The Fatal Tree by Stephen R. Lawhead (book review)

The Fatal Tree (A Bright Empires Novel, Book 5)

by Stephen R. Lawhead

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Fiction / Fantasy / General

Publisher- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of Pages- 356

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- Hardback, $26.99, ISBN: 978-1-59554-808-5

The Fatal Tree, by Stephen R. Lawhead, is the final book in The Bright Empires Series.  There are some weird wrinkles in time all over the earth, that nobody can ignore.  Kit, Cass, and Mina are trying to come together to solve the problem at the Spirit Well.  They are having a hard time getting to the right time and place.  They are unable to get to the Spirit Well, because there is a very dangerous yew tree growing over the portal. 

Will they be able to save the world?  Will their nemesis, Lord Burleigh be able to help them?

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- The end of a series.  I have enjoyed reading the Bright Empires Series.  The fourth book, The Shadow Lamp, was very interesting and this one, The Fatal Tree, was excellent.

I really enjoyed having the list of characters and their descriptions.  It would have helped me if the people had been organized by their relationships or importance in the series.  I would have liked a complete table of contents, because there were a couple of chapters titles I could not read.  I also wanted to know what the titles were, because I wanted to go back and look some information up, I had to flip through the book to find it.

Now that I got all of the technical items out of the way, I can discuss my favorite parts.  My favorite character in this book was Lord Burleigh.  He was the antagonist throughout the series, but he changed thanks to the effort of Engelbert Stiffelbeam, the man he assaulted.  It was while Burleigh was in jail that Etzel, Engelbert, visited him once a week to bring him food.  Etzel was being a wonderful Christian, he was drawing people to Christ through his actions, not his words or lack there of.  I personally feel that is one of the best ways to draw people to Christ.  I thought all of the other characters were well developed, but they did not come close to Lord Burleigh and Etzel.

Since I had read the other books in the series, I knew the plot, what the ley lines were, and who the characters were, but I do not think this book would be hard to follow if you were new to the series.  You may want to start at the beginning though to get the whole story. 

This is an excellent book and I recommend it to all.  The book, Hood, from the King Raven series, looks interesting.  I was able to read a short excerpt in the back of The Fatal Tree.  I will be reading it soon.

Informational and Purchasing Links-

The Fatal Tree - http://www.amazon.com/The-Fatal-Tree-Bright-Empires/dp/1595548084/

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

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

My review for The Shadow Lamp- http://www.christsbridge.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-shadow-lamp-by-stephen-r-lawhead.html

Participants’ links:

• Julie Bihn
• Thomas Clayton Booher
• Beckie Burnham
• Jeff Chapman
• Karri Compton
• April Erwin
• Victor Gentile
• Jason Joyner
• Janeen Ippolito
• Carol Keen
• Emileigh Latham
• Rebekah Loper
• Shannon McDermott
• Meagan @ Blooming with Books
• Rebecca LuElla Miller
• Nissa
• Jalynn Patterson
• Writer Rani
• Nathan Reimer
• Audrey Sauble
• Jojo Sutis
• Rachel Starr Thomson
• Robert Treskillard
• Steve Trower
• Shane Werlinger
• Phyllis Wheeler

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of The Fatal Tree, 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.

Dreamtreaders by Wayne Thomas Batson (Review)

Dreamtreaders

by Wayne Thomas Batson

(I received this book for review purposes.)

 

Genre- Juvenile / Action & Adventure / General

Publisher- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 296

Age Group- Older Juvenile

Description of book- Paperback, $9.99, ISBN: 978-1-4003-2366-1

Wayne Thomas Batson has written another interesting book.  Archer Keaton is only fourteen, but he is only one of three people in the world who is a dreamtreader.  His job is to protect people from the Nightmare Lord.  The Nightmare Lord gives people all over the world bad dreams.  Life is not going so well for him in the real world or in the dream world.  His friends are spending time with the new guy and he cannot find the other dreamtreaders.

What will he do? 

My thoughts:

I thought this book was interesting, because Archer was only fourteen and was one of only three people who was designated to protect the earth from the Nightmare Lord.  I do not think I would have had a young teen to help protect the world.  They just are not developed enough mentally.  It shows too, because he does not know everything he needs to and the end of the book shows that.

