My Book Reviews

The Bridge of Peace

2011-04-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall is an interesting book. Lena is a passionate young women that doesn’t realize all she has to offer. Grey Graber is a man with a hole in his heart and no clue how to fill it again. This story follows these two characters as they realize who they really are and all they have to offer. The loneliness and pain each of the main characters deal with will move you to tears. Their triumphs will have you rejoicing with them. This book depicts the Amish as people who play and have fun. They are not depicted as only stern and solemn. There is a bit of Lena in every girl. She has the desire to do good but is often faced with less than optimal circumstances. Either choice could go wrong and have harsh consequences. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great book. There are a couple of draw backs. The main part of the story is about Grey and Abigail. Other characters are introduced and quite a bit of time is spent with them. They are not essential to the story of Lena and Grey and are distractions to the main plot. I didn’t find them a help to the plot. A short introduction would have sufficed and saved some information for a book about them further in the series. This distraction was a mild annoyance but not enough to take the pleasure from reading the story of Lena and Grey. The immediate characters surrounding them added greatly to the story and helped bring out each character’s strengths and weaknesses. I very much enjoyed The Bridge of Peace and will read more from Cindy Woodsmall.

(Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books, a blogger review program. The opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in concordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

A Cowboy's Touch

2011-04-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

A Cowboy’s Touch by Denise Hunter is a cute little romance. This is a perfect choice for an entertaining read. If you want an intricate plot line and events that are true to life this is not the novel for you. However if you want to read a fun little Christian romance this will delight you. This author avoids a pitfall I often notice in Christian romance. Wade Ryan is fully masculine with masculine reactions. This is a huge positive for me as I often see the male figure portrayed slightly less masculine or with less than believable reactions. Wade Ryan is a solid man trying to do what is right for his daughter. Abigail is a lovable character that makes her share of mistakes along the way to the resolution of the plot. It being a cowboy romance intrigued me. I must admit I am a sucker for cowboy stories. I generally find any character portrayed as a reporter distasteful, however Abigail contains so many charming characteristics it is almost impossible not to like her. I enjoyed reading A Cowboy’s Touch and would recommend it to any of my romance loving friends. I would definitely look forward to reading another installment of the Wade and Abigail story if the opportunity were present. As mentioned before this is not a novel with an intricate plot line. It is refreshing to have all the elements fall into place at the right moment. The discussion of God, forgiveness, and redemption adds a wonderful element and some depth to this novel.

(Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Booksneeze, a blogger review program. The opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in concordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Inactivity

2011-04-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

Once again my blog has been sorely neglected. I am back at it. I will be posting three book reviews tonight and hopefully ordering at least one new book in to get started reading so I can review it. Life has been very busy trying to get my husband graduated from college. I have missed checking my stats and seeing how many people have looked at my blog lately. I have missed reading and writing the reviews even more. I am excited to be back at it and hopefully will not be taking another hiatus any time soon.

Max on Life

2011-04-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Max on Life by Max Lucado. This book is a great resource for anyone with questions about God or Christian living. This book is also a great resource for people who know people who will have questions. Not every opinion expressed is one I agree with but the author gives clear and easy to understand answers to questions that many are faced with in daily life. There is a note of humor in many places as well as very straight forward statements that will make you think. There is no topic untouched. The most striking thing I found while reading was the examples of the Word used to answer these questions. You can go straight to the Word and decide for yourself how you feel because the author cites the verses that helped him come to his conclusions. Not every answer will be appreciated by every doctrine, but everyone can find something they appreciate. Even more than that reading this book challenges the believer to think about why we believe what we believe and to begin to be able to put those beliefs into words. I would definitely recommend Max on Life as a great book to have in your collection.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

2011-02-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones is a cute little romance with a lesson in trusting the Lord attached. Lucy runs a nonprofit home for young women aging out of the foster system. When funding is cut, Lucy becomes desperate to save this home that gives so much hope. Lucy is reminded that God created us, and the little voice saying, “You are not good enough” is a lie.

Alex is a young man with everything. At least this is what the world can see. We quickly learn that all is not as it seems for him, however. As the story progresses we see how God can take even the most unlikely of circumstances and turn them for the good of those who love Him, just as He has promised us in His word. The two characters are brought together in whirlwind that will make you laugh, cry, and shake your head.

