Greater

Too many of us settle for just "good enough". Furtick wants you to think past that and not settle for less. Rather he opens up another possibility  God's Greater. He wants us to dream bigger and ignite God's vision in our lives. In this book, he tells you exactly that. I found this to be a great tool and a great guide to start dreaming bigger and for God's Greater. An added touch is the "RT" that is provided in the table of contents. I found that to be a nice added touch. Overall, this book is a really good, moving book that will want you to want God's greater in your life.

One Big Thing Discovering What You Were Born to Do By Phil Cooke

Stop being average at so many things, and become extraordinary at One Big Thing.

What were you born to accomplish with your life? One Big Thing will help you discover what you were born to do and allow it to revolutionize your business, your ministry, and your life. In today’s distracted, digital culture, it’s harder than ever to identify your calling, get your voice heard, and achieve your dreams. To stand out and communicate your ideas and message, you need to cut through the clutter and get noticed. Making that happen means focusing on the one thing that drives you, inspires your passion, and separates you from the pack. If you’ve ever felt pulled in different directions or wondered what to do with your varied talents and interests, Phil Cooke will teach you the secrets of living a life-on-purpose that rises above the noise and leaves a lasting mark on the world.

Cooke believes we where meant to do one big thing. This book will help guide you to find that big one thing and what He wants you do with it. In an easy read format and being jam packed with quotes, this book is a beautifully written and designed book that deserves a place on everyone's book shelf. 

4/5

Everything

“I don’t write this book as a condemnation or as a sermon. The last thing I want to do is provide a ‘how to be the best Christian in ten easy steps’ guide. I pen these words as a fellow struggler who is learning that what we think about God matters, how we allow Him to reign in our hearts matters, and how we obey Him in the moment matters. It all matters. Everything. Author and speaker Mary DeMuth has been abused, foreclosed, abandoned, and betrayed. She has been pressed and drained till it was too much . . . But it was just enough to bring her to a place of surrender, piece by precious piece. In that surrender, she found the freedom of giving everything to God. And through Scripture, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit, she gives it all over again, every day. In this gentle and challenging book, DeMuth describes the process and the nuances that shape us to be more like Christ. Her words are clear, vulnerable, and thought provoking, and every chapter is infused with Scripture. Most of all, DeMuth provides personal and practical evidence that there is no greater pursuit than Christ. We must surrender everything, but it does not compare to the Everything He is, the Everything He gives.

This book was so-so, not the kind of book I really enjoy but I still enjoyed reading parts of it. So all in all it’s okay.

I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my opinion. I received this book for review through Thomas Nelson publishers.

Radio Theatre: Les Misrables

The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a celebrated French novelist, poet, playwright, dramatist, essayist and statesman whose work ushered in the Romantic literary movement in France, one of the most influential movements in French and all European literary history. Like many of his time, Hugo promoted the virtues of liberty, individualism, spirit and nature in rebellion of the conservative political and religious establishments of Imperial France, and eventually became known as one of the most gifted and influential writers of his time. In 1862 he released the novel that would come to be known as his masterpiece: "Les Miserables". The Romantic novel paints a picture of nineteen century Paris, in all its gritty detail, at a time of revolution. Themes of moral redemption, politics, justice and human rights are vividly expressed as Hugo follows the lives of four unforgettable characters through the sordid streets of Paris.

Les Miserables is one of my favorite books and after listening to this Radio theatre production, I love it even more. I have always loved radio theatre and the way that it makes the characters come alive and give you the background to help you get a good visual picture in your mind. I would recommend this to everyone.

I was not made to write a good review, only to voice my opinion; I received these cd’s from Tyndale house publishers for review.

All things new

New Historical Novel from 7-Time Christy Award Winner! In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well. Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her. With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.

This is an amazing book written from a view that isn’t commonly talked about, how the south was transformed after the civil war that destroyed their way of life. This book is a long one, around 415 pages. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my opinion on the book; I received this book for review through Bethany House Publishers.

At her Majesty's Request

Frantic shouts and cries awaken a young girl. Her West African village is being attacked. She is dragged out of her home and watches in horror as her parents are murdered before her eyes. The attacking warriors examine her and notice the markings on her face. They are the markings of a princess.

