Maya Davis' life is complicated. Her ex-boyfriend is engaged to her roommate and best friend, she is barista at Cool Beans, and her brother and sister-in-law have just announced they are pregnant. Then there is Jack, her co-worker and friend who might be falling in love with her. Does she love him? After all they have been friends since second grade. When she thinks her life could not get more complicated, her roommate's totally obnoxious mom moves into the apartment to help plan the wedding--or does she have a more sinister agenda?
Told with humor and fun, this story will keep you wondering what will happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read more by this author. erynn's light-hearted, down to earth style will leave you wanting more. Her brand of humor is like caffeine--addictive and at the same time satisfying. You will come away from this book with a fresh and rejuvenated look at life, love, and friendships.
I will recommend this writer's works to family and friends.
This book was given to me by NavPress in exchange for an honest review.
This blog will feature book reviews for both children and adults. I am an avid reader with a vast collection of books. I can always be seen with a book in my hand or my tote bag.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Flight to Heaven by Capt. Dale Black
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Reading Flight to Heaven reinforced the fact that God is who He says He is and we serve an awesome God.
The sole survivor of a catastrophic plane would crash would be amazing on its own merit but Capt. Black's story doesn't end there--in fact it begins at that point. Capt Black is taken on an awesome journey to Heaven and shown what Heaven is like. This experience sends him on a life-long journey of faith that will forever change his life.
Written in an inspirational and motivational style that captured my attention from the first page to the last page. This book will renew your faith in God and trigger a homesickness for Heaven.
I found Capt. Black to be very credible and real. He did not embellish his experience for sensationalism but told his story in a straightforward and candid manner.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what lies ahead when we reach Heaven. I could not put this book down until the last word on the last page was read. My reaction: WOW! I do serve an awesome and magnificent God.
Reading Flight to Heaven reinforced the fact that God is who He says He is and we serve an awesome God.
The sole survivor of a catastrophic plane would crash would be amazing on its own merit but Capt. Black's story doesn't end there--in fact it begins at that point. Capt Black is taken on an awesome journey to Heaven and shown what Heaven is like. This experience sends him on a life-long journey of faith that will forever change his life.
Written in an inspirational and motivational style that captured my attention from the first page to the last page. This book will renew your faith in God and trigger a homesickness for Heaven.
I found Capt. Black to be very credible and real. He did not embellish his experience for sensationalism but told his story in a straightforward and candid manner.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what lies ahead when we reach Heaven. I could not put this book down until the last word on the last page was read. My reaction: WOW! I do serve an awesome and magnificent God.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson and Tricia Goyer
This was an AWESOME book. It truly shows how God can turn a catastrophe into a wonderful blessing. Although Kristen's life was "unbearable" and painful to her, God used her life to have a tremendous impact to others.
I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book. I felt her pain and ultimately her joy as she related the events that led up to decision to end her life. She might have wanted to end it all but for God her life had just begun.
I read this book in less than 24 hours because I found that I could not put it down one I read the fist few pages. I'm afraid I didn't see much of my kids' ball practices because I could not stop reading this book. I think this book has definitely changed my life and I'm sure it will change your life too. I highly recommend this book to family and friends.
For anyone contemplating suicide you MUST read this book. I dare say this book will be a life saver.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah in exchange for an honest review of the book.
I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book. I felt her pain and ultimately her joy as she related the events that led up to decision to end her life. She might have wanted to end it all but for God her life had just begun.
I read this book in less than 24 hours because I found that I could not put it down one I read the fist few pages. I'm afraid I didn't see much of my kids' ball practices because I could not stop reading this book. I think this book has definitely changed my life and I'm sure it will change your life too. I highly recommend this book to family and friends.
For anyone contemplating suicide you MUST read this book. I dare say this book will be a life saver.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke
This book is intended to be a message that even though their "child-rearing" days are over, God still has a purpose for them to fulfill. She uses the book of Ruth to show what Naomi accomplished in her second half of life. She sends out the message that God wants to use us in making a difference in the world. Even though we might think we have "outlived our usefulness" and the best of life is behind us, Bourke shows us through the life of Naomi that "the best is yet to come."