I thought Thomas Batson did a good job of character development and plot.  I felt like I was there with Archer each step of the way.  My favorite part of the book was on pages 49 and 50 when Master Gabriel and Archer were discussing anchors.  Master Gabriel said that we all need anchors in our lives.  If we don’t have anchors we drift from the truth.  And our world is drifting from our anchors. 

The thoughts in this book are very important for all of us, especially the younger generation.  This is certainly a book they should read.  Please find a copy for them today.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

• Dreamtreaders -  http://www.amazon.com/Dreamtreaders-Wayne-Thomas-Batson/dp/1400323665/
• Author Website - http://www.enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/

Participants’ links:

Beckie Burnham Jeff Chapman Pauline Creeden Vicky DealSharingAunt Carol Gehringer Victor Gentile Rebekah Gyger Christopher Hopper Jason Joyner Carol Keen Jennette Mbewe Shannon McDermott Meagan @ Blooming with Books Rebecca LuElla Miller Nissa Nathan Reimer Chawna Schroeder Jojo Sutis Steve Trower Shane Werlinger Phyllis Wheeler

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Dreamtreaders, by Wayne Thomas Batson, 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.

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.

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.

American Phoenix by Jane Hampton Cook (Review)

American Phoenix:

John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile that Saved American Independent

by Jane Hampton Cook

(received for review purposes)

Genre- History / United States / General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 504

Age Group- Adults and Teens

Description of Book- hardback, list price $26.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5541-0

Filled with personal diary entries from John Quincy and Louisa Adams, American Phoenix, by Jane Hampton Cook, describes their time in Russia during the War of 1812.

Included:

• Personal diary entries from John Quincy and Louisa Adams, which described how the felt about their time in Russia.
• What and how the Adams communicated with people in the United States.
• Shows how important the Adams’s were to the U.S.
• What life was like in Russia in the early 1800’s.
• How hard life was for Louisa Adams as a mother.

Author- Jane Hampton Cook currently lives near Washington D.C. with her husband and children.  She was a webmaster for President George W. Bush and has written seven books.

My Thoughts- I have never known much about John Quincy and Louisa Adams or the War of 1812, but I certainly learned a lot when I read American Phoenix, by Jane Hampton Cook.

I enjoyed Cook’s easy to read writing style and the use of all the quotes from their diaries.  The quotes helped make the book more informational and easier to read.

I do question the need for the word, “exile,” in the extended title.  It makes the book sound more interesting, but their journey never seemed like and exile to me.

The notes and index were very complete.  The index helped me helped me to find the pages for St. Petersberg and the places they stayed.  It was one of my favorite parts.

This book would be great for homeschool, public school, and for people who want to learn more about John Quincy and Louisa Adams.  I highly recommend.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received American Phoenix: John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile that Saved American Independence by Jane Hampton Cook 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.

The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill (Review)

The Passionate Mom: Dare to Parent in Today’s World

by Susan Merrill

(received for review purposes)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Family

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 238

Age Group- Adult (for moms)

Description of Book- paperback, list price $16.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5509-0

How do you become a more passionate mom?

Susan Merrill in The Passionate Mom, shows you how by using the ten P’s.  Some of the P’s are pondering, prayer, and purpose.  Merrill has also include included Bible verses and her own experiences.

She has based this book on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah and how a mom can build a wall around her children, like he built a wall around Jerusalem.

Moms can be passionate, build walls, and help their children grow into great adults.

Author- Susan Merrill currently lives in Florida with her husband.  They have five children.  She is the director of iMom.com.

My Thoughts- There have been many parenting books written, but I think, The Passionate Mom, is one of the best ones I have ever read.  It was well written and easy to read.

It was interesting that Susan Merrill found the book of Nehemiah, in the Bible, to parallel that of a passionate mother.  I liked the list of ten P’s, like passion, perception, and planning.  Each chapter was dedicated to each of the P’s and as I read the book I learned about her life and how she applied the P’s.