The girl is captured and held for a ritual in which she will be killed. Then, in 1850, on the very day set for her death, a British naval officer rescues her. She is christened Sarah Forbes Bonetta and taken to England. There she is presented to Queen Victoria, who decided to provide for the upbringing of this young, orphaned princess.
Walter Dean Myers discovered a body of letters concerning Sarah, and some actually written by her, in a rare book and ephemera shop in London. What he saw there fascinated him, and he set out to unearth the details of her unique and engaging life. He found an extraordinary story — of royalty, of race, of class, of belonging, and of identity. Now, after years of meticulous research, Myers unveils this arresting portrait of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, African princess.

I was thinking this book was going to be a work of fiction, yet its more like a "fact" book it's a book that just spells out the things they know about Sarah's life, through letters and diary's and even books. I still surprisingly enjoyed it, i normally don't enjoy books like that but did this one, the history behind Sarah and her life is very interesting and surprising at times. I would recommend this book to a young history lover, it's a rather short only around 150 pages long with rather large print it won't take long to read through. All in all a good read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

What happened to Ivy

David’s younger sister Ivy, born with multiple disabilities, needs constant attention. She may be eleven years old, but in many ways she’s still a baby. She embarrasses him in public. She takes all of their parents’ focus, to the point where David wonders if they see him as anything more than a helper for Ivy. But despite it all, he loves her.

The summer days are following their usual pattern of taking care of his sister, doing chores, and trips to the cottage. The one exception is Hannah, the new girl across the street. Hannah makes David feel anything but routine. He wants to be around her all the time. And, amazingly, she seems to be into him as well.

Everything changes when Ivy has an accident while being looked after by her dad. As David wrestles with what happened to Ivy, he is forced to confront his own feelings of guilt, the meaning of mercy, and what can be forgiven.

I must say this book was nothing like i expected it to be, it seemed like it would be more about the greaf they felt and experenced after the tragic death Ivy. Yet it had to do with how much they felt guilty for anything they ever did or didn't to too Ivy or with Ivy while she was still living. I think that the reason behind her death is not right, and thats the main reason i disliked the book as much as i did, it also had a bad ending in my opionion. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.

Oliver Twist: A Radio Theatre production

An audio drama of the highest quality, Oliver Twist was recorded on location in London with an award-winning cast. This classic story will steal your heart as the timeless characters are brought to life in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s edition of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale. This amazing audio production comes on five CDs, with a bonus DVD that includes behind-the-scenes production footage and the documentary Modern Day Oliver. Purchase of the product also benefits Focus’s “Wait No More” adoption initiative. With cinema-quality sound and an original soundtrack, this audio drama tells the story of a young orphan sent from a child farm to begin life in a workhouse. After committing the unpardonable offense of asking for more food, Oliver is sent off to apprentice with a coffin-maker whose wife mistreats him. He runs away to London, where he meets the Artful Dodger and Fagin, who trains kids to be pickpockets. Despite his many trials and hardships, he finally gets his happy ending, bringing hope for redemption to all around him.

I love Radio Theatre productions, I have purchased and listen to several in the past and had high hopes set on this title, I was not disappointed! It was everything I love about Radio Theatre, it’s the same as reading the book, nothing has been changed or abridged, the music and voice acting in amazing. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. I received this title through Tydale House Publishers for review. I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my honest thoughts about the title. Show More

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A Wreath of Snow

All Margaret Campbell wants for Christmas is a safe journey home. When her plans for a festive holiday with her family in Stirling crumble beneath the weight of her brother’s bitterness, the young schoolteacher wants nothing more than to return to the students she loves and the town house she calls home. Then an unexpected detour places her in the path of Gordon Shaw, a handsome newspaperman from Glasgow, who struggles under a burden of remorse and shame. When the secret of their shared history is revealed, will it leave them tangled in a knot of regret? Or might their past hold the threads that will bind their future together? As warm as a woolen scarf on a cold winter’s eve, A Wreath of Snow is a tender story of love and forgiveness, wrapped in a celebration of all things Scottish, all things Victorian, and, especially, all things Christmas.