I do agree that God does have plans for us in the second half but not every woman can do the extensive travel and volunteer work that Bourke has been able to do. God is using me to rear my four grandchildren and bring them up to honor Him. I feel this is as important a calling as anything else I can do. God is also calling me to write a book which I am also working on now.
This book did make me think about my calling for this stage of life and made me feel good about what I am doing. I will recommend this book to my friends that are in this season of life. Ms. Bourke's work did make me feel more comfortable about my own life. God has a different plan for each of us so whatever call He has placed on our life, embrace it and rest assured that He will equip us to perform whatever He asks us to do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review
I do agree that God does have plans for us in the second half but not every woman can do the extensive travel and volunteer work that Bourke has been able to do. God is using me to rear my four grandchildren and bring them up to honor Him. I feel this is as important a calling as anything else I can do. God is also calling me to write a book which I am also working on now.
This book did make me think about my calling for this stage of life and made me feel good about what I am doing. I will recommend this book to my friends that are in this season of life. Ms. Bourke's work did make me feel more comfortable about my own life. God has a different plan for each of us so whatever call He has placed on our life, embrace it and rest assured that He will equip us to perform whatever He asks us to do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review
The Last Christian by David Gregory
About the author:
David Gregory is a best-selling author. His best-sellers include Dinner With a Perfect Stanger, and A Day With a Perfect Stranger.
After a ten year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communciations. He earned Masters degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and University of North Texas. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
The Book:
It is 2088. Abigail (Abby) Caldwell has lived in the jungle of New Guinea for the entire thirty-four years of life. After a cryptic message from her grandfather, she emerges from the jungle and travels to the United States. She must, according to her grandfather, bring Christianity back to America.
This is the story of Abby's life in a society that is completely foreign to her. She must not only acclimate herself to an alien culture but fulfil the purpose for which God has called her. As she navigates through this complex world, she faces a sinsiter force that threatens not only her life but the world itself. A brilliant neuroscientist has developed silicon brains and is now transplanting these brains into humans. This technological development will allow humans to live forever.
Along with Creighton Daniels, a historian who is trying to understand his own father's death, Abby must not only bring Christianity back to the United States but fight for her life.They are the targets of the sinister men who will stop at nothing to ensure their evil plan is not foiled.
I found this book to be a true thriller and a definite page-turner. The ddventures and dangers that Abby experiences kept me praying for her success. I found myself thinking about the technological advances of today
David Gregory is a best-selling author. His best-sellers include Dinner With a Perfect Stanger, and A Day With a Perfect Stranger.
After a ten year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communciations. He earned Masters degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and University of North Texas. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
The Book:
It is 2088. Abigail (Abby) Caldwell has lived in the jungle of New Guinea for the entire thirty-four years of life. After a cryptic message from her grandfather, she emerges from the jungle and travels to the United States. She must, according to her grandfather, bring Christianity back to America.
This is the story of Abby's life in a society that is completely foreign to her. She must not only acclimate herself to an alien culture but fulfil the purpose for which God has called her. As she navigates through this complex world, she faces a sinsiter force that threatens not only her life but the world itself. A brilliant neuroscientist has developed silicon brains and is now transplanting these brains into humans. This technological development will allow humans to live forever.
Along with Creighton Daniels, a historian who is trying to understand his own father's death, Abby must not only bring Christianity back to the United States but fight for her life.They are the targets of the sinister men who will stop at nothing to ensure their evil plan is not foiled.
I found this book to be a true thriller and a definite page-turner. The ddventures and dangers that Abby experiences kept me praying for her success. I found myself thinking about the technological advances of today
Storm Warning by Billy Graham
"Tsunami kills thousands"
"Earthquakes rumble and wreak havoc for millions."
"Terrorists attack on U.S. soil."
"Largest oil spill un history."