I really enjoyed reading Merrill’s book, but I would have really enjoyed having a study guide or questions at the end of each chapter.  I didn’t enjoy the chapter about gate of opportunity, because I felt that I should be able to trust my children more.

I really enjoyed this book.  Please find and read a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Passionate Mom: Dare to Parent in Today’s World by Susan Merrill 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.

Storm by Evan Angler (Review)

Storm (book 3 in the Swipe Series)

by Evan Angler

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian / Action & Adventure

Publisher- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 274

Age Group- Young Adult 

Description of book- Paperback, $9.99, ISBN: 978-1-4003-2197-1 

 

Logan Langly and his sister Lily live in the future under a leadership that makes everyone get “The Mark” at the age of thirteen.  Lily has “The Mark” and has become an important part of the leadership.  Logan didn’t get “The Mark” and is the leader of the Markless Revolution. 

Now there is a chemically manufactured plague that can kill many people and Lily needs Logan’s help to stop it.  Will he help her or will he refuse, since he doesn’t know if he can trust her? My thoughts: Storm was an interesting book.  It is the third book in the Swipe Series and I have not read the first two books.  I feel that reading the first two books would have filled me in on the relationships, but this book did stand by itself.

I’m not sure what to think of Lily.  Sometimes it seems as if she is working for General Lamson and sometimes it seems like she is helping those who are a part of the Markless Revolution (the good guys).  It seems like the next book will provide the answers.

I do like her brother, Logan.  He is the leader of the Markless, those who are not a part of the government or those who follow them, after they have gotten, “The Mark.”  He is a strong character and his faith is what helps him be a great leader and friend to those he is close to.

I recommend, Storm by Evan Angler. 

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Follow Evan Angler on his website.

Purchase on Amazon.

Here are links to other websites on the tour!

• Julie Bihn
• Beckie Burnham
• Keanan Brand
•  Pauline Creeden
• Emma or Audrey Engel
• Sarah Faulkner
• Victor Gentile
• Ryan Heart
• Jason Joyner
• Carol Keen
•  Shannon McDermott
• Meagan @ Blooming with Books
• Rebecca LuElla Miller
• Joan Nienhuis
• Chawna Schroeder
• Jacque Stengl
• Jojo Sutis
• Jessica Thomas
• Steve Trower
• Phyllis Wheeler
• Rachel Wyant 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Storm by Evan Angler 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. All links were current when posted.

God’s Not Dead by Rice Broocks

God’s Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty by Rice Broocks

(received for review purposes)

Genre- Religion / Christian Theology / Apologetics

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 284

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- hardback, list price $19.99, ISBN 978-0-8499-4853-4

God’s Not Dead was written for seekers, believers, and skeptics.  Rice Broocks describes how God still exists in our time by quoting different people in their fields in the subjects of theology, history, philosophy, and science.

The introduction discusses what Broocks will prove in this book, Jesus’s story, and his own story.  Each chapter has a complete summary at the end.

Some topics discussed are:

• How important scripture is and how it witnesses to the people.
• The life that God made was not an accident and has meaning and purpose. 

Author- Rice Broocks is the author of several books and is the cofounder of the Every Nation family of churches.  He has a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary.

My Thoughts- God’s Not Dead, by Rice Broocks, had a lot of potential, but fell short in my eyes.

I was excited when I read the description of this book.  I thought I would learn a lot and have an interesting book to pass onto others, so we would know how to share how God is still alive in our world.

I was disappointed.  While there was a lot of useful information, it was written in such a dry, stiff manner that I had a hard time reading the book.  I know that Broocks has a great passion for God, but I didn’t just feel it in this book.

He wrote God’s Not Dead for seekers, believers, and skeptics, but the only group I believe who will gain from reading this are the skeptics.  I would recommend this book to people who want to read a book for what it is.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God’s Not Dead by Rice Broocks 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.

Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore

Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore, Book Two of The Angel Eyes Trilogy

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian / Fantasy

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 212

Age Group- Young Adult

Description of Book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN 978-1-4016-8637-6

Brielle and her boyfriend, Jake, are the focus of the Prince of Darkness, because Jake has healing hands and Brielle can see through the Terrestrial Veil.  They don’t know it though. 