I normally don’t read many books set in Christmas time yet this one caught my attention from the start, Liz Curtis Higgs is an amazing author I hope to read more from in the future. I would recommend this title to those who are looking for a short, yet wonderfully written Christian Christmas story with an historical setting. This book was written by Liz Curtis Higgs, published by WaterBrook Press. I received this book for review through blogging for books, I was not made to write a good review, only to publish my honest thoughts on the work.

Would you...read me to sleep

Would you… read me to sleep? Is a work of fiction for children, which promote Christian principles in a fictional form.  Leia and her father enjoy spending time with one another more than anything. They love taking long afternoon walks together. On these walks Leia enjoys many fun filled activities, treasure hunting being one of her favorites. Leia's favorite time of all, however, is at the end of the day when her father treats her to story-time. Then one night, Leia's father tells her the story of a wonderful and mysterious golden treasure. Will Leia solve the mystery and unlock the riches of this incredible treasure? Come along as a father and daughter spend a lifetime investing in one of the most beloved pastimes of childhood- story-time, and along the way, discover with them the awesome wonder of the greatest treasure of all.

I enjoyed having the chance to read and review this book, it really promotes the Christian principles that I stand for. The story was easy to follow along too, more for older children as it is a little to long for younger audiences. The book was beautifully illustrated by Alyson Harris. This book was written by George E. Edenfield, published by Golden Garden Publishing, Inc. I received this book for review through Bookcrash, I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my honest thoughts about the work.

The Bridesmaid

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amish woman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare. 

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amish man who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

This book ended differently than I thought I was going to but it was still another amazing book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. I have never disliked a Beverly Lewis book, she is one of my favorite authors and I have never disagreed with how she has ended a book like I have with others. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction. I received this book for review by Bethany House Publishers; I was not made to write a positive review, the opinion expressed is my own. 

Secret Keeper: The Delicate Power of Modesty

EVERY WOMAN IS BORN WITH POWER!

We live in the age of low-rise jeans, belly-button rings, and backless shirts. Many girls and young women today could not even define the word modesty, let alone tell you how to live it out. Teen girls often ask:
Why can't I wear what everyone else is wearing? My parents are hung up on their old sense of fashion. Times have changed, why can't I? Isn't is really the guy's problem if he is tempted?

In a fresh and trusted voice, Dannah Gresh has a new message for them: modesty itself is a delicate yet formidable power. In Secret Keeper, she teaches that modesty not only issues a challenge for one man to romantically earn your virtue, but it also expresses your love for and obedience to God.

Includes The"Truth or Bare" Fashion Tests and Fashion Challenges that will resonate with a teen girl.
This book is a must have for any Christian girl who wants to know the reasons for dressing modestly and what the bible has to say about it. It also encludes tips on dressing modestly but fashionable, plus haw to make the clothes you already have into a modest fashion statement. I would recommend this book to all Christian young ladies.

I received this book for review through moody publishers

The River

“The River is a story that will transform how you see yourself and the world.” —Andy Andrews, New York Times best-selling author of The Noticer, The Traveler’s Gift, and How Do You Kill 11 Million People?

“You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

I must say, the river was nothing like I thought it would be. I thought it would be a little bit more thought provoking then it really is. The ending was okay, if the author is going to continue with another book but not a good ending for a 

novel. I wouldn't really recommend this book to anyone. 

I was given this book for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

To love and cherish

A Story of Romance and Intrigue on a Beautiful Island Resort, From Two Bestselling Authors. When Melinda Colson's employer announces they'll be leaving Bridal Veil Island to return to their home in Cleveland, Melinda hopes her beau, Evan, will propose. But Evan isn't prepared to make an offer of marriage until he knows he can support a wife and family. Evan works as the assistant gamekeeper on Bridal Veil but hopes to be promoted soon. Letters strengthen their love, but Melinda remains frustrated at being apart from the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Then she learns of a devastating hurricane in Bridal Veil and knows she must give up her position as a lady's maid and make her way back to Evan. The destruction on Bridal Veil is extensive, meaning every available person is needed to help with cleanup and repairs. Melinda finds a new job on the island, but Evan seems even busier than before, meaning she still never gets to see him. Has she given her heart to the wrong man? And when Melinda overhears a vicious plot against President McKinley, who is scheduled to visit the island, is Evan the one she should turn to? Will Melinda and Evan ever get the chance to stand at the front of a church and promise "to love and cherish"?

