Book Review - "Story"

Steven James, author of the Patrick Bowers series, has written a book that takes the reader on a journey throughout the entire Bible from Eden to eternity.  "Story: Our Journey of Heartache and Grace from Eden to Evermore," is a book to really take your time reading and working through as there is so much on each page and so much to be gained even if you are familiar with the Bible and the stories included in it. 
"Story" includes some of the more common well-known Bible stories; however there are chapters devoted to lesser known details contained throughout the story and there is so much included in each of the chapters.  James really pulls the reader into the story with the poetic style of writing, the details and the emotion that is included. I feel like I learned a lot from reading this and I often stopped and went back and reread a paragraph as it was a lot to take in in just one reading or I would be interrupted and have to/want to go back.  I think this book would be a great one to use with a small group as it would lead to great discussions.  I recommend this book for anyone wanting to gain a new perspective or learn something new or just want to spend more time in God's Word. 

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "Almost Amish"

"Almost Amish" is the first novel I have read by Kathryn Cushman and this will not be my last!  I loved this book!  Julie has a good life, but she feels as if she is not really accomplishing anything and she feels like she cannot take life as it is anymore.  Susan is desperate to prove that she can be successful and make it on her own with her daughter since her husband chose to have another life.  This includes being a part of a reality television series as this is the thing that is needed to launch her cookbook.  Susan, Julie and their children leave their comfortable, busy and stress filled lives in California for a summer in Tennessee living "almost Amish;" is this life really  more simple? 

I loved the whole idea of this story - modern, busy families, normal families taking a break from real life to prove a point, but really they each end up learning about themselves and others.  The characters are so real and well-developed in this book as well.  The relationships between the mothers and their children, especially Susan and Angie is very real as well and the characters and emotions are really brought to live.  Gary is a lovable character and I enjoyed reading about him and the role that he plays throughout the story.  This is a quick read that pulls you right into the story; however it is also thought-provoking and even now after finishing the book, I'm still thinking about it and my own life. 

 

*I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a honest review.*

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Book Review - "The First Gardener"

"The First Gardener," written by Denise Hildreth Jones is one of the most emotional, heart-wrenching novels I have read, but it is also one you do not want to miss out on!

Gary and Mackenzie are the first family of Tennesee and are preparing for their only child to begin school and then tradegy strikes and it is more than Mackenzie can handle.  Seeking strength from God and others around her is the only way that she is going to make it through this time.  However, help comes from unexpected people in her midst.  Jeremiah is the gardener and has been at the Govenor's mansion for a long time, yet he is drawn to this family during their time of personal need and he has more gifts than just tending the mansion gardens.

This is such a well-written book and one that will have you completely engrossed in the story and the characters' lives.  The characters are well-developed and come alive on the pages. I found myself crying with Mackenzie and laughing along side Eugenia and wishing I had a gardener to work along beside like Jeremiah not only for his landscaping expertise, but his wisdom for the heart as well.  This is a very emotional read and one that will not soon be forgotten.

Book Review - "Desperate for Hope"

Bruce W. Martin has written a book that is sure to uplift and help anyone who is going through a difficult time as many are on a daily basis.  "Desperate for Hope: Hanging on and Finding god during Life's Hardest Times" takes the reader on a four part journey to work through and move on in life after a difficult time. 

Life can change in a split second and be forever changed, whether is be from an accident, a decision to divorce a spouse, a diagnosis given by a doctor or a job that is lost.  Whatever it may be, life will never be exactly the same and many will question why did this happen and how will I ever get through this.  Martin is here to not sugar-coat things, but to help the reader work through a difficult time and really seek and rely on God during these times.  Split into four main sections, this book is written in a style that is easy to read as it is divided into well-defined chapters and also it as if Martin is speaking with you, not at you.  There are reflection/your story questions that are included throughout as well really making this book one that is geared for the reader. 

This book is an excellent resource to go to in a time of need and encouragement.  it is easy to read and yet it is thought-provoking.  Different Biblical promises, examples and stories are included throughout the book as well as the author's personal experiences.  Also, I think that the author does a great job at explaining different verses and passages in everyday language that is easily read and understood.  I see this book being a great resource for many needing encouragement. 