Brielle can see the Celestial world along side with ours.  She knows something is going to happen, but she doesn’t know what.  Jake has been keeping something from her.  Her father has started drinking again and dating a young woman who Brielle finds very creepy.

Will she be able to fix the problems or will the Prince of Darkness take over her town of Stratus.

Author- Shannon Dittemore currently lives in California with her husband and two children.  She has gone to Portland Bible College, performing with the theater, and focusing on youth and young adult ministries.

My Thoughts- This is the second book in The Angel Eyes Trilogy and the only one I have read.  I would recommend reading the other book first, because I feel like I missed out on some important facts.

I thought it was interesting that author, Shannon Dittemore included a halo that also worked as a bracelet and a boyfriend for Brielle that was not an angel.

I know that angels are important in our lives, but I think that a relationship involving God is so much more important.  It would have been better if there had been more emphasis on a human’s relationship with God.  I don’t understand how there could be such an emphasis on angels and not God.

This book was well written.  I would recommend this book to those who like reading about romance and angels.  The rest of you, my readers, may not want to read this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore 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.

The 5 Money Personalities by Scott and Bethany Palmer

Genre- Family & Relationship / General / General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 186

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, list price $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8499-6478-7

Most couples argue about money at some point during their marriage.  The arguments can turn to fights and even divorce.

In this book you will read anecdotes, take a couple of quizzes, and learn how to work with your spouse to have a wonderful money relationship.

In just 90 days you will learn about:

• Your Money Personality.
• How your Money Personality works with your spouse’s.
• What financial infidelity looks like.
• How to fight fairly.

The 5 Money Personalities will help you get to the root of the problem, fix it, and be stable for years to come.

Author- Scott and Bethany Palmer live currently live in Colorado with their two young sons.  They are regulars on national TV and radio shows.  They launched “The Money Couple” to help couples bring their love and money together.

My Thoughts- I learned a lot from reading this book.  One of the most important things I learned was that although my husband and I have opposite money personalities, we can still have a very strong relationship.  We need to have a vision and work on the Huddle once a month to make our relationship stress free.

I think that every married couple should work on this book together, because we all know that money is one of the main causes of problems in a marriage.  Every church should make this book a requirement for couples planning their weddings.  We need to know about ourselves and the money relationship more than we need to know about our spouse’s.  This book will help you know yourself.

Please buy a copy of this book and do it with your spouse or spouse-to-be.  You will be better stewards of your money, because of it. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Five Money Personalities: Speaking the Same Love and Money Language by Scott and Bethany Palmer 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.

Call of a Coward: The God of Moses and the Middle-Class Housewife by Marcia Moston

Genre- RELIGION/Christian Life/Spiritual Growth

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 184

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, list price $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8499-4730-8

Marcia Moston never wanted to go on a foreign mission.  Her husband wanted to go to Guatemala.  She fought against the trip, but she knew that God was leading them and would be there for them.

They lived in a Mayan village and later they went on a mission trip to Vermont.  Marcia Moston learned that God is the same today as he was in the times of Jonah, Gideon, and David- persistent.

Call of a Coward is both humorous and thought-provoking and will show you how God is always with us and how our attitudes can change.

Author- Marcia Moston currently lives in South Carolina with her husband.  They have five grown children.  She is a winner of the 2010 Women of Faith Writing Contest.

My Thoughts- I have often thought about what life would be like if our family were missionaries.  Marcia Moston has helped me see what life as a reluctant missionary is like.  It may be difficult, but as time goes by life gets better.

I enjoyed the detail and how much God was truly involved in the Mostons’ life.  My younger sister went on a trip to Guatemala and to some of the places the Mostons went.  It was neat seeing these places through the eyes of different people.

One thing I would really would have liked to know about in this book are the years they spent in Guatemala and Vermont.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I feel as if I have the knowledge necessary to be a missionary whether it be in another country or in the United States.  Please find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Call of a Coward by Marcia Moston 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.

One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do by Phil Cooke

Genre- Business & Economics/Motivation/General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 184

Age Group- Young Adult/Adult

Description of Book- hardback, list price $22.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5484-0

Do you know what you were born to do?  What God wants for you?  This book by Phil Cooke will help you by having you answer questions that will lead you to find your big thing.