I really enjoyed this book, even though it is the second book in the series, it doesn’t really affect the story if you haven’t read the first one yet. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction.

I received this book for review by Bethany House Publishers. 

Perfect Lies

Are your innermost thoughts robbing you of health and happiness? Jennifer Crow knows what that’s like. She always tried to do everything right—so she was shocked when her seemingly perfect life began to fall apart. Diagnosed with a dozen chronic health issues, she entered a deep depression and spiritual crisis. And as everything unraveled, Jennifer began to see how the perfect lies she’d told herself—lies like “I must prove myself because my worth depends on what I do” and “I must gain the acceptance of others because their opinion matters most”—were literally crippling her body, mind, and soul.

In Perfect Lies, Jennifer reveals nine key lies that held her back, walks us through her journey of miraculous recovery, and shares practical techniques for overcoming these same lies in our own lives and finding true freedom instead.

This book was okay, I didn’t really enjoy it. I received this book for review and didn’t know much about it, just requested it, I should have looked it up… If I needed to learn how to dispute those lies, it would be perfect. I would recommend this to anyone who struggles with their self image or self worth.

I received this book for review by Tydale publishers. 

The Reason

When facing the impossible, will you believe?

Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas Church flicker . . . and then go out. All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross—leaving it ablaze and splintered in two. When the storm ends—the search for answers begins. James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe. ”Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine—yet is challenged to “only believe.”And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening . . . to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.”The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a thunderbolt and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.

I must start out by saying I really enjoyed this book, more than I thought I would, this book is a rare gem of a book, one that makes you laugh then cry and you never, ever want to put it down. The reason is full of twist and turns throughout the story that make it almost seem like a mystery then a work of just fiction. I would recommend anyone reading this book, Christian or not it will strengthen you belief in miracles.
   I was not made to write a good review, only to voice my honest opinion, I received this book for free for review by Thomas Nelson.

To Heaven And Back

A kayak accident during a South American adventure takes one woman to heaven — where she experienced God’s peace, joy, and angels — and back to life again.

 
In 1999 in the Los Rios region of southern Chile, orthopedic surgeon, devoted wife, and loving mother Dr. Mary Neal drowned in a kayak accident. While cascading down a waterfall, her kayak became pinned at the bottom and she was immediately and completely submerged. Despite the rescue efforts of her companions, Mary was underwater for too long, and as a result, died.

To Heaven and Back is Mary’s remarkable story of her life’s spiritual journey and what happened as she moved from life to death to eternal life, and back again. Detailing her feelings and surroundings in heaven, her communication with angels, and her deep sense of sadness when she realized it wasn’t her time, Mary shares the captivating experience of her modern-day miracle.

Mary’s life has been forever changed by her newfound understanding of her purpose on earth, her awareness of God, her closer relationship with Jesus, and her personal spiritual journey suddenly enhanced by a first-hand experience in heaven.  To Heaven and Back will reacquaint you with the hope, wonder, and promise of heaven, while enriching you own faith and walk with God.

I must say I really did enjoyed reading this book, how the author didn’t try to explain things with science and logic when things didn’t even made since to her even though they happened to her. It made heaven seem more real to her some ones real account of her dying and coming back.   I was not made to write a good review, only to voice my honest opinion I received this book for free to review by Water Brook Publishing.

The Hidden Life

Emma Stolzfus has never been courted or kissed, and now she’s 30, it has become her place as the unmarried daughter to look after her elderly mother. But in the dark hours when her mother is asleep, Emma writes letters and essays to Amish periodicals, shorts stories, and even a novel she’s been working on for the last five years. When a New York literary agent, Tyler West, takes an interest in her work, Emma secretly goes to meet him. When she returns, something about her is different and the men of her Amish community take notice. But how can she settle for second best when her heart made its choice years ago- to a man she can never have? Only her friends Amelia and Carrie know the truth in her heart as they work together on their quilt. Only they understand when an old tragedy comes to light that will either hurt or heal… and reveal Emma’s hidden life.

