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.