He will ask you:

• do you need a brand?
• what is the map of your future?
• is it ever too late?

He will also show you how to keep your values and not get lost in the clutter. 

Go through the steps described in this book and you will learn what your one big thing is and how to use it in your life.

Author- Phil Cooke is an internationally known filmmaker, media producer, and speaker.  He has written many books and writes daily on his own blog.  He lives in California with his wife, Kathleen.

My Thoughts- I really enjoyed reading this book and I took lots of notes, so I can begin to figure out what my OBT is.  One thing I would have enjoyed would have been an area in the book to write my thoughts or a workbook.

I loved the concepts, quotes, and important phrases in the middle of the pages.  Two important things I learned were, to not get lost in the clutter and never compromise my values.

The story that stuck with me the most was the one about the “bread plate” lady.  She chose to focus on only selling bread plates and nothing else, and it was a success.  She did something I need to to do- focus on one thing and become really good at it.

This book is for everyone, especially high school and college kids who need to know their “one big thing.”  Please read this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received One Big Thing by Phil Cooke 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.

The Reason by William Sirls

Genre- Fiction/Christian/General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 408

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, list price $12.99, ISBN 978-1-4016-8736-6

 

A debut novel, this book begins with a storm over St. Thomas Church and then it continues with the storms of life in the local town.

The church’s large wooden cross is destroyed by a bolt of lightning and the members begin to lose their faith.  Some of the people like Macey Lewis and Brooke are told, “only believe.”  And that is very difficult for both of them as they work to save the life of Alex, Brooke’s son.  He has leukemia.

Macey, Zach, and other in the town are compelled by the phrase.

What will happen to their faith?

Author- William Sirls is the father of two and currently lives in Michigan. 

My Thoughts- I’m not sure what to think about this book.  I thought this book was creepy, in both a good way and a bad way.  It seemed to vary from one part of the book to another.  It’s a feeling I can’t really explain.

I wasn’t really sure about the character of Kenneth.  I didn’t think it was right to have a character that represented Jesus here on earth.  Kenneth was a carpenter and he performed miracles around town.  Jesus won’t becoming back as a person, so I think he never should have been represented as a person.

I didn’t like Alex having leukemia.  I would enjoy reading a book other than a romance that had healthy people.  I get tired of reading about sick or dying people.

I didn’t like this book, because of the representation of Jesus and Alex’s illness.  Read this book and tell me what you think.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Reason by William Sirls 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.

Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery

Genre- History/Military/General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Series- The Generals

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 235

Age Group- Adult and younger

Description of Book- hardback, list price $19.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5454-3

Andrew Jackson was a husband, bureaucrat, and general in the early 1800’s.

Paul Vickery uses quotes from various people in Andrew Jackson’s life which gives a better picture of his life.  This book focuses on Jackson’s life as a military leader from the War of 1812 to the uprisings against the Creeks, Choctaws, Cherokees, Chickasaws, and Seminoles.  As a general he always stood by his troops and did what they did.  He was a man who never changed his mind and could be quite unforgiving.

He was “Old Hickory.”

Author- Paul Vickery is an ordained minister, Professor of History at Oral Roberts University, and presents historical characters in a Chautauqua format.  He and his wife enjoy travel

My Thoughts- I liked this book better than some of the other books I have read in the series, because of the attention to using quotes from Andrew Jackson and the people he knew during his lifetime.  It was especially nice that Paul Vickery mentioned it in the prologue.  That was when I knew that I was going to enjoy the rest of the book and I did.

I must say that I really learned a lot about early American history from this book.  I didn’t remember reading about Jackson’s involvement with the removal American Indians in my history textbooks in school.  It mentioned that many still don’t like him and I don’t blame them.

I was really excited when I was looking in the back of the book and I saw a list of the other books in the series. 

I really enjoyed this book.  Go pick up a copy today! 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery 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.

