(Scroll down to see the reviews.)
28. MAURY
27. THE FANTASY FALLACY26. UNSTUCK
25. DREAMS AND VISIONS
24. CRUEL HARVEST
23. THEN SINGS MY SOUL
22. CALL OF A COWARD21. RUNNING FOR MY LIFE
20. SPIRIT FIGHTER
19. MONDAYS WITH MY OLD PASTOR
18. ALREADY GONE
17. UNTIL WE REACH HOME
16. THE SEARCHERS
15. MIRACULOUS MOVEMENTS
14. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SOUTHERN
13. SAVED BY HER ENEMY
12. COVENANT CHILD
11. BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT
10. SIMPLE SECRETS TO A HAPPY LIFE
9. BEAUTY FOR ASHES
8. FROM BLAH TO AWE
7. ONCE A PARENT, ALWAYS A PARENT
6. FROM THE HEART OF A WOMAN
5. MOMENTS OF TRUTH
4. HEALING IS A CHOICE
3. LOVE YOU MORE
2. GREEN LEAF IN DROUGHT TIME
1. MACARTHUR
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March 6, 2013
MAURY by Maury Blair is an aubiographical story of a boy who suffered physical and verbal abuse from his adoptive father. This happened because Maury was the symbol of rejection to his father-rejection of his mother.
The story line is certainly very interesting and it is amazing to see how God worked to free him not only from the abuse but also from bitterness toward his father. Only God can do such things! However I was a bit disappointed at the fact that he hardly mentioned the name of Christ. It makes me think that his conversion was perhaps a shallow one, if that is the right way to describe it.
I'll give this book a 4.
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December 1, 201227. THE FANTASY FALLACY by Shannon Ethridge is a Christian treatise of sexual fantasies. This is backed by logical sense, Biblical helps and her own experience as a Christian counselor who specializes in this area. Shannon also gives real-life examples of some who have struggled or are struggling with these chains.
The angles and areas that are covered seem to be all-encompassing...and then some! The introduction, nine chapters and six appendixes give many details, most of which many of us have never even heard of, much less had experience with. However, considering the world we live in today, they are details which must be confronted and treated if there is to be any solution of or exit from the mental, emotional and spiritual prisons in which so many find themselves. She gives consideration to married and single people as well as to homosexuals. There was some doubt in my mind at first regarding her treatment of the latter but then this is not a treatise of them, per se, but of the fantasy aspect. Interestingly, much more than just fantasies is treated. The root problems of such (which would include past events and experiences), one's attitude and spiritual condition are also considered in depth. Even if the reader does not necessarily directly need this type of help, this sort of information would be invaluable in trying to help those who do.
I struggled a bit with some of the graphic descriptions but also realized that in order to treat this, one has to use such descriptions. A regular medical doctor uses exact medical language with his patients in order to explain the problem, the solution and what he must do to get there. This is rarely a pretty and pleasant experience but certainly very necessary.
The positive aspect of hope is the bright light at the end of this dark and enslaving tunnel. But this is only possible because of the Lord, His Word and the solution that is found within. This Shannon accomplishes. This book gives hope to the most dire of cases. And for this reason I recommend it and give it a 5-star.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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November 15, 2012
26. UNSTUCK by Arnie Cole & Michael Ross is a book about the Christian life. It is geared towards Christians themselves although it would certainly serve to enlighten and help non-Christians along the right path-toward Christ Himself. This is another one of those based-on-research books which, in my opinion, are eye-openers and should be heeded. One has nothing to lose in doing that although I know that God does not base His operations on research, polls, statistics and such. Thankfully! However, for us humans (who are rather limited in our knowledge of many things), research can come in pretty handy at times. Authors Cole & Ross use this to the advantage of showing us where our weak areas are, where we need to make change and, most importantly, HOW to do that. Very practical suggestions are given to prod us along in the right direction, if indeed that is what the reader needs. If he doesn't, then this information can be used to prod and help others along their Christian path.
At first, I was a bit discouraged and turned off by the title. What in the world? I thought. After getting into it I could somewhat understand why that title was chosen but I still think a more attractive one would have been better. What about "Return to Joy" or "Back to God" or even "Out Of A Rut"? Unstuck is just so...uncouth (lacking in polish and grace according to the Merriam-Webster Dic.).
