Reviewing THE PURSUIT OF TAMSEN LITTLEJOHN by Lori Benton

Reviewing THE PURSUIT OF TAMSEN LITTLEJOHN by Lori Benton
    This is a book that IS hard to put down!  Loved the story and the way she wove scriptures throughout not only conversations, but descriptions of where the story was taking place. You could almost feel you were there in the time period, which was 1787.  She described the clothing beautifully and you could almost see the situations the characters found themselves in.  It is a sweet, tender, humorous book.  Or, in my opinion at least, like, "say something full of brains and dazzle like, "huh?""
    She covers all the subjects "in good taste" but you still get the "point"; i.e. when Tamsen is rescued in the early stages of the book and to travel together appropriately they 'marry' but situations that follow lead you to know what a struggle 'keeping your word' means, and yet the author handles every situation so that you are really pleased with her characters.  Even though written in the 1700's, the morality is the same, or should be the same, today.
    Some of her interesting 'descriptions' that greatly broadened my knowledge of verse and often brought a smile are:  it was a blink and a sneeze 'till autumn; he hobbled that thought; he stopped, chary of barging in; the scalp-creeping feeling; stick to him like stink on a skunk; be back in a shake; and last but not least, soundless as a landed fish.
   Another thing that I was not familiar with, and my husband who is a 'history buff' did not recall it either, was the reference the author makes to the "State of Franklin".  It was very interesting to learn something the history books/teachers had not taught, or certainly that we did not remember them teaching.  The book is not 'political' but it was a very interesting point that held the trials and troubles of the people captive in those days.
   I highly recommend all ages to read this book.  I received it free to review, from Blogging for Books, Multnomah.  

IBELIEVE2

IBELIEVE  

Reviewing UNINTIMIDATED by Scott Walker

Reviewing UNINTIMIDATED by Scott Walker

I am not writing this review for political reasons, but as an American Patriot. This is a deeply personal, American, touching, book which every American should read and take to heart and action in their lives. I cannot even begin to imagine what America would be like, if each of our 50 wonderful states had a Governor like Scott Walker. Every family should read this book and take it to heart in the teaching and training and raising of their family, and husband/wife and family relationships, work ethics and just plain 'life' in this blessed land we live in. Actually, I can imagine it... America would be like our forefathers intended, and the immigrants who come here, expect it to be. We 'guessed' at the mess that must have been made in the state capitol, Madison, but had no idea just how horrific it actually was. "More damage in 2 weeks than in 5 years" is pitiful. The photos in the book show some of the damage. I truly wish there was a way to send the clean-up bill and restoration to each of the people who demonstrated and did this damage. I loved the way Scott Walker responded to insults and other abuses... he responded like Jesus instructs us to... with love, understanding, wisdom and compassion, but he did not compromise his standards. It is beautiful to see faith lived out. We all need to take to heart what our actions are teaching those who will follow; our family members, friends, people who are brought through our lives. It is touching to hear how he was raised, and what was instilled in his life from his Grandmother and parents etc. We all, of every age, need to take this to heart and get our own lives lined up where they should be. Power and money is not the goal in America; love, compassion, wisdom and a real life that we must answer for, is. If along the way money and/or power occur, we must be responsible for it, but it is not the goal. I challenge you to read this book with an open heart, and allow your heart/life to be touched and moved and changed where needed; and then pray... America needs this man and his mission not only as Governor, but in the Presidency as well. Above all, pray. IBELIEVE

Reviewing UNSTOPPABLE by Nick Vujicic

Reviewing UNSTOPPABLE by Nick Vujicic This is the second book I have read by this young man, and it is heart-stirring and remarkable as was the first one. There is a set of photos in it, ending with a beautiful pix of he and his wife. One of the insightful messages he gives is about humility. He tells that when he was younger he did not like to ask anyone for help, and then relates how he was able to overcome this, letting the reader know it is something we all can struggle with. He says he once heard a father tell his son, a recent college graduate how to approach his new job: "Don't try to show them what you know, instead, show them how much you want to learn." That is advice for us all. I am sure many will pick this book up who are struggling with the issues of 'life' and 'love'. Nick has great advice on that as well. One of the many things he says is that God didn't want him to discover his true love until he was mature enough to appreciate and nurture it. Just think, if everyone did that, how much heartache and disappointment would be avoided! The book is full of helps for those being bullied or who are bullies. I liked his statement that he is 'armless, not harmless' ... and I was appalled how some of the youth bullied him. Parents, counselors, teachers, monitors all need to be more aware of what is going on with our youth. Where has morality, kindness, courtesy and respect gone? We need to all step up and be aware and do something. There is also a lot of mention of suicide with tips on spotting those in danger of committing it, as well as helps for those who are cutting or leaning in that direction. Nick has a great sense of humor, and he will keep you smiling as you wipe away the tears. His comments about marriage and commitment will do that; he says that when you commit to a loving relationship with someone, you surrender many things... selfishness, self-centered behavior... and the remote for the TV. Here are some clips for the book: Excerpt: Chapter 3-How Nick met his wife Life Without Limbs Website Trailer Facebook Twitter More Info Read Chapter One Author Bio I received this book from Blogging for Books for review, and highly recommend this book to everyone. IBELIEVE2 BEVK

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