The body of this book was very entertaining. I rate the book as a good read although a little disjointed at times. It's a typical Stephen Lawhead SyFy book except that this one leaves a lot of questions in your mind, [characters and situations are mentioned, but not followed through]. It does not have a definite ending.
It took a long time loading the book on an iPad, and then the chapters were not in order; it skipped all over, so in listening to it, it would take quite some time to find where the next chapter was. [This could be the iPads fault or the software from the book that caused this to happen.] To aid me in finding the next chapter, I borrowed a hard-copy of the book. It would have been great, and without problems, using the CDs in an auto on a trip. The British accent took some getting used to as well as British terms that our English language finds obsolete.
It appears there may be sequels coming; the book itself is not complete and leaves you hanging at the end.
I received this book free from BookSneeze in a 9 disc CD format for review.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Reviewing THE CORRUPTIBLE by Mark Mynheir
If you love 'mysteries' this would be a good one to add to your list of favorites, and if you have never read one, this would be a great start... the characters are 'real' and well portrayed. You won't know the 'answer' until the arrest, so it WILL keep you guessing. Hard to put down, and relative. When good and evil are only a foot apart... how much would it take for YOU to betray the truth? You might be surprised!
I received this as an eBook from Edelweiss Multnomah Books for review without any restrictions as to my comments.
I received this as an eBook from Edelweiss Multnomah Books for review without any restrictions as to my comments.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Reviewing THE PREACHER'S BRIDE by Jody Hedlund
I was absolutely stunned by the wealth of information this book contained, and at the final conclusion. I won't say more on the conclusion because I don't want to spoil it for other readers. But I loved this book. I learned more 'history' reading this book, and what life was like during those years, than I ever did in history class in school. How thankful to be living in modern America now, vs the way things were in England during this period.
Can you imagine 'today' being committed to a marriage and then through circumstances have your to-be-groom given to your sister instead? Can you imagine not having a say in anything and living sometimes worse than a slave just because you are a female?
I enjoyed learning about the differfent medicines used in those days, and the different ways of making breads and soups etc.
In other words, I found this book was very hard to put down; it had me involved from the beginning, and THEN the shock of the end.
I believe the author did a fantastic job of pulling truth of the times into this story. When I read that this was actually an account of the life of a favorite of mine, JOHN BUNYAN..PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, I was stunned. The story totally had me captured.
I highly recommend this book for all ages.
Can you imagine 'today' being committed to a marriage and then through circumstances have your to-be-groom given to your sister instead? Can you imagine not having a say in anything and living sometimes worse than a slave just because you are a female?
I enjoyed learning about the differfent medicines used in those days, and the different ways of making breads and soups etc.
In other words, I found this book was very hard to put down; it had me involved from the beginning, and THEN the shock of the end.
I believe the author did a fantastic job of pulling truth of the times into this story. When I read that this was actually an account of the life of a favorite of mine, JOHN BUNYAN..PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, I was stunned. The story totally had me captured.
I highly recommend this book for all ages.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Reviewing WINGS OF A DREAM by Anne Mateer
I'm not sure how to even start this review since I just finished reading the book and am flooded with tears of JOY. It is such a heart-felt book, and I highly recommend it to all ages.
This touching story is about a 19 year old girl wanting to 'leave home' and enter into the 'adventure of her life' away from family and everyone she knows... where this 'dream' leads her, is not in the direction she expected, but as she is 'led' she keeps her trust in the Lord that He will fulfill all her dreams.
She is set in the middle of everything she wanted to LEAVE and then when she thinks she must, of her own accord 'leave' she finds God has worked a magic in her heart that she never expected. You will love this whole story, and enjoy the 'thoughts' of someone who is determined they want to get away from what they grew up with... and, how many of our teenagers feel that way! Most books you can tell early on, how it will end, but this one may catch you by surprise... but, guaranteed you will love it and want others to read it as well.
I was given this book from Bethany House publishers to read for review, with no requirements that it be positive.
This touching story is about a 19 year old girl wanting to 'leave home' and enter into the 'adventure of her life' away from family and everyone she knows... where this 'dream' leads her, is not in the direction she expected, but as she is 'led' she keeps her trust in the Lord that He will fulfill all her dreams.
She is set in the middle of everything she wanted to LEAVE and then when she thinks she must, of her own accord 'leave' she finds God has worked a magic in her heart that she never expected. You will love this whole story, and enjoy the 'thoughts' of someone who is determined they want to get away from what they grew up with... and, how many of our teenagers feel that way! Most books you can tell early on, how it will end, but this one may catch you by surprise... but, guaranteed you will love it and want others to read it as well.
I was given this book from Bethany House publishers to read for review, with no requirements that it be positive.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Reviewing FOOLS RUSH IN by Janice Thompson
I just finished reading FOOLS RUSH IN by Janice Thompson and I am still smiling. I don't think there was a page that I didn't either smile or laugh out loud. This is a very entertaining book that will lift your spirit and cause your faith to soar. The author handles the differences in worship styles accurately and gracefully and I think it would be hard for any Christian to be offended with any of her musings or situations. I highly recommend this book for all ages.