 I must say I love reading Amish fiction, and getting the chance to learn more about the Amish, a very interesting group of people. I truly enjoyed reading this book, Adina Senft is a wonderful writer I hope to read more from in the future. I was not made to write a good review, only to voice my honest opinion, I received this book for free for review by faithwords. 

Cowgirl Trail

Cowgirl trial is the first book in the Morgan Family Series.  Maggie Porter returns to the rocking P ranch. The sanatorium was not able to save her mother and now her father’s health is failing. When the cowboys walk off the ob leaving no one to drive the cattle to market, head ranch hand Alex Bright, cannot convince the men to stay. How could Alex let this happen?  Maggie is desperate to save the ranch. To everyone’s surprise, she turns to the town’s women for help. The cowgirls must herd, rope, and drive the cattle to market. With only two days left, outlaws charge the small band in an effort to start a stampede. The cattle begin to scatter. Will they lose everything? Where will their help come from?

 Cowgirl Trail is a wonderfully written story and was a wonderful read. I really enjoyed reading the woman’s side of the cattle drives, a job the men normally did. Getting to see the way the women handled the situations that was thrown at them along the trial was a new side of the story that isn’t normally shown. I really enjoyed the characters in the Morgan family series and getting to know the Morgan family a little bit better. I was not made to write a good review, only to voice my honest opinion; I received this book for free for review by River North Publishing. 

Inescable

Inescapable is the story of a young woman’s search for herself and where she truly belongs. Lizzie Engel vowed to never return to her Mennonite hometown of Kingdom, after getting pregnant out of wedlock her father thru her out and never returned. But five years later the new life she has built for her and her daughter Charity falls apart and she has to return to the last place she wants to go, her hometown. Once arriving she believes she is safe until she starts receiving the threatening note’s all over again, she wonders if she will ever be truly safe.

I must say I really loved reading this book I had a hard time guessing what was coming next, a surprise around every corner. The author did an amazing job blending the modern world with that of the Mennonite town. She writes a great mystery store, it’s been a while since I have read a mystery that well written. I was very surprised at the ending at how it did end and when it did.

I was not made to write a positive review on this book, only to voice my honest opinion of the book in question.

Love in disguise

Love in Disguise

Love in disguise is an amazing blend of romance, humor, and mystery into one can’t- put- down novel that appeals to anyone who enjoys mysteries and or historical fiction. Ellie Moore, jobless with no work in sight, learns of an opening at the Pinkerton Detective Agency and sees it as the answer to all of her problems. She is reluctantly sent on a trail mission, to discover the people behind the stealing of the small Arizona town of Pickford’s silver shipment. Having to pretend to be two separate people and get to the bottom of the stealing has Ellie bit of more than she can handle?

This book was so hard to put down, trust me you will spend several late nights awake reading this book until you have read every word. Once I finished this book I wanted it to start all over again, but was relieved to see the mystery solved, the thieves getting the punishment they deserved for their crimes.

I received this book for review form Bethany house publishers, I was not made to write a positive review only to express my honest opinion of the book in question.

Aunt Harriet and me

Aunt Harriet and Me

 Aunt Harriet and Me, is the story of a young girl who grew up living in a boarding house and all the lessons and thing’s she experienced.  Living in the boarding house, a person could learn and experience many things that could leave a lasting impression on a person’s life. Living with so many different people and visitors at the boarding house she learned many of life’s valuable lessons, like how to show love and respect to those around her and how she should be treated by those around her. Though set in the “olden day’s” the story shows a glimpse of how the world is today and that the people are pretty much the same.

Written by Geraldine Sylvester, who as a girl grew up at a boarding house similar to the one in the story she based this book off her own life experiences as she grew up at a boarding house and learned life lessons that helped shape her world.  I received this book for review by Dorrance Publishing Co. and I was not made to write a positive review only to voice my honest opinion of the book in question. 

Through The Eyes Of Another

Through The Eyes Of Another By Karen Noe was not the book I thought it would be. I was extremely dissatisfied with this book. I got it with the impression that it was about letter writing only to find it to be about something weirder than anything I have ever read.