Grant- The Generals Series by Mitchell Yockelson

Genre- History/Military/General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 194

Age Group- Adult and younger

Description of Book- hardback, list price $19.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5452-9

Ulysses Grant has been called many things and one of them is a great general of the Union Army.  He probably never thought he would be general in chief when he was younger, because he reluctantly went to West Point and resigned from the army at 32.

Grant decided during the beginning of the Civil War to help the troops in Illinois and he was reinstated into the army and used his knowledge to help win the war for the Union. 

He is portrayed as a defender of the U.S. with common sense and determination.

Author- Mitchell Yockelson is an instructor of history at the United State Navel Academy and Norwich University and an Investigative Archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration.  He has a doctorate from the Royal Military College of Science, Cranfield University.  He has written another book MacArthur: America’s General, which is part of the General’s Series.

My Thoughts- The books in this series have been interesting and simple enough that they could be read as “living books” in a history class and so does this one.  This book would work for most grades either reading aloud or silent reading.  I have begun to read this book to my first and third grade children and they want me to read more.

I enjoyed learning information I didn’t know about my distant cousin, like how he really didn’t have a drinking problem and how his name changed to Ulysses S. Grant.  I know this series is about generals, but I would have enjoyed learning more about his presidency. 

I highly recommend this book as recreational reading or to be read in school.  I just wish there was a list of other books in the series listed in this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Grant: Savior of the Union by Mitchell Yockelson 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.

Surfing for God by Michael John Cusick

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 205

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, list price $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8499-4723-0

Is the temptation of pornography really a search for something more?  This world has 68 million searches for pornography each day and at least 70% of Christian men say they have viewed it in the last year.

Michael John Cusick uses his examples from his life and his experience as a counselor and ministry leader that it takes more than willpower and more faith to stop, it takes a search for what your heart really desires.  In this book he tells how the struggles begin, how to prevent them, and how to overcome the problem when it starts.

Author- Michael John Cusick is a licensed professional counselor, ordained minister, and spiritual director wh0 has experienced the restoring hand of God.  He also founded Restoring the Soul, a ministry which provides life changing soul care to Christian leaders. 

My Thoughts- This book is a must read for any man who may be struggling with sexual problems or may know someone who is.  As a wife, I don’t think I would give it to my husband if there was not a solid relationship.

There are many parts in this book that could help many with more than just sexual struggles.  I think that is great, because some men may have more issues than just the sexual struggle.

One of the best parts of this book was learning about the 3 Spiritual Counterfeits.   They are the “counterfeit good,” “counterfeit truth,” and “counterfeit worship.”  These are the works of the enemy and he uses those to lure us to him.  It is his lies and temptations that keep men away from the true God and His promises.

I would highly recommend this book to any man who struggles sexually.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire beneath the Sexual Struggle by Michael John Cusick 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.

1000 Days: The Ministry of Christ by Jonathan Falwell

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 229

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- hardback, list price $22.99, ISBN 978-0-8499-4808-4

Do you ever feel like you are in chaos or unhappiness and you think you will never feel truly happy?  Then reading and studying this book will give you a point of view of Jesus that you may never have thought of before.  Jesus spent 1,000 days or 3 years on this earth, teaching truths that are as relevant today as they were then. 

Jonathan Falwell gives the reader the concept of “the happiness of less.”  It is one of the key ways to gain true happiness.  Come and meet Jesus, a man who did everything with purpose.

Author- Jonathan Falwell is married, has four children, and lives in Virginia.  He is the senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, writes a weekly column, and has his photographs appearing in magazines.

My Thoughts- This book was great.  I actually fell in love with the book in the first couple of chapters and it made me want to keep reading and never put the book down.

One of my favorite parts of this book was on pages 153-55, when it talked about how Jesus prayed for his disciples and he did it for us as well.  It was overwhelming and awe inspiring to think that Jesus prayed for me even though I hadn’t been born.  He prayed that I would have protection, unity, would have joy, and not be lost.  It is something I need to remember every day so I can be closer to Jesus and God.

I would highly recommend this book.  It would work well as an individual study or a group study.  Each person should own this book and so should church libraries.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 1000 Days: The Ministry of Christ by Jonathan Falwell 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.