I received this book from CBD as an eBook.
I received this book from CBD as an eBook.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Reviewing THE EIGHTY-DOLLAR CHAMPION by Elizabeth Letts
The EIGHTY-DOLLAR CHAMPION is about "Snowman" the horse that inspired a nation. I found this book absolutely beautiful. I loved the 'history' it contained as well as the touching moments the author put so delicately in the story.
This "plow horse" from the Amish was headed for the slaughter house when it's loving and trusting and "hope-filled" eyes caught the attention of a 'poor' man [Harry] who could not resist buying him for $80 instead of letting it be turned into meat and glue.
God works in mysterious ways to be sure, and because of Harry arriving late to the auction, he was able to make the find of his life and have his dreams come true beyond what he could have ever imagined.
I highly recommend this book for all ages. Pictures are located throughout the book to give you a look at the real owner, horse and his children as they continually win ribbon after ribbon. This story shows the thoughts and desires of an immigrant to America when times were really hard, but his devotion and gentleness and honesty and hope are greatly rewarded. Parents reading this story to their children will be able to explain what it was like before the advent of TV broadcasting sports, war-time hardships and a family that strongly worked and supported each other.
My copy was from the public library.
This "plow horse" from the Amish was headed for the slaughter house when it's loving and trusting and "hope-filled" eyes caught the attention of a 'poor' man [Harry] who could not resist buying him for $80 instead of letting it be turned into meat and glue.
God works in mysterious ways to be sure, and because of Harry arriving late to the auction, he was able to make the find of his life and have his dreams come true beyond what he could have ever imagined.
I highly recommend this book for all ages. Pictures are located throughout the book to give you a look at the real owner, horse and his children as they continually win ribbon after ribbon. This story shows the thoughts and desires of an immigrant to America when times were really hard, but his devotion and gentleness and honesty and hope are greatly rewarded. Parents reading this story to their children will be able to explain what it was like before the advent of TV broadcasting sports, war-time hardships and a family that strongly worked and supported each other.
My copy was from the public library.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Reviewing THE BAKER'S WIFE
The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy
I was particularly drawn to choose this book for review because I am a "pastor's wife" and this story promised to reveal some of the struggles within the ministry that most people do not know about. The consequences of sin, pre-judgements, forgiveness, life. The "baker's wife" is a former pastor's wife. By that, I mean, her husband was a pastor and was asked to leave the ministry.
The story goes on to show the difference between "pastor prayers" and personal prayers spoken with 'love and intimacy' between a husband and wife. As I got further into the story, I was drawn to the scripture found in Proverbs 18:17 that 'sets a matter straight' ... it is necessary in reading as well as in life, that we hear a matter through, that we get all the facts from both sides, before we make a judgement. If not, if you only read a portion, you may be misled and misdirected. Subjects such as abortion, infidelity, murder, depression, insanity, fanaticism are all involved in the story, but not 'the' story.
Time and time again during the reading, I came to 'wrong conclusions' and was reminded that in life, that could also happen, if judgements are made too quickly. I was making 'bookmarks' to recall specifically things that were said, and comparing them to what was now happening in the story. When good things happen to bad people or bad things happen to good people, do we question God? Are we easily or too quickly ready to call someone a hypocrite?
The reader will also be amazed at the methods used to bake the special breads and rolls. The author does a fine job of describing a friendly neighborhood bakery that you would be drawn to. She makes the reader aware of the consequences of our sin and our judgements. She makes the statement "sometimes mercy is the best weapon against evil" and I am left with the thought that God does bring everything together in His time when we let Him.
My biggest concern with this book is that people may think "all" ministers/wives/families and other individuals in the Christian Faith, believe and are like the individuals pictured in this story. While some perhaps are, I felt a seperation should have been made. I was concerned mostly with the description of the "baker's wife" as she attempts to locate the missing person in the story; [the most disturbing was when she took a prescription pill prescribed for the missing person to 'draw her closer' which I believe is a dangerous thing to promote] for that reason, I would hesitate to recommend this book.
I received this eBook free from BookSneeze for review.
I was particularly drawn to choose this book for review because I am a "pastor's wife" and this story promised to reveal some of the struggles within the ministry that most people do not know about. The consequences of sin, pre-judgements, forgiveness, life. The "baker's wife" is a former pastor's wife. By that, I mean, her husband was a pastor and was asked to leave the ministry.
The story goes on to show the difference between "pastor prayers" and personal prayers spoken with 'love and intimacy' between a husband and wife. As I got further into the story, I was drawn to the scripture found in Proverbs 18:17 that 'sets a matter straight' ... it is necessary in reading as well as in life, that we hear a matter through, that we get all the facts from both sides, before we make a judgement. If not, if you only read a portion, you may be misled and misdirected. Subjects such as abortion, infidelity, murder, depression, insanity, fanaticism are all involved in the story, but not 'the' story.
