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

Reviewing RULES OF MURDER by Julianna Deering

Reviewing RULES OF MURDER by Julianna Deering If you love a mystery, you'll love this book! Plus the great bantering between the main characters will keep a smile on your face. The author does a beautiful job describing the colonial dress, furniture and time-period she is writing about, and you can 'hear' the English/Brit accent. I like a book that makes you 'think' and in this one when the main character discovers a secret about himself, it made me ask of myself, how would "I" feel, and what would "I" do? Without giving away the story plot, the secret is that he is the result of an affair his father had, and the woman who raised him, is not his mother. In the midst of murders, the mystery begins! The author does a great job also if inserting touching scenes with kittens that continue to the end of the book, and add insights into the characters' thoughts and feelings. I received a free copy of this book from BethanyHouse Publishers to give a review without any expectations as to it being favorable. It is. BevK IBELIEVE2

Reviewing BLOOD and BONE by Don Hoesel

Reviewing BLOOD and BONE by Don Hoesel This is a very good fiction book and I emphasize the word 'fiction'. This is a very fast-paced book with lots of twists. On the negative side, readers must remember this is not scriptural but has references to the scriptures. With that in mind you will enjoy the exploits of Jack Hawthorne and his wife Espy. I would recommend reading the previous books in the Hawthorne adventure series first. There is a very good ending to the book that both my husband and I enjoyed. I received this book free from Bethany-Baker Publishers for review without any restrictions as to my opinion. BevK IBELIEVE2

Reviewing THE LIVING ROOM by Robert Whitlow

Reviewing THE LIVING ROOM by Robert Whitlow This book was different from the other Whitlow books, and at first it was quite catching when you realized what the "living room" was and how it worked. I appreciated early on in the book when the statement is made, 'is your relationship with Christ your own or handed down from your parents'... That was an apt thought provoker for all readers and worthy of answering. Another interesting point was made with the statement, 'I'd rather be warned about a danger that can be avoided than have to pray for a miracle when disaster strikes.' I tend to like books that make one 'think' and this one did that. Later on in the story when the activities of a teen was in question, the statement was made 'it is important for ... her to know her father cares about what she does, where she goes, and who she is with'... I thought this was an excellent point, and appreciated that fact. More parents should be involved with their children these days and not be afraid to let them know that they are, and it's because they care. It is important to teach responsibility for actions, and if they know the parent 'cares' they might be more willing to listen to Godly advice. All this having been said, my ultimate impression of the book was that it was too repetitive, and you could guess where it was going. The 'ending' was predictable and only led you to believe it would go on and on and on... and I would not want to read a sequel! It has a beautiful cover! I was given this book to read for review without any restrictions on my opinion, by BookSneeze. BevK IBELIEVE2

Reviewing ANGELS IN THE FIRE by Dann Stadler, a WI author

Reviewing ANGELS IN THE FIRE by Dann Stadler, a WI author!
    This is a book that is hard to put down.  The things that happen to the Stadler family  will make you think, "if God sent an angel, why not spare them...?" and to the reader's surprise, that is one of the questions the author addresses!  The photos included throughout the book are excellent as well.
    I loved the part when, after being burned and physically broken, [multiple broken bones] the couple finally 'see' each other, he states that the meeting "surpassed our wedding day... that ceremony merely made us husband and wife; living through this nightmare forged a stronger, unbreakable bond between us...her heart beats deep within my soul... we are ONE."
      What a picture of love!  Also the reuniting with their toddler...will she even recognize her 'daddy'?  But she does not forget his voice... tremendous.
    I also appreciated his honesty in relating to the visions and experiences his wife had, when he states "I've never had the angelic experiences that Tracey has...but I KNOW ..." and when he prayed for daughter #3, again, he says "I know ..." and that is the attitude we all need in our faith.  We are all special to God and we need to know and remember He is with us in and through all that comes our way.
    I highly recommend this book. It was given to me by Bethany House Publishers for review without any limitations as to what I would say.

IBELIEVE2

http://wi-ibelieve.blogspot.com