor.  No matter what was happening with his life he would put his plans on hold if he knew God wanted him to do something else.

There are pictures documenting his life from his childhood to his space shuttle flight on the STS-26 Discovery.

About the author- Rick Houston interviewed Dr. Hilmers while writing a book about the space shuttle program and they wrote the book together.  Houston has written five books.

My thoughts- Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story, by Dr. David Hilmers and Rick Houston was an excellent book.  I could understand how God was always working in David Hilmer’s life.  He would always understand that if something didn’t work out that it was God’s will and he would move on and not let it bother him.

There were so many good Godly character traits that were written about in this book.  Two of my favorite traits were being a good steward and spending time wisely.  I also was please at how he took his father’s work ethic so seriously and applied it to his life.

It was exciting to read about his life as an astronaut and a missionary doctor.  Tweens are really going to enjoy learning about a person whose life has been dedicated to God.  I highly recommend this readable book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story by Rick Houston and Dr. David Hilmers for free from DJC Communications.  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.

Avenger (A Haflings Novel, Book 3) by Heather Burch (Review)

Avenger (A Haflings Novel, Book 3)

By Heather Burch (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 304

Age Group- Young Adult

Description of book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72824-5

Seventeen-year-old Nikki Youngblood is never going to be able to get away from the man who created her, Damon Vessler.  He needs her for his evil plans.

Damon has sent a Seeker after her and she escapes with Raven, while Mace and the other Haflings say behind and fight.

Nikki has a lot to think about and a lot of different beasts to fight.  Will she stay with Mace or become Raven’s girlfriend?  Will Damon turn her heart dark?  Will her heart change and affect her future with the Throne?

About the author- Heather Burch currently lives in Florida with her husband and sons.  She loves fiction and has learned that writing is her heart’s desire.

My thoughts- Avenger was full adventure from the beginning, but as it was part of a series and I didn’t read the second book, Guardian, I feel that I missed important information.  I would recommend reading books one and two before reading this book.

Although I haven’t read Guardian, I enjoyed reading this book.  There was a lot of action and just the right amount of romance.  I also enjoyed how God was mentioned, but it was in a way that would not prevent many different types of religious people from reading this book.

As with the other book, I had a little bit of trouble accepting the idea of Haflings, but I didn’t let it change what I thought of the story and it’s characters.

I would recommend Avenger to those who like action and adventure with a little romance included.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Avenger by Heather Burch for free from DJC Communications.  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 Bare Naked Truth by Bekah Hamrick Martin (Review)

The Bare Naked Truth: Dating, Waiting, and God’s Purity Plan

by Bekah Hamrick Martin (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Christianity

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 416

Age Group- Young Adult (girls)

Description of book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73402-4

Filled with candor and humor, Bekah Hamrick Martin, has written The Bare Naked Truth to help teen girls understand the lies and how to abstain from sex until marriage.

Martin has included quotes from people such as Tricia Boyer, Holly Gerth, and Kristin Billerbeck.

Some of the subjects are:

• Don’t base your decisions on fear.
• Safe sex is not always safe.
• How to have compassion with everyone, not just those who seem perfect.

Also included is a lot of information on what God says about purity.

About the author- Bekah Hamrick Martin currently lives in North Carolina with her husband.  She now shares her experiences with teens.  She talks mostly about healing and surviving the adolescent years.

My thoughts- The Bare Naked Truth, by 29-year-old Bekah Hamrick Martin, is a must read for all teen girls.  There is an honest candor along with a lot of humor, which will help them see the lies (example, “Waiting is for wusses.” and “I don’t have to decide now.”) for what they are, so they can turn away from what isn’t pure.

There were many parts of this book that I enjoyed.  One of the best parts was the different tips and quotes that were separated from the rest of the text in boxes.  The space at the end of each chapter to answer questions and journal was also very helpful.  I think it is important to think about the chapter and write down your thoughts, so you can remember it for the future.

Having accounts from real people made everything Martin wrote even more concrete.  The back of the book even had a list of the people in the book along what they have written and how to contact them.

I highly recommend this book to all teen girls.  The truth about dating and purity needs to be known.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Bare Naked Truth: Dating, Waiting, and God's Purity Plan by Bekah Hamrick Martin for free from DJC Communications. 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.

Peril by Jordyn Redwood (Review)

Peril

by Jordyn Redwood,

Book 3 of the Bloodline Trilogy

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Suspense

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 288

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4213-1

Morgan and Tyler Adams are having marital problems in Peril, by Jordyn Redwood, but compared to what happens to them, their problems are trivial.  Someone has been attacking people and the police do not who it is.  Soon it is even worse, because Morgan is held hostage with others at the hospital where she is a nurse.

What will happen to the patients, Morgan, and her coworkers?  Will Morgan and Tyler be able to save their marriage.

About the Author- Jordyn Redwood currently lives in Colorado with her husband and children.  She has worked in critical care and emergency nursing for nearly twenty years.  She can be contacted at jredwood1@gmail.com.

My thoughts- Peril, by Jordyn Redwood, started with a lot of action and it continued until the end of the book.  All of the action and suspense was not what I like to read, but it was well written.  I could not put the book down.  I had a general idea about who the criminals were, but I wasn’t sure, so it kept my attention.

Morgan Adams was a nurse and Redwood included a lot of medical terms which helped me to feel as if I was there experiencing what she was.  Redwood added a lot of good detail throughout the book, so I always felt like I was right there with each of the characters and whatever was happening with them.

I thought this was a good book, but I highly recommend Peril to men.  They will enjoy the action and mystery.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received  Peril by Jordyn Redwood for free from Jordyn Redwood  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Greater by Steven Furtick (Review)

Greater: Dream Bigger.  Start Smaller.  Ignite God’s Vision for Your Life

by Steven Furtick

(I received this book for review purposes.) 

Genre- Christian Living

Published by- WaterBrook Multnomah

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 214

Age Group- Adult and Teen

Description of book- hardback, list price $19.99, ISBN: 978-1-60142-325-2

All of us can be greater through Jesus and Steven Furtick shows us how to do it in his book, Greater.  He uses the story of Elisha as an example on how we can live a better life through Christ.  There is more to our life than what we know and this book shows us how to do it.

About the author- Steven Furtick currently lives in North Carolina with his wife and three children.  He is the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church.  He has written the book, Sun Standing Still.

My thoughts- One of the ways you can know a book is good is by the quality and number of quotes from others at the front or back of the book- Greater, by Steven Furtick had a lot of them.  I decided that with the number of quotes and the fact that it was a New York Times Bestseller, that I would have a great book to read.  I was right.  Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.

I enjoyed the personal stories, and I could tell how gifted Furtick is.  One of my favorite parts involved his son, Elijah, and learning how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle.  Furtick was having a difficult time teaching Elijah, but when Elijah wanted to write a sermon for his brother’s birthday, Furtick was able to help him.  Furtick decided it was o.k. that he couldn’t teach Elijah to ride a bike.  This example show me that we don’t have to be great at everything.  We can simply excel at what we can do.  We can focus on ourselves, not what someone else can do.  We can think inside the box.

I would rather have had the questions at the end of each chapter, but I really liked the chapter titles, like “Burn the Plows.” 

I recommend this book to high school students and adults.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Greater by Steven Furtick for free from the WaterBrook Multnomah “Blogging For Books” 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.