Reviewing A PROMISE KEPT by Robin Lee Hatcher

Reviewing A PROMISE KEPT by Robin Lee Hatcher The writing style of the book is without chapters, but in keeping with the story, more like a diary of two lives; subjects covered include alcoholism, divorce, abuse, tough love, infidelity, with a cover that is right on target with the story. Beautiful. I would recommend this book to people whose marriages are experiencing any of the above because of the issues dealt with. Some of the good statements contained in the book include "A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted:" Times change but 'people' don't; God hates divorce. He doesn't hate the divorced; Easier is not necessarily better; Why does time fly by when you are happy and creep along when in sorrow? How can I pray 'thy will be done' if I know it includes going through the fire and I don't want to? If you stop moving forward, you move backward...like facing the wrong way on a conveyor belt. The television tells us we are worthy of whatever will make us beautiful or rich, smart, happy, and we want it, but..." Freedom in Christ is the only kind worth anything. The author covers these difficult subjects scripturally and interestingly. She brings up situations that make you think, what would you do, or how would you react, ie, if your younger sister were the 'beautiful and popular' one and people flocked to her or used you to get to her; the question is asked, Can you be a Christian and a drunk at the same time; should you force the issue and find out if there is infidelity; we are who we are because of and in spite of... The author weaves appropriate scriptures throughout the story to support or define things that are happening. In many instances she compares teachings many grew up with that often are no longer taught, ie, courtesy, respect, dress, homemaking vs career. She tells us that Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him as we walk through the fire of life together. The book has a Reading Group Guide in the back so it can be used for discussion in group settings. I would recommend this book. I received this book free from HarperCollins Christian Publishing CTB Thomas Nelson for review without any restrictions as to my comments. ibelieve2

Reviewing CRITICAL REACTION by Todd M. Johnson

Reviewing CRITICAL REACTION by Todd M. Johnson What an exciting, nerve biting, on the edge of your seat novel! It is so in tune with what we are seeing on/in our daily news that you will often think, "I pray this isn't really happening!" I loved every word, corner it turned, and suspense as well as the applicable Christian witness. The motto it proclaimed is one we all should teach and live: don't let others make you do something you will later regret. Be responsible. I loved the character, Poppy. The cover is beautiful, but I must confess I had to ask my husband what the "mark" on the back cover represents. So, without ruining the story for you, I will tell those readers who may be like myself, that it is a 'radiation' symbol. Very fitting. If there is a sequel with these characters, I hope to find out who "Knight" and "Laura" are... but if I somehow missed it, and a reader knows, please enlighten me! I would highly recommend this book to all; it is great; hard to put down. I received this book free from Bethany/Baker Publishers for review without regard to what my opinion would be. BevK IBELIEVE2

Reviewing HEART FAILURE by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

Reviewing HEART FAILURE by Richard L. Mabry M.D. I had never read a Mabry book before, and so I did not know what to expect with a physician writing a mystery. Well, he kept me interested and trying to figure out the end...remember, no peeking! Being he is so qualified in writing this type of medical story, I was wondering how many look for symptoms of their own as they read his books, and solutions to their own medical problems! The mystery of the book was captivating, and I really liked her fiance but in a mystery, you never know how it will end. Dr. Mabry did it right..... this is a book to enjoy! I was given a copy of this book by BOOK SNEEZE to read and review with my own opinion. I would recommend it to others to read; I shall be reading more of his books as well. IBELIEVE2 Bev K

Reviewing A BRIDE FOR KEEPS by Melissa Jagears

Reviewing A BRIDE FOR KEEPS by Melissa Jagears This was a delightful, interesting and well written story set in the days when "mail-order brides" were popular. It lives up to its name. Both have secrets and it is interesting how the author wove them around throughout the story. Among the many interesting things was an account of how to keep a raw egg for a year without it spoiling! It was simply amazing and insightful. I would guess with all our modern appliances etc, no one today would even think about that! The reader will be touched by the husband's first prayer for his new bride and her thoughts upon hearing it. Then he later explains to her what prayer is, and about God's love. She is stunned when he apologizes, and the story just gets better and better as he determines to 'woo' her... a term we don't often hear any more either. A word of wisdom is given him that change hurts, but if the person is worth marrying, then they are worth the pain. Good advice and counsel! The story is complete with the plan of salvation and an epilogue you don't want to peek at. Enjoy... This book was given to me for review by Bethany/Baker Publishers without any restrictions. IBELIEVE2 BEV K