This is a fun, refreshing romance. The people seem real, just as flawed as any reader may be. But there is a true love for God in the majority of them and a discovery of God’s love by one that shows God really can work in the small quiet ways that we so often forget. This is a perfect choice for some light reading that will keep you engaged and not bogged down. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, light, and fast read to pass the time. God’s love is evident throughout, as is the humor that can only be depicted by our insistence that we must help God figure it out when circumstances get rough. I will be looking for other books from Jenny B. Jones in the future.

The Miracle of Mercy Land

2011-02-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan is a novel centered around a girl raised in an extremely small town society. She relocates and begins a job that she loves with the news paper. I really can’t give much more of a description of the book without discussing things that are better left discovered by the reader. (Believe me, I wish I could. I do not want to rob anyone the joy of discovery if they should choose this novel, however.) I can say that I was somewhat disappointed in the book as a whole and in the resolution of the mystery.

The book begins with a fast paced introduction to the characters and a mysterious “book”. From there the tale winds in circles colored with relationships and past memories. However, when the time for the resolution comes, rather than go out with a bang, it fizzles. Not much is actually explained. This aside, the book does contain a good moral story as well as a few glimpses into what trusting in God and resisting temptation can do to change a life. Mercy is also depicted as someone who is very honest but without a mean bone in her body. I did find that very refreshing. By far, the better side of humanity is depicted in the relationships in this book.

I can recommend this book to someone who is alright with ambiguities in the end or someone who is looking for a light read with a spunky lead female role. I cannot recommend it for someone who wants a strong resolution to the mystery or for someone who would like for the ending to be as exciting as the beginning.

I have fallen behind.

2011-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

I have fallen terribly behind in my book reviews. There will be more coming shortly. I am working on one from the site Blogging for Books now, and shortly following will be one from Booksneeze. Then maybe a couple just from what I have read because I wanted too.

Just a Thought

2011-01-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

This blog post has nothing to do with a book. I am making it in response to an article I read. Every one is blaming the other "side" when it comes to the event in Arizona. We all have opinions that we indiscriminately throw out on websites. These websites allow us to remain anonymous and attack each other with a vengeance. We make statements that we cannot substantiate, we show our ignorance by spewing ugly generalizations with out a true understanding of what the other "side" is saying. We let comments deteriorate into name calling and blaming. My answer is the same as all our mothers have tried to teach us while growing up. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Let your opinion be known, state it and state it with a pride in who you are. Don't attack others, don't belittle someone because their opinion is different. If you spend five minutes listening to someone else you might learn we are not as different as you might think. Both "sides" want a safer USA, one that can withstand the attack of an enemy. But we are becoming our own enemy with our attitudes and refusal to see the USA for what it really is and stands for. Most of the hate filled arguing is being done by people who do not vote. No voting means no right to complain and belittle others. When you refuse to do your part don't criticize those who are doing their best.
What happened in Arizona is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been touched by this. Let's stop blaming the right wing, left wing, and the sheriff. Pull together and do what America was created to do. Stand tall, support those injured in the tragedy and find a way to prevent it from happening again. And no, taking away every one's gun is not that answer. The mentally disturbed man who committed this crime wouldn't have cared if his gun was legal or not. Do some research on the state of mental health care in America. Talk with your friends about workable solutions that don't include taking our rights and freedom away. Pray for others and try to find a way to help. The name calling, belittling, and spewing of ignorance hasn't helped one person yet, it is not going to magically start making a difference. Kindness, love, and if necessary, agreeing to disagree on political views will make a difference. Vote, call, and write your congressman. Educate your children in ways to get along even when view points differ and lead them by example.
And remember, while we tear each other apart there is a widow grieving her husband who died protecting her, a mother grieving her nine year old daughter, a man grieving his wife of 55 years. Most of us will never know this kind of pain and loss. Most of us will never have to make a split second decision to die so that our spouse might survive. These are just a very few of the stories of those hurt on that horrible day. Stop bickering, stop speaking with such arrogance about to which party you belong. No one cares what political party that husband, wife, or daughter belonged to. Say a prayer, register to vote, or just go hug your spouse or children. Our hatred and anger only leads to more pain and I think we have seen enough of what that can do. Again, my prayers go out to all those touched by this tragedy.