Because of that, I give it a 4 but in spite of that, I give it a 5. The store you bought it from will profit from your buying but you will profit from your reading.
(I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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.)
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November 8, 2012
25. DREAMS AND VISIONS by Tom Doyle with Greg Webster is a captivating read which presents how God has been using dreams and visions of Jesus to prepare thousands of Muslims for receiving Christ. Several specific testimonies from former Muslims are documented and the reader is impressed with the similiarites of the testimonies from individuals who come from various Muslim countries. The Bible is by no means excluded or minimized as the message which needs to be understood and received. The dreams serve primarily to direct Muslims to find a Christian with a Bible who can show them the way to the Truth and Salvation in Christ.Dreams and Visions not only gives the fascinating accounts of the conversion of many Muslims, but also gives helpful historical and current information about Islam, such as the difference between Sunnis & Shiites and why Iran is such a powerhouse for Islam. The book illustrates how the Church of Jesus Christ is being built according to His promise, even in a hostile world that is closed to the normal entrance of the gospel through missonaries.
Dreams and Visions is one of those axes which breaks up any ice that might be present in the heart of the reader. The reader is challenged to find if there is a Biblical reason that would negate the reality of the dreams which thousands of Muslims have reported. He is also challenged by the zeal that the new converts have to testify of Christ in dangerous situations and their willinglness to lay down their lives for Christ.
In a conversation regarding the feeble state of the church in Europe, Doyle suggested the following, "I think we should concentrate our efforts on reaching the Muslims in Eurpoe and then let them reach the European church." Such a statement indeed challenges the normal way westerners think about doing missions. May Dreams and Visions help deliver us from our complacency towards the evangelism of the Moslem world and encourage us to become active participants in the Lord's working there, at least through our prayers in their behalf and in our love towards those who come into our neighborhoods.
This book receives a 5-star rating.
(Obs: The above book was read and reviewed by my husband, Johnny. -Rena)
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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September 14, 2012
24. CRUEL HARVEST by Fran Elizabeth Grubb is certainly one of the most interesting, riveting books I have ever read. It is the autobiography of a woman who, along with her mother and siblings, was abused by her father for many years until they, one by one, managed to escape his evil hands, voice and heart.The reader will find himself experiencing a wide range of emotions as he reads this book...anger, relief, joy...but fortunately it ends on a good one. Probably the most amazing thing was how, as a child, Fran was able to have a spirit of survival which included not only physical strength but spiritual, as she found herself praying to God whom she knew was taking care of her. Her mother was an amazing source of strength and love to her children in the midst of pain and danger.
I would have liked to see more of the spiritual mentioned throughout the book but I have to remember the circumstances in which the author found herself. She did give some more solid thoughts about that which gave me the hope that she experienced, at a later date, a true conversion to Christ. I was pleased to know that she lives here in the south, I have already made contact with her on Facebook and I hope it works out to meet her when she is in the area soon.
This book definitely deserves a 5.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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September 2012
23. THEN SINGS MY SOUL by Robert J. Morgan is an excellent book with stories behind some of the greatest hymns of the Christian faith. He includes one of his own composing on the final I used this book for several weeks in my own personal devotional time, a decision which I do not regret. Not only did I learn alot but I was very touched and blessed to learn many of the details behind the writing of this collection of 150 hymns. To be honest, I was disappointed to learn of some of these details but it was only of a very few. The rest of it is rather amazing, I am grateful to
have had the opportunity to read this book.
I will give this book a 4.5.
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August 2012
Marcia interestingly tells of her calling to this Central American country as well as her arrival and adjustment there. She may not have thought it humorous at the time that she went through these things but she was certainly able to write about them that way! Not all the time, of course, but often enough to hold the reader's attention. She was sad to leave the people which captured her heart but was able to finish her story on a postive note as she related how the Lord used her and her husband's experience and contact there to take other groups on missions trips...even eventually back to the little mountain village where they had served.