I do not recommend this book. In fact, I recommend not getting any books by this publisher. This publisher, Hay House, is not one that I, as a Christian would purchase books from. 0/5

Though the Bud be Bruised

Though the bud be bruised is the true story of what happened in Jo Wanmer’s (the Author) life and the life of her adopted daughter. Evil, hidden in plain view threatened to destroy the family Zara worked so hard to raise. After having her whole world crash in around her, Zara struggled to make since of what had happened and struggled with emotions she tried to comprehend and struggled with her relationship with God for letting this happen to her daughter.

 I would start out by saying that I probably never would have read this book if I knew that it would be about abuse. Not a subject as a fifteen year old I really needed to know about, the author’s description of the book was not very clear about what the book was about, that would have helped. But even with the subject matter I still enjoyed reading this book, the story of Issy, a young teen struggling after years of abuse, doing things she was told she would never do since her emotional scars ran so deep. It was uplifting to read how she helped herself break out of the grips of depression and anger. And how her family coped as she was in and out of the hospital for trying to take her own life, something she tried on several occasions to do.

 I truly enjoyed this book. I received this book for review by Book Crash/ Even Before Publishing.  

The Ministry of Christ: 1000 Days by Jonathan Falwell

The Ministry of Christ: 1000 Days by Jonathan Falwell is a book that I found unlike any other I have ever read. It brings Jesus to life in no other way possible. You feel as if you are walking side-by-side, hearing about Jesus and his life. Falwell also breaks down the stories, showing the deeper meaning, and giving an interesting perspective. His view is one I have never heard before and he simplifies it so anyone can understand why Jesus said or did something. 

Through this book, the 1000 days of Jesus’ ministry is explained in a way anyone can grasp and understand his ministry in a great easy read way. Yet, it goes deep enough that more knowledgeable people will enjoy this read as well. I am able to connect with Falwell’s stories he uses to better demonstrate a point and with Jesus’ ministry in a way I was unable to before.

In this beautiful book, the book’s design is simply beautiful. One thing I disliked was in Chapter seven, page 73, he says, “Natalie played a Valley Girl or some kind of brat.” I found “or some kind of brat” to be unnecessary and of bad taste. It really turned me off from the book. Other than that, I did enjoy the book. 3/5

I was not paid for this review. This is my opinion solely. 

Painting the future

Painting the future is the story of Jonathan Page, who was a world famous artist, before he lost his sight from a mysterious illness.  Once a successful painter and printmaker, Jonathan turns bitter towards life, until a little Mexican girl forms a friendship with him and tries to help him come out of his bitter shell. Based on the movie by the same name, Painting the future is a heartwarming novel about kindness, compassion, and love.  I disagree with several things that happened in this book the book seemed to support gay relationships, something I heavily disagree of. Also the painter in the story, seemed glad that his nephew was becoming gay, something no one shouldn’t be proud of. It also had some bad language, another thing I disapprove of.  

But overall I enjoyed the story it didn’t have a lot of action and wasn’t very captivating but had a good moral message. I wouldn’t really recommend this book to anyone I personally know, but it would be fine for someone unconcerned about bad language and or a book supporting gay marriages.

I received this book for review by the Hay house book review program, I was not made to write a positive review, only to express my opinion. 

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

If I had to summarize this book in one word it would be "life changing". Okay, that's two words, but reality is it's hard to summarize "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris. It has a certain effect I cannot put into words no matter how hard I try. This is a must read for teenagers. If you read it and apply it to your life, I guarantee it will change your life.

"Do Hard Things" is an in depth look at "The Rebelution", a teenage rebellion against low expectations. The society has low expectations for teenagers and in turn, teenagers have low expectations for themselves. Low expectations has such a hand affect on teenagers and as a teenager myself, I can testify to the harsh label that the society has stuck on teenagers. Yet Alex and Brett plan to change everyone's view on teenagers.

In an easy-to-read format with titles and subtitles, this book is jam packed with true stories of other teenagers rebelling against low expectations along with Bible verses and truth. A whole plan is wrote in this book for you to join the Rebelution in your own way. This book is simply amazing in many different ways. It is a must read for teenagers and adults alike.

With a beautiful outside cover, this book is the real deal. A real life changing. 5/5

This is my own opinion and I was not paid for this review.