Reviewing The Spiritual World of the HOBBIT by James Stuart Bell

Reviewing The Spiritual World of the HOBBIT by James Stuart Bell I have to admit first-off that I have not read The Hobbit nor seen any of the movies however, after reading this book cover to cover, I intend to. I was touched emotionally and spiritually by Mr. Bell's 'take' on it and still felt he did not 'give away' anything so that I still wanted to read JRR Tolkien's book. Though I'm sure most people heard of Bilbo Baggins, dwarves and elves, many like myself, did not know the key issues that James Stuart Bell brings out in his book. He carefully tells that in writing a fairy tale which most of us grow up with, the key was to get the reader to believe it is true and not a 'fairy tale'...letting the reader experience the magic of the story. Some of the characters reviewed in this book are Bilbo Baggins, Gandolf, Tuor, Idril, Elrond, Half-Elven, Thorin, Frodo, Smaug, Bard and others. Tolkien's stories reflect values and truths of the Bible and how we grow in grace to accomplish great things for the Lord, often working through our weakness rather than strength. I loved the oxymorons that Mr. Bell points out dealing with scripture; he begins with the natural [jumbo shrimp] and concludes with good out of evil. Mr. Bell's ability to point out scripture references in all instances of the Hobbit experiences will bring tears to your eyes. Other examples of issues brought out in this book: We overcome our fears and begin to act then start to become what we were created to be; but our new found courage does not eliminate fear but changes how we react to it; many scriptural instances listed about fire and eagles in the Bible; the removal of one person to let another become greater; good vs evil, growth through suffering and trials; even with all his changes, he [Bilbo] remains thoughtful and kind and not full of pride. Mr. Bell has a good article about what we call 'luck' that should be taken into account. Also he tells about Tolkien being in WWI and experienced in 'waiting' so he had it '1st hand' in writing about it in the life of Bilbo. The stories are about hobbits, elves, trolls, dwarves, dragons, wizards, goblins and all the fun things children/people with an imagination love to hear about. The key thought I came away with was that evil benefits when good becomes divided; Mr. Bell quotes scripture after scripture that we all know, showing that we as Christians need to be united and working together. I received this book free from BethanyHouse/Baker Publishers for review without any restrictions as to my opinion. IBELIEVE2

Reviewing MADE TO LAST by Melissa Tagg

Reviewing MADE TO LAST by Melissa Tagg Here is a story where the heroine is surrounded by 3 men; all equally handsome; one an ex-fiance, one her fake husband, and then the newcomer to the group all invited to live on her property. This is a very unique and interesting story that you learn a lot about the ins and outs of journalism as well as Tv/movie production. It answered a lot of questions as to why some of our favorite TV shows aren't renewed, and contained a lot of information about the struggles a journalist has to put up with without compromising one's standards. I loved some of the 'sayings' the author put into the story like 'trying to be superman and all I ever wanted was Clark Kent; Friendship and sugar---best therapy there is; best way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans; there's nothing so deep God can't pull you out. All fit well into the story. Sometimes I felt it was overdone when mentioning television and movie titles; actors and actresses. I also did not care for the 'paint fight' because of the age of the participants; but overall, I did enjoy the story and the information it contained. I had to test it myself several times to make sure I read it right, but I think the editor/author missed the correct position for the man's hands in dancing... but the 'scene' was lovely! Also later in the story when Miranda is about to spill the beans on which of the 3 is her 'true love', the editor missed 'before his name could escape from "his" lips... "his" should be 'her'... but the reader can figure it out! I would definitely like to read a sequel if it is about "Blaze"... I received this book free from Bethany/Baker Publishers for review without any restrictions as to my opinion. BevK IBELIEVE2

Reviewing FIRED UP by Mary Connealy

Reviewing FIRED UP by Mary Connealy...this is Book 2 in the new series "Trouble in TX' and it is a good, humorous page-turner, following on the footsteps of SWEPT AWAY. Included in the story is a vivid description of how measles used to devastate so many families years ago, and how thankful we all should be for the inoculations that stopped it. Many today do not know how tragic it was, but I for one, remember what it was like. I'm thankful our children did not have to go through it. The story moves into a hilarious picture of a diner helping out a local physician ... because the cook doesn't know how to cook, but since she is feminine, the men keep eating there ... and the circle goes round and round. You wonder where the author is going to take you, then in the next paragraph you go from laughing to the book title coming to life, and the suspense and excitement, laughter and love continues until the end. The author clears up a big misunderstanding many people have about 'forgiveness'. She states there is a 'difference between forgiving and trusting.' So many people don't/won't forgive someone because they think that in so doing, they have to accept and trust the offender, but Ms Connealy states it correctly. The 'forgiveness' is mainly for you, the forgiver. You are the one set free. I look forward to Book #3 in this series... FIRED UP was provided to me free from Bethany/Baker Publishers for review without restrictions as to my opinion. BevK IBELIEVE2