I personally could relate to many things about which she spoke as I recalled my own experiences in Brazil. Not everything that a missionary goes through is a positive, I'm-proud-of-this, worthy-of-telling-the-world experience, but is interwoven by the difficult, struggling times. Thankfully, some missionaries, such as this author, feel compelled to put it in a more permanent form than just their thoughts: a book from which the rest of us can read and learn. I give this book a 5.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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July 6, 201221. RUNNING FOR MY LIFE by Lopez Lomong is the account of the author's life as one of the "lost boys of Sudan". It begins at age six when he was snatched at church by Sudanese rebels from the arms of his own mother, taken away to train as a soldier in the army. Then began ten years of turmoil, danger and uncertainty until he was taken to the United States by way of a program of the United Nations. How he progressed to become a winning Olympic runner is a story well worth reading!
Lomong is a very gifted writer for he expresses himself in a very simple and honest but captivating way. I envision him as a humble, not taking anything for granted sort of person, certainly an admirable trait.
My only negative observation (since this is supposed to be a "Christian" book) is that of his "conversion" which takes up a few pages. There is no mention of conviction and repentance of sin or of belief in Christ as Savior. However, he does talk of praying to God several times in emergency situations. That's certainly better than a total denial or neglect of Him.
Since it doesn't comprise a large part of the story, I will disconsider the above detail and give this book a 5.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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June 20, 2012
Jonah Stone finds out that he (and most of his family) are offspring of angels...per mentioned in Genesis 6:4...and discovers that he has some super-natural powers. When he and his sister obey orders to search for their kidnapped mother, they encounter many enemies in the unseen world around them but they use their special powers as well as Scripture to defeat them. How they succeed in their mission makes for interesting reading. Perhaps most adults will "be on the edge of their seat" as they read through this quick-read book but, for sure, the younger generation will! Law not only writes in an interesting way for this age group but it is good enough, i.e., not too childish, for the adults. Amazing talent, don't you think?
I was skeptical when I began this book thinking that I would not enjoy it since it was written for younger readers. But I read it, wanting to be able to recommend some good, Bible-based books with spiritual lessons to my grandchildren. Permit me to say that I was happily surprised with this story, especially since it was generously laced with Bible verses. This enabled me to give it a 5 for the sake of my grands but for adult-reading I will give it a 4. If you think about that, it's pretty amazing!
(I received this e-book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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June 12, 2012
Interspersed with the counsel, the old pastor tells stories (some true, some not) to illustrate the point he is making. They are given in such a way as to make a profound impression on the author. After each visit he is renewed in his heart and soul and sees a red rose bloom on the bush of white roses.
Yes, things like that last statement sometimes had an unreal feel and sound-to the point of being distracting or an irritation-like it was not happening naturally or it was too emotional or so simply put. I really don't know how to describe how I felt. Another thing that was distracting to me was the poor translation (some stories, perhaps the whole book, were translated from Spanish) in some parts. Having a background of knowing another language and having done some translation work myself, I was able to detect this.
I think it is worth the read but I will give this book a 4.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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June 7, 201218. ALREADY GONE by Ken Ham & Britt Beemer is summarized by "why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it". There are scores of survey results throughout the book which give credence to the authors' observations, suggestions and mandates. Nay, there are warnings if we as parents, pastors and teachers don't heed the truths laid out within its chapters! The need to "defend the Word" and "live the Word", which includes teaching a young-earth Creation as well as Biblical authority, are the over-riding premises of this powerful little book.
"Already Gone" will go down in our personal history as one of the top five books that have ever impacted us. My husband said that it shook him up! My prayer is that it will shake up millions more as they take the time to read it, hopefully soon while there is still hope for our children. At least some of them for, sadly, many of them are "already gone".
For your convenience, click here or here so you can order it for yourself.
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June 5, 2012
This story of three Swedish sisters touches the heart and soul and captivates the mind. There is a pleasant balance of the spiritual, making it quite inspirational.
It was easy to give this book a "5"!
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May 29, 201216. THE SEARCHERS by Joseph Loconte is a critique/commentary/devotional that treats the Biblical account found in Luke 24 of the story of the two disciples who walk on the road to Emmaus. It is "a lofty book for lofty minds", as my husband said. (He did not read it, he just heard my description of it.)