Review of Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Kim P. Davis

2011-01-05T20:25:00.001-08:00

Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Kim P. Davis is the second in a series created by Beth Moore. This is a daily devotional book with prayers for the day at the end of each devotion. Each day also features a Bible verse taken from multiple versions of the Bible. It is quite an attractive book and feels sturdy enough to be read each day throughout the year. Each month has a different theme.

I did not find this devotional as enjoyable as I had hoped. For readers with my penchant for needing more information this is not the devotional for you. There are 366 entries each from a different missionary. Each entry is very brief with only one bible verse at the top of the page. The set up for this devotional makes it difficult to become invested and provides minimal exposure to God’s word. I feel that for inspiration this is a great resource but would not use it as a daily devotional.

A devotion that particularly spoke to me was May 2, God Chooses the Nobodies. This reminded me that God is only looking for a willing heart, not always the professional or best. Voices of the Faithful contains so many instances of willing hearts that even if it is not a devotional of your personal style, there are messages to make you think and pray, leading you to a closer walk with our Father.

Disclaimer: ( I received this book free from the publisher via Booksneeze, a blogger review program. The opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in concordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

New Book

2011-01-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

My new book, "Voices of the Faithful" Book 2 has arrived. A review is soon to come!!

Start! A Bible for New Believers

2010-12-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

Start! A Bible for New Believers. NKJV

General Editor: Greg Laurie

Start! Is a daily reading Bible marketed to new believers. I feel this Bible is an asset not only to new believers but to anyone who feels their daily reading experience is a little stale. There is even a section for the reader to write notes provided in the back.

This Bible opens with a plan of salvation and then moves on to steps for spiritual success. Throughout the Bible there are little sections entitled GROW, LEARN, KNOW, LIVE, and LEARN. These are filled with good information. Each book is prefaced by an introduction. This introduction is interesting and sets the stage for the contents of the book.

This Bible has a lot to offer someone wanting to grow and learn in the faith. It has a couple of points for concern, however. The first concern I would like to mention is the font size. It is a little bit on the small side for a bible made for daily reading. The second thing I would like to mention is durability. The bible comes in an eye catching red cover with a very contemporary theme. However the paperback version of this Bible would not hold up to continued frequent use. As it is meant to be a bible for daily reading I feel this is a large draw back. The reader will have to purchase a cover to extend the life of the Bible.

These things aside, I feel this Bible will get a lot of use in my home and would recommend it for any home in which there is a desire to learn more about God. The features inside keep bible reading fresh and new. The NKJV it is printed in makes it a reader friendly version as well. I enjoyed the opportunity to review this Bible.

(Disclaimer: This Bible was presented to me for free by Thomas Nelson Booksneeze, a book review blogger program. The opinions expressed are solely my own.)

I mean it this time

2010-12-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

Ok. I said I was going to start a blog. Then I put one post and haven't gone any farther. The first book I got for review was a bible, so that was a big thing to spend time trying to review and get a feeling for. Also I had the holidays and some crazy time consuming things coming up at work. My goal is to get the Bible review posted by tomorrow night. Then it is on to the next book. This will hopefully flow more quickly and have more content soon. I hope every one had a wonderful Holiday season and that they spent time remembering why we truly celebrate during this time. I also wish everyone a wonderful New Year's Eve. Please have fun and be safe!! Now, on to this review......

New Blog

2010-11-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. I have violently opposed every attempt made by my husband to get me to create a blog. Until now, that is. With his very patient help I have created a blog for one reason. I am an avid reader. I read quickly and often. I also enjoy quite the variety of genres, styles, and authors. I generally have thoughts about those books that I feel are important. However, I don't always have a venue to express those thoughts as I don't have any friends with quite the eclectic taste I enjoy. This has led me to create a blog. I am sure now that I have begun to blog, it will be a slippery slope into blogging more than just my reading experiences. This is a thought that probably makes my husband laugh out loud as I have protested not only blogging myself but his blogs as well from time to time. I guess only time will tell exactly where this will go. I look forward to the many posts to come.

H.Welkley