Time and time again during the reading, I came to 'wrong conclusions' and was reminded that in life, that could also happen, if judgements are made too quickly. I was making 'bookmarks' to recall specifically things that were said, and comparing them to what was now happening in the story. When good things happen to bad people or bad things happen to good people, do we question God? Are we easily or too quickly ready to call someone a hypocrite?
The reader will also be amazed at the methods used to bake the special breads and rolls. The author does a fine job of describing a friendly neighborhood bakery that you would be drawn to. She makes the reader aware of the consequences of our sin and our judgements. She makes the statement "sometimes mercy is the best weapon against evil" and I am left with the thought that God does bring everything together in His time when we let Him.
My biggest concern with this book is that people may think "all" ministers/wives/families and other individuals in the Christian Faith, believe and are like the individuals pictured in this story. While some perhaps are, I felt a seperation should have been made. I was concerned mostly with the description of the "baker's wife" as she attempts to locate the missing person in the story; [the most disturbing was when she took a prescription pill prescribed for the missing person to 'draw her closer' which I believe is a dangerous thing to promote] for that reason, I would hesitate to recommend this book.
I received this eBook free from BookSneeze for review.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Reviewing ONE CALL AWAY
ONE CALL AWAY by Brenda Warner, is a real eye-opener on her life struggles, compounded in part because of being in the media and public. No different from the rest of us as far as troubles go, BUT they are multiplied when viewed by millions because your husband is famous.
I was fascinated by Brenda's life story. She starts the book from the very beginning with the struggles of being poor, and the things she needed to face at such an early age. She frankly shares her mistakes, her reasoning's on why she does or doesn't do some things, and the subsequent consequences.
The book has photographs from most stages of her life, and only touches a small amount on her famous husband, football QB, Kurt Warner. She weaves in how her faith kept her strong in trials. She tells how her husband's faith and unconditional love for her and her children helped her to grow, as they added to the family and faced new trials caused by relocations, increased income, publicity and health issues.
Readers will be challenged with issues of pre-marital sex, child abuse, divorce, infidelity, poverty, wealth, choosing friends, religion vs faith, trust, forgiveness and the list goes on and on. In other words, this is a 'real' life story.
My main hesitation with promoting this book is that it never suggests to the reader that pre-marital sex is wrong. If a questioning or rebellious teenager [or older] were to read it, they would think there is nothing wrong with pre-marital sex because "she" did it [actually planned to do it] and got away with it because she was on the pill. Which, I also questioned... why was she on the pill? If she believed it was wrong... my only thought was a fear of rape but that was only 'my' thought, it was not suggested in the book. In essence, her YOUNGER husband had more morals than she did.
This book was provided to me free from BOOKSNEEZE for review.
I was fascinated by Brenda's life story. She starts the book from the very beginning with the struggles of being poor, and the things she needed to face at such an early age. She frankly shares her mistakes, her reasoning's on why she does or doesn't do some things, and the subsequent consequences.
The book has photographs from most stages of her life, and only touches a small amount on her famous husband, football QB, Kurt Warner. She weaves in how her faith kept her strong in trials. She tells how her husband's faith and unconditional love for her and her children helped her to grow, as they added to the family and faced new trials caused by relocations, increased income, publicity and health issues.
Readers will be challenged with issues of pre-marital sex, child abuse, divorce, infidelity, poverty, wealth, choosing friends, religion vs faith, trust, forgiveness and the list goes on and on. In other words, this is a 'real' life story.
My main hesitation with promoting this book is that it never suggests to the reader that pre-marital sex is wrong. If a questioning or rebellious teenager [or older] were to read it, they would think there is nothing wrong with pre-marital sex because "she" did it [actually planned to do it] and got away with it because she was on the pill. Which, I also questioned... why was she on the pill? If she believed it was wrong... my only thought was a fear of rape but that was only 'my' thought, it was not suggested in the book. In essence, her YOUNGER husband had more morals than she did.
This book was provided to me free from BOOKSNEEZE for review.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
NOT OLD-FASHIONED
We often hear the younger set referring to anyone more than 20 years older than themselves, to be 'old fashioned', 'out of step/date', nerds even. I am reminded of a scripture that should guide all of our lives, regardless of age:"Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the GOOD WAY lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls."
What a promise! In that, we can take refuge, and walk with CONFIDENCE, knowing that we have a GIANT of a God who will support, protect and care for us.
I remain... yours, in Him..........
12 DISCIPLES......RIGHT?
What a touching scene to both see and hear the 'thoughts' on the night that Jesus announced he would be betrayed... but look closely at this picture... and count...Remember... later they had to choose another... Matthias...to replace Judas....
This picture is the 'living' portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper; my husband Jim directed it, and so in one of the photos, we added him...in the midst of our 3 grandsons... he said he was Matthias!
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