Mr. Loconte, in his own way, makes his case to answer the "quest for faith in the valley of doubt" (the book's subtitle). Each chapter is a treatise of the 23 verses in Luke which contain this beloved Bible story. The paragraphs which directly speak of it are a blessing. But much of the book also speaks of other things....history, movies, authors, etc...which the author attempts to use to prove or emphasize his point or some detail or...something. Sometimes I really was not sure where he was going or where he came from or what he was trying to prove. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I don't have the "lofty mind" it requires to appreciate this book the way it deserves. To tell the truth, there were moments when I wondered if Loconte managed to find that faith he was looking for in his own valley of doubt!
But I was relieved to finally find a paragraph on page 172 in the very last chapter that seemed to assure me that he truly knew the Lord and believes in the authority of Scripture. I won't quote it here, you will have to read it for yourself.
Although the lofty minds will probably give this book a 5, I am sorry to say that I can only give it a 3.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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May 16, 2012
15. MIRACULOUS MOVEMENTS by Jerry Trousdale is a fascinating and challenging read for those who want to stay abreast of what is happening in Missions in other parts of the world, specifically the Muslim world. The author's "Disciple Making Method" is thought-provoking and merits consideration and prayer regarding how it might also be employed in non-Muslim contexts.The Method's challenges on prayer, fasting, finding a person of peace to begin new works and utilizing laymen to start churches should help to sharpen churches and missionaries as they go about their work in an increasingly changing and difficult world.
I give this book a 4 out of 5.
(I requested my husband, Johnny, to read this book and write a review of it, which is what you see above.)
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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May 16, 201214. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SOUTHERN by Cecilia Budd Grimes is a lovely little book that I picked up in a consignment shop. The cover is as charming as its contents and I plan to use it as part of my guest room decor!
From food and phrases to rules and etiquette, there's an amazing wealth of information and entertainment packed into its 59 pages. It is also graced with old photos from the author's childhood. Upon researching, I discovered on her website that she is known in certain circles as "the South's leading authority on etiquette". After reading this book, I do believe I would like to hear one of her "talks" as well as read the several other books in this little series.
It's mainly us'ns who are from the
This charming little book gets a high-5 as well as a recommendation to be placed in your charming guest room. If you don't have such a room, this book will make you want one. *smile*
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April 30, 201213. SAVED BY HER ENEMY by Don Teague is the account of "an Iraqui woman's journey from the heart of war to the heartland of America", as it says on the cover. Don was an NBC News correspondent and met Rafraf when he was in Iraq and she worked for NBC as a translator.
This book gives details of the war that probably the average person has never heard about. The country, people, customs and many other things are described throughout the first half of the book, not altogether interesting for someone like me but necessary to bring this story together.
How God worked the miracle of getting her out of Iraq in 2004 and bringing her to the States (and keeping her there to this day!) is a story worth reading. I was pleasantly surprised to read Mr. Teague's clear presentation of the Gospel in one or two places but equally disappointed to note that Rafraf's conversion to the Christian faith was not as clear-cut...although it does seem that she at least left her Muslim faith.
I probably would not pay the original price of $25 for it but I found it for $1 at a "dollar store" and, well, let's just say that I got a true bargain!
I will give this a 4 on a 5 scale.
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12. COVENANT CHILD by Terri Blackstock is a work of fiction which depicts the concept of Biblical covenant, showing in a dramatic yet poignant way the undying love and grace of the Heavenly Father in His pursuit of man. A captivating story, I must say.Having given that basic review line, let me say that I LOVE THIS BOOK!! If a scale of 1 to 100 was being used I would without hesitation give it 100+. But since it is only a 1 to 5 scale I'm forced to give it a 5. Do you get my drift?
I was captivated upon reading the very first line: "There's a question that haunts me in the blackest hours of night...". Not since I read my Dad's own autobiographical book have I encountered a more gripping, captivating story. Honest. This is the first time I have read one of Terri Blackstock's book and, for sure, it will not be the last. I intend to look for more of hers. That she is a gifted writer is quite the understatement!