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "Dying to Read"

"Dying to Read" is book 1 in Lorena McCourtney's The Cate Kinkaid files series and this is a book that you do not want to miss!  This book is the first that I have read by this author and I am going to check out her other series as well!

Cate needs a job, so she takes the one that is available, working for her PI uncle.  Cate has no experience and she is promised that her assignment is simple.  However, what turns out to just be a routine address verification turns into an investigation of a mysterious deaths with several possible suspects, a missing young woman, and a man who claims to be an uncle, but is really a former boyfriend and a look-alike whom Cate wants to trust, but is confused by the stories she tells.  When Cate's uncle is in the hospital, Cate finds herself trying to solve this mystery and yet she finds herself in some crazy situations and also in possession of a cat whom has an uncanny ability.  To add more on Cate's plate, she must decide whether to meet up with her ex-fiance and also how must to trust a new man in her life. 

This is a great book! It is a mystery that will keep the reader guessing, but it is funny as well and I just loved the characters!  McCourtney brings the characters and the settings alive with her details and descriptions.  I loved the book club ladies and Cate's experiences with them; I was able to get a really get I am looking forward to book 2 coming out in this series and spending more time with Cate and Mitch! 

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book Review - "52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life"

Bob Welch has complied 52 lessons from the famous movie that is watched and loved by many families each Christmas in his book, "52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life."  This is a must-have for anyone whom enjoys this movie and for anyone needing a reminder that each person is special and is of used of God.

Book Description from the publisher:

Do you pay a visit to Bedford Falls every Christmas? Does December feel incomplete without a reminder that “no man is a failure who has friends”? If George and Mary Bailey are annual guests at your home during the holidays, you already know that It’s A Wonderful Life is far more than just a festive seasonal film. It’s a reflection of what we can be when we’re at our best and a reminder that our lives can change everyone around us—for better or worse. Revisit the defining lessons in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, and discover new dimensions of the film you’ve seen time and again. What can you learn from Mary’s quiet contentedness? Does George’s selflessness make you rethink your own priorities? And how about Clarence’s dogged commitment to his assignment? Join author Bob Welch for a close-up of the characters and themes that shape this beautiful story. You’ll be reminded that life’s most important work is often the work we never planned to do and that God can use the most unlikely among us to get the job done.

My Review:

I love Christmas and everything related to Christmas; therefore I was so excited to get a chance to review this book!  This is such a great collection of "lessons" and reminders not just for during the Christmas season, but for every day of the year!  This is a perfect gift for fans of the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life."  After reading this book, you will have a smile on your face and you will feel ready to tackle life's challenges and have a more positive outlook about everything and you will want to watch this Christmas classic! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Book Review - "The Haven"

Win a Kindle Fire or Nook Color from @SuzanneWFisher in "The Haven" Giveaway! RSVP for Live Video Chat on 8/30! Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by entering her 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and RSVPing for the Live Video Chat on 8/30! 

See what folks are saying about The Haven!

Four grand prize winners will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
• $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook AND then be Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!

So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

My review:

Suzanne Woods Fisher's second book in her Stoney Ridge Seasons, "The Haven," is one that you do not want to miss out on!  I loved this book and returning to the Lapp family!  Sadie has returned home from spending time with her sister Julia; however Sadie brings home a baby and thanks to MK, rumors are flying around about Sadie and the baby.  Gideon even believes this rumors much to Sadie's dismay; however this may be just the thing that Sadie needed as it makes her question if he is the one for her.  Sadie is staying busy with caring for the baby and also her remedies as her calling seems to be healing.  However, she finds herself drawn to Will, an Englisher, whom is staying on their land and watching the endangered birds and also helping around the farm. Will is like no one she has ever met.  Sadie and Will are both at points in their lives of finding themselves and being comfortable with who they are as individuals.  This is such a well-written book and has so much to it, so many issues are addressed by Fisher which I have noticed in her books and love about them.  I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out as this one leaves the reader hanging and wondering how things end up. 

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”