By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Inspirational

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 271

Age Group- Teen and Adult

Description of Book- hardback, list price $19.99, ISBN 978-0-8499-4721-6

He has been on American Idol, he’s blind, and he has a strong faith in God.

Scott MacIntyre’s life has never been ordinary, since birth he has been blind and by the age of six he had a paying gig with the piano.  When he graduated from college at the age of nineteen and was soon to be on his way to college in England, he was diagnosed with kidney failure.  It was with his faith in God and his family and friends that he was able to conquer the odds and call his trials and a blessing and not a curse.

Author- Scott MacIntyre has toured across the world giving concerts and was the first blind finalist on American Idol.  He is an inspirational speaker and his latest CD debuted at #18 in the iTunes Pop Album Chart.

My Thoughts- Scott MacIntyre has had a lot of triumphs and a lot of struggles.  I am very impressed that he continually maintained his faith throughout it all.  This book should be required reading for all those in high school, so they can discover that God’s blessings are there in their darkest days. 

Many people think that breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend is the end of the world, but Scott has had many more serious issues and has triumphed.  He has been legally blind since he was born, but he never let that stop him from reaching his dreams.  He learned to play the piano and sing, went to college in England, and participated in American Idol.  

Along with being blind, he also had kidney failure when he was graduating from college.  He had wonderful doctors, family and friends.  He was able to get a new kidney.  I was surprised to read that his little sister developed the same problem later on and I was glad that she has had the same success.

It is for Scott’s faith in God during his trials that I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre 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.

Tyndale by David Teems

Genre- Biography & Autobiography/Religious/General

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 303

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, list price $15.99, ISBN 978-1-5955-5221-1

It is the age of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Martin Luther, Thomas More, and a man by the name of William Tyndale.

The Catholic Church controls almost everything for the English and there are people who wish to change the way people get the word of God.  William Tyndale is one of the people who plans to help change the world.  He lives and works in secret, because he has been exiled from England.

What will happen to Tyndale and the English Reformation?

Author- David Teems and his wife live in Tennessee near their grown sons.  He has written four other books, one of them, Majestie: The King Behind the King James Bible.

My Thoughts- I thought this book was very interesting.  Some of it was long and boring, but I can understand if there is not a lot of information about his daily life.  Sometimes I thought there was a little too much information about Thomas More.  I know he was an important character in Tyndale’s history, but there was too much information about him.

William Tyndale was an awesome man.  He wrote a Bible with words that everybody would understand and gave his permission for all future translations.  Tyndale is a person we Christians can look up to.  Today’s writers can take note as well, because Tyndale wrote for his ideal reader, who was the plowboy.  That is something to remember when writing.

Tyndale also made a lot of new words which can be learned in the appendix.  And many of them we use today.

I highly recommend.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God and English Voice by David Teems 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.

Going Deep by Gordon MacDonald

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Growth

Published by- Thomas Nelson

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 384

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, list price $6.99, ISBN 978-0-7852-2608-6

Have you ever wanted to become a deep person in Christ?  This book is going to show you how, so be prepared to enjoy this book and don’t forget to take notes.

Gordon MacDonald uses the fictional setting from his book, Who Stole My Church?  As the priest he realizes his church is missing something.  Deep people.

Along with his wife, Gordon chooses a small group of people to meet once a week to cultivate into deep people.  The group, along with Gordon and his wife learn what spiritually deep people are like.  And excitement spreads to the rest of the church.

Author- Dr. Gordon MacDonald has written a number of books and has been a pastor over fifty years.  He lives with his wife, Gail, in New Hampshire.

My Thoughts- I haven’t read any of his books, but I was intrigued when I read the synopsis.  I want to be a deep person for God and I thought this book would help me do that.

One of the best parts of this book was that is was written as a novel, which made it much easier to read.  I thought it could be dry if it had been written as nonfiction.

Even though it may be written as a novel, there were many nuggets of information in each chapter.  It took many notes about how Gordon should be a rabbi like Jesus, the group learned about their temperaments, how to pray, and many other things.

I would like to see a workbook to go with this book.  It would help many readers become deep people if there was a guide they could use on a daily basis.

I highly recommend.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Going Deep by Gordon MacDonald 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.