This story of twin girls who were born into riches, lost it and had to struggle to regain it is a captivating story (have I mentioned the word "captivating" yet?). Although it is fiction, I often had to adjust my brain to remember that this was not a true story...maybe even an autobiography since it is written in the first person.
May the Lord greatly bless and use this book to reach, or help His children to reach, the many people around us who are floundering in their search for true happiness only to be found in Christ.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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April 11, 201211. BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT by Scott MacIntyre is the autobiography of this amazing young man. "The inspirational story of a blind prodigy, a life-threatening illness and an unexpected gift" is the summary given on the book's cover, a very accurate one.
Scott is a Christian so I fully expected to have a few mentions of this throughout the book, but I was not prepared to have this fact interwoven in a very beautiful way throughtout its entirety! He even gives a clear-cut account of his salvation experience as a child. That in itself contributed greatly to my giving it a 5 instead of a 4...which I initially thought I would be doing.
"Intimate" would be the word that I would choose to describe this story. Not only does he tell of many itimate people, places, thoughts and experiences but he loves to use that word. He was very brave to expose himself to his readers by describing in detail exactly what he went through as he overcame many obstacles, especially his health, and followed his dreams that were centered around music. The second most-mentioned person is his mother. I was very impressed with the relationship that this beautiful (there are photos to prove it) lady had and has in his life. Certainly a model of love and dedication to one's child!
Although some of Scott's music standards would not be my own, his story is worth reading. To top it all off, he is an excellent writer! "Wow, I love the way he said that!" was an oft-repeated thought of mine as I read this book.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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March 23, 201210. SIMPLE SECRETS TO A HAPPY LIFE by Luci Swindoll is a quick-read book which tells in simple yet important terms how one should conduct their life in order to experience happiness. Did I just rephrase the title? I think so.
PROs: This will not take long to read. Each chapter consists of only 2-3 pages, just enough for a one-a-day vitamin, so to speak, to give you an area of life to work on, something to mull over for several hours, to encourage you to reach a certain desirable goal.
Although each of the 50 chapters speak of simple, even already-known things, such as "Be on time for everything" or "Value the things you have", there are others which come from a different angle, like "Discover what makes people tick" or "Know for sure you're insured".
Luci is an interesting writer. Not extremely so but certainly enough to hold your attention. I got the impression that she is a very fun, cheery and positive person to be around and I would certainly love to meet her!
CONs: I was disappointed to note that (what I consider to be) THE most important "secret" to happiness was not given the honor of having a chapter of its own: "Make sure you know Christ as your personal Savior" or some such similar title. However, she did highlight spiritual things in about 3 of the 50 chapters and, in fact, gave a clear plan of salvation in one of those.
She often used a Bible translation which I find to be a very loose one. Not that it doesn't sound good, as in, pleasing to human ears but I have a feeling that it goes a bit too far, taking a bit too much liberty in the translation.
Having said all that, I still would give this book a 4 and would also consider recommending it to others for light (and helpful) reading.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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March 2, 2012
9. BEAUTY FOR ASHES by Dorothy Love is a delightful novel, the first one I've read in at least 2 years. I was ready for some lighter, relaxing reading and was rewarded with this one. I will give it a 4 on a 5 scale.
This story based on post-Civil War times in Tennessee has Carrie as its main character. She is a young lady who has passed through difficult times and continues to do so throughout the book. She wonders what the Lord's purpose is in all of this for her. I love this line which describes how she felt at one point: "She tried to see the purpose in every bad thing that had happened in her life, but her eyes had grown weary with looking." In a series of disappointing and even strange (to not say mysterious) events, she comes to terms with herself, with others and, most importantly, with her Lord.
Although there is nothing unusual or outstanding and it has no "wow!" factor (which, by the way, is why I didn't give it a 5), Beauty For Ashes is an interesting story and the author manages to hold the reader's attention. At least she did mine and I'm pretty picky when it comes to authors holding my attention! I've been known to not even finish a book because the author didn't hold my attention...ok, enough of that. Well, in spite of my life being more-than-normal-busy during the past 3 weeks, I found...no, I MADE time!...to read this book. I'm looking forward to passing it on as a gift to someone else.