Finding our way home

Finding Our Way Home is the newest book by Charlene Ann Baumbich, the third book in the Snow globe Connection Series. Even though the book is in a series it can be read and it makes sense without having to read all the other books before it. In Finding Our Way Home is the story of Sasha Davis, who was suffering from a career-ending injury at the age of thirty- eight, shut everyone she loved out of her life. Sasha moves back to her childhood home and hires a live-in aid. Evelyn an opposite of her employer in almost every way might be the only person able to heal her anger and depression.

  I thought I would enjoy the book a little bit more than I did, but it was still pretty good.  I liked the plot of the story and the characters where very loveable but I really couldn’t get “into” the story as much as I normally could.  I would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys contemporary and or Christian fiction. I believe that most adults and or young adults would enjoy the human depth that the author put into the story. I was not made to write a good review only to express my personal opinion.   

The Fiddler

The Fiddler, the first book in the new series by Beverly Lewis’s, Home to Hickory Hollow. By looking at the cover, I would have thought that the book was historical fiction, yet as I started reading it, I found out that it wasn’t. Yet it was still really good, I have always enjoyed reading Beverly’s books, especially her Amish fiction.  And this one was just as good as all her others. The fiddler is the story of Amelia and Michael, Amelia a famous musician takes a wrong turn in a rain storm and ends up meeting the young Amish man on the fence on where he belongs, Michael and the quickly form a friendship. What seems to be a chance encounter may turn into something more.

 I really enjoyed this book, it was very well written, just like all of Beverly books that I’ve read are. I would enjoy reading the rest of the books in the series in the future. I would recommend this book/ series to any lover of Amish and or Christian fiction. I received this book by Bethany House Publishers for review, I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my thoughts.   

Skip Rock Shallows

Skip Rock Shallows is the story of Lilly Gray Corbett, a young spirited doctor who against her better judgment goes to the coal camp in Skip Rock, Kentucky. Lilly’s fiancé, Paul living in Boston, wonders why on earth she would want to work in a back water town like Skip Rock, even if only for a short amount of time. But as she works in Skip Rock she starts to fall in love with the people and the town, and she must decide to follow her heart or follow her mind. Yet when her fiancé finds out she wants to stay he tries to talk her out of it.   

 The end of the book comes as a surprise when the tables turn and unexpected things happen. I really enjoyed reading this book, with some surprising twist and turns. It is a great work of historical fiction I have never read anything by this author before but enjoyed this book. I may read more by this author in the near future. I would recommend this novel to any lover of historical fiction and or Christian fiction. I received this book for review by Tyndale House Publishers. I was not made to write a good review, only to express my opinion.  

God's Love Letters to You

God's Love Letters to You is a 40-day devotional experience written by Dr. Larry Crabb. This is basically a devotional full of letters from your loving Savior to you. This is the ultimate loving experience that you can encounter. This book expresses what God has to tell you and His plan for you.

The book itself is beautiful and I love the cover, format, and the text. With the stamp and address stamp, this book has personality and is a beautiful addition to any book collection. This is what originally drew me to the book. The lovely format and the message of the book.

The inside of the book is just as beautiful. I really enjoyed the devotions as they are short and sweet. They include a short letter, points to reflect, and a moment to pray section. Perfect for those who have a busy schedule as I do. These devotionals have meaning and will change how you view your loving God. Starting with "God says:" you really feel like God is speaking to you through Dr. Crabb. 4/5

I was not paid to express my opinion. This is my own opinion.

Where Lilacs Still Bloom

Where Lilacs Still Bloom is the fictionalized story of Hulda Klager a self taught botanist, her greatest love was lilacs. Trying to make a special lilac, one with twelve white petals was a passion for her, something that kept her awake at night thinking on how she can do it.  She made over one hundred different variety of lilacs, a huge accomplishment for someone with only an eighth grade education.  Even though she had many trials in her life, she still stayed strong in her faith and took most things with stride, even when floods threatened to destroy her plants and home. She tried to accomplish many different varieties of plants, mostly lilacs but some other flowers and also apples.  Her accomplishments were large many people came and visited her gardens every summer.  She gave out starts of her lilacs to those who wanted them her lilacs were spread out throughout the country.  She was a great person with a strong faith and had many, many accomplishments.

 I very much enjoyed this book it was very well researched and very well written. I would recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction. I was not made to write a positive review, just to express my opinion.