To the publisher/printer I would like to make the suggestion that it be proofread again so as to remove the typos before a second printing is done. There were several throughout the book.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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January 31, 2012
Also considering this (teen girls), I would like to make the suggestion to the author and publisher to say somewhere on the book that this book is for teen girls. Not until a couple pages into the book did I realize that and it continued to be very evident as teen lingo was interspered throughout it. I'm not sure what I think about that...I tend to think that you don't necessarily have to speak like a teen to be able to reach them. At times, I even had the impression that spiritual things were down-graded by using certain vocabulary although I'm pretty sure that was not the author's intent.
Apart from that detail, I was happily surprised to see that the content itself was not shallow but, rather, very Bible-based in its theology (indeed!) and application. The author managed to get down to the nitty-gritty of the very basic spiritual needs of her intended audience. At least I think she did...as I tried to imagine/remember myself as a young teen. She used lots of Scripture to press her points, I do admire and appreciate her for that. I was a bit disappointed as I realized that she's not as conservative in some things (such as when she spoke of going to band concerts) but her spiritual truths stayed on track. The content was very well laid out and written in an interesting manner and I especially found the short testimonies of real-life girls to be helpful. The areas of sin, intimacy with the Lord, prayer, witness, service and love to others were very adequately treated.
Jenna definitely does share her father's writing abilitites!
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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January 27, 20127. ONCE A PARENT, ALWAYS A PARENT by Stephen Bly is a book I'd wanted to read mainly because of the stage of life in which we find ourselves. I had read an excerpt from it online a few months ago and thought "hey, I need to read more of what this author has to say"!
Mr. Bly pulls not only from his own experiences and observations but also from that of others. Some advice he gives is a bit painful because we don't normally think of that as being the right thing to do. But he has Scripture to back it up and...just common sense. Furthermore, love is his main reason for the guidelines that he gives.
I found this book to be very helpful. It gives wisdom, guidelines and the much-desired courage that all empty-nesters have to continue to be godly, helpful and loving parents...no matter the age or situation of their children.
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January 13, 2012
6. FROM THE HEART OF A WOMAN by Sylvia Hensel is difficult to describe and review. I don't say that in a negative way (seeing as how I'm giving it a 5) but rather in an admiring way. Many parts of this book I can relate to because of similar experiences that I've had. But this isn't about me...This book is a collection of a woman's love letters to her Lord. Sylvia's courage to expose her spiritual intimacy is amazing, I don't think I would have that courage. But I'm sure that the things she wrote in this short, but incredibly full, little book has the potential to meet the needs of many people. It will at least serve to prod them in the right direction if they are searching for similar spiritual food, growth and intimacy in their relationship with the Lord. Sylvia's very descriptive thoughts, prayers and poems are meant to be read and digested in small portions which, thankfully, are arranged that way. They are rich with meaning and spiritual calories for the hungry soul...as can be seen in the following paragraph:
Pure joy fills my soul as we reach our destination. The mountaintop experience is exhilarating and awakens all my senses to the fullness of your love, a oneness with you, and something to be desired often. No matter how long we linger there, it is never long enough, for we must return to the valley where life is lived.
(I received this e-book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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January 7, 2012
I obtained this book for basically 2 reasons: 1)My husband loves MacArthur's teachings so I figured he would love this book and 2) I love devotional books for in them I hope to find helps in my relationship with the Lord. Well, I think my first reason was accomplished for my DH will love the book no matter what I think of it. But I did not accomplish the second reason. These devotionals, in general, are geared more to the theological, pastoral, male mind which is, of course, who MacArthur is. I was so disappointed after reading the first few pages that I just read some of the pages from each month (to form a fair opinion of the whole book) and skimmed over the rest. What's more, the subjects assigned to each month were not accurate. For example, "love" was the subject for February but the first several days had nothing to do with that. The situation is similar for some of the other months. I realize that this is not the fault of MacArthur but, rather, of whoever compiled these devotionals from his books. Which brings me to another disappointment. I thought I was getting a book which MacArthur recently wrote but these devotionals are just excerpts from several of his many other books. That's great if that's what you're looking for but I was wanting some new and fresh material from this great preacher/author.
Content-wise, it's fine...for those wanting explanations of certain aspects of the Bible and/or the Christian life. But for those wanting help to build their relationship with the Lord, it would be better to look elsewhere. I'm giving it a 3 but I'm sure there are many who will give it a 5. It all depends on what you're looking for.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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December 21, 2011
4. HEALING IS A CHOICE by Stephen Arterburn is an excellent book. Although I only rated it as a 4.5 on a 5-scale, I still consider it to be a very interesting, informative and helpful book.Sometimes I'm a bit wary about so-called self-help books, wondering if it's going to be presented as a do-it-my-way-and-you'll-never-fail sort of thing. But I was surprised and relieved to see that Mr. Arterburn backed up his guidelines and information with not only his own experience but also, and more importantly, with Scripture. I was further happy about the fact that he presented the clear plan of salvation in the chapter about forgiveness. That chapter in itself is worth whatever one may end up paying for this book!
To further enhance the value of this book, there is also a study guide at the end of each chapter, a must for those people who need to go a step further in their quest for help in the area of healing. Although "healing" could be applied to the physical area, I suppose, it was definitely aimed at the emotional, mental and spiritual healing that needs to take place in our lives.
I plan to recommend this book to those around me who are in need of this type of healing. If they are serious in wanting that, they will surely see some results if they put to practice the guidelines given in Healing Is A Choice.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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November 25, 2011
3. LOVE YOU MORE by Jennifer Grant is without a doubt one of the top 5 books that I have read this year. This author is definitely a writer. Know what I mean? She knows how to express herself in an interesting, detailed and colorful way, thus she holds the reader's attention.
Jennifer's detailed description of all that they went through...research, emotion, red-tape, etc...is an amazing trip. Their spiritual victories as well as the ups and downs of emotions and the frustrating requirements certainly must have made the result of having this sweet child finally for their own...who can imagine that all this goes on in the adoption process?! They are to be congratulated for their persistence but I have a feeling that most adoptions go through a similar roller-coaster experience. Wow.Reading this story about their process of adopting a child from Guatamala made ME want to adopt a child. From anywhere. No matter the cost, time or energy involved! So before you pick up this book to read...beware of how you might feel as a result of reading it. I'm just sayin'.
Coincidentally, we have recently been in contact with a couple who came to Brazil to adopt 4 siblings. Worthy of another story, I'm sure. Maybe I'll encourage them to write their own story, yes? At the least, I plan to recommend this book to them.
(I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.)
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October 15, 2011
Isobel is a gifted writer and knows how to keep the reader coming back with anticipation...should said person have to put the book down. And she writes with personal knowledge of her subjects because she was their missinary colleague in China. This book tells of the last China Inland Mission missionaries to leave China. How they survived two years of many promises of the government to be able to leave the country is the miraculous event of this book.
I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to read a missionary biography. You will not regret it for it will make a lasting impression on you and touch you in ways you did not imagine.
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Today (Aug 16, 2011) I will begin some book reviews. I am a new member of Booksneeze which offers books free to bloggers. Pretty nice, hey?
1. 
MACARTHUR by Mitchell Yokelson and Stephen Mansfield is definitely for those who love history and politics. This book tells in detail (lots of it!) the highlights of his life-both the struggles and the accomplishments.
MACARTHUR by Mitchell Yokelson and Stephen Mansfield is definitely for those who love history and politics. This book tells in detail (lots of it!) the highlights of his life-both the struggles and the accomplishments.
Even though history and politics are not my favorite areas for book-reading, I found some tidbits of interesting things in this book. One was regarding his mother. Amazingly, she had a huge influence on him and, at times, a very controlling one. That seems contradictory to the "America's General" aura of this great man from America's history. I don't know the position of the author but I was disappointed to note that, in spite of his obvious tendancy to have a woman off to the side on more than one occasion, he was described at the end of the book as being exemplary in his moral life. Maybe I missed something there...
For myself, I tended to skim over the boring parts (history and politics, remember?) and concentrate on the parts which told about him-his habits, character, beliefs and attitudes and even appearance. Since observing people is one of my, shall we say, hobbies, I did find those parts interesting enough to hold my attention.