Love does

Love does is the true story of one crazy man: Bob Goff. In his book he shares his story and some of the crazy yet humorous things he did as he grew up and when he was an adult. It is an enlightening book that will make you think and make you laugh till you cry. It is a very fun book to read with different story’s every chapter and a little conversational writing mixed in. While reading Love Does I sometimes found the story’s almost hard to believe, sometimes I thought, why on earth would anyone do that? Other times I thought, this guy must be completely crazy! But whatever happened to Bob, he would take on life with a smile plastered on his face if he needed to.

   This book is a great encouraging book that I would recommend for anyone who needs some encouragement in their life. Adults and teens would enjoy this book, being a teen myself I really enjoyed all the wisdom and the story’s he shared throughout his book. All proceeds of this book are being donated to the Restore International’s Leadership Academy in Gulu, Uganda and also the Mentoring Project.       

            I was not made to write a good review, only to voice my opinion.

The Mercy

The Mercy is the third and final book in the rose trilogy. The mercy is the long awaited conclusion to the rose trilogy, Rose and her sister search for new beginnings. Hen cares for her injured husband not knowing what the future may hold for them. Rose welcomes a second chance at love when she would least expected. What will the future hold for these two sisters? Is peace in their future even possible for the two sisters? This is the perfect ending you would look for in this series in my eyes.

I really enjoyed reading this book and the whole series. It is a great group of books, just what you would expect from the New York Times bestselling author Beverly Lewis. After reading her seasons of grace series, I had high hopes for this series and they were met with this last book. This book was the perfect ending to this series in my mind, even though some may argue with that. I would recommend this book to any lover of Amish fiction and or Christian fiction. I really enjoyed this book and would read them again sometime.

I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my own opinion.   

Peril in the palace

Peril in the palace is the third book in the imagination station series by Tyndale publishers and focus on the family.  The book, peril in the palace is the continuing story of two children given the task to travel thru the past and help save the life of a mysterious man of the past. Their job, go and collect different artifacts thru out time and deliver them to the king, to save the life of an innocent man. The two children face many hardships on the way and many things get in their way but they always pull thru in the end. As they travel thru history they learn all about different parts and people in history along the way.

I really enjoyed this book and the others in the series I have also read. They are geared to younger children I still enjoyed reading them and learning more about different parts of history. While getting to travel thru time with the two children and get to feel like you are really there with them. And also getting to experience what they do as they learn more about the history of the world. I would recommend this series of books to younger Christian children. 

I was not made to write a positive review, only my own opinion. 

The harvest of Grace

The harvest of grace is the third book in the Ad’s house series. The harvest of grace is a touching story about Sylvia, a young Amish woman reeling from an unexpected betrayal finds work far from her family. While there she meets young Aaron Blank, fresh out of rehab for a drinking addiction comes home and tries to convince his parents to sell their farm. But two things stand in his way, his stubborn father and Sylvia the stubborn farmhand his parents love like a daughter. He works to convince his parents and Sylvia that he real has changed for the better. 

This book by Cindy Woodsmall was a book I found hard to put down for long. And never could leave it down for long. I have always enjoyed reading Amish fiction and loved this one for many reasons. As I read I fell in love with all the characters and their lives. This book I would recommend to any lover of Amish fiction and or Christian fiction. I really enjoyed this title and want to read the whole series sometime soon and catch up the rest of what’s going on in the series.

I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my opinion

The band that played on

By: Steve Turner

The band that played on is an in-depth look into the lives of the eight members of the band on the Titanic. They played until their final breath, helping keeping those left on the titanic calm in the face of death.  The book focuses on the band, but also talks about the sinking, and about the families that the band left behind. The book was well thought out and very well researched I saw that throughout the book as I read. It is on topic and doesn’t shift to other things it stays with the bands story.

I really enjoyed this book and all that was said about the band was very interesting and educational. Being homeschooled, it was a great thing to read for history and I learned a lot I never knew about the sinking. It was a great book to read and would recommend into any history lover or anyone interested in learning more about the titanic and the people on board. But it is more of a “fact” book then a memoir to the band. I would give this a 6 out of 10.

I was not made to write a positive review, only to voice my opinion.