Headlines grab our attention. Videos of disasters play on tv screens continuously. Every day we see or read about devastations the world over. Famines, wars, homeless, diseases that kill both the body and spirit of the world's peoples vie for our attention. As Billy Graham states in his newest book--"the hoof beats can be heard rushing toward us now."J30H63AW5
Mr. Graham, world renowned preacher and evangelist takes us on a tour of the biblical book of Revelation. Through the visions of John on the isle of Patmos, Mr. Graham explains the four horsemen and what each one represents. Through the journeys of the Israelites, we see what happened when God's warnings went unheeded.
God is warning us today to repent and turn back to Him before it is too late. If we do not heed these warnings we must face the consequences of our failures. According to Mr. Graham, much of the biblical prophecies are unfolding in the world today.
I have not really read Revelation because, to be honest, I was frightened by the symbolisms. But with Mr. Graham's explanation and clarity in his writing I will read Revelation because I see the good news for the sincere believer.
I will recommend this book to friends and family. It is a thought provoking and eye opening book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review of the book.
"Earthquakes rumble and wreak havoc for millions."
"Terrorists attack on U.S. soil."
"Largest oil spill un history."
Headlines grab our attention. Videos of disasters play on tv screens continuously. Every day we see or read about devastations the world over. Famines, wars, homeless, diseases that kill both the body and spirit of the world's peoples vie for our attention. As Billy Graham states in his newest book--"the hoof beats can be heard rushing toward us now."J30H63AW5
Mr. Graham, world renowned preacher and evangelist takes us on a tour of the biblical book of Revelation. Through the visions of John on the isle of Patmos, Mr. Graham explains the four horsemen and what each one represents. Through the journeys of the Israelites, we see what happened when God's warnings went unheeded.
God is warning us today to repent and turn back to Him before it is too late. If we do not heed these warnings we must face the consequences of our failures. According to Mr. Graham, much of the biblical prophecies are unfolding in the world today.
I have not really read Revelation because, to be honest, I was frightened by the symbolisms. But with Mr. Graham's explanation and clarity in his writing I will read Revelation because I see the good news for the sincere believer.
I will recommend this book to friends and family. It is a thought provoking and eye opening book.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Unburdened by Chris Tiegreen
This book was a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This book details how to live an unburdened life by "letting go and giving your worries to God." I found this book to be encouraging because I too often have trouble giving my fears and burdens over to Him. I know this is what God wants us to do and even commands it--it is difficult to do. Tiegreen's suggestions and anecdotes will help me to remember that He is always ready to take my cares but I must first give them to Him.
As Tiegreen states at the beginning of the book, "The unburdened life is less about getting rid of our baggage than about carrying our loads with ease". This book does not teach us how to get rid of responsibility or become detached and uncaring about what is happening to us and our loved ones. It will teach you how to take our cares to the One that is always waiting for us.
I will recommend this book to others because it is encouraging and should be on every bookshelf. I plan to return to the book oftn when I feel overwhelmed by life.
This book details how to live an unburdened life by "letting go and giving your worries to God." I found this book to be encouraging because I too often have trouble giving my fears and burdens over to Him. I know this is what God wants us to do and even commands it--it is difficult to do. Tiegreen's suggestions and anecdotes will help me to remember that He is always ready to take my cares but I must first give them to Him.
As Tiegreen states at the beginning of the book, "The unburdened life is less about getting rid of our baggage than about carrying our loads with ease". This book does not teach us how to get rid of responsibility or become detached and uncaring about what is happening to us and our loved ones. It will teach you how to take our cares to the One that is always waiting for us.
I will recommend this book to others because it is encouraging and should be on every bookshelf. I plan to return to the book oftn when I feel overwhelmed by life.
Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl with April Henry
Outspoken radio host Jim Fate has made enemies with his outspoken style. Many of these enemies are high powered political figures so when he is murdered in his own studio there is no shortage of suspects.
The triple threat, FBI special agent Nicole Hodges, crime reporter, Cassidy Shaw and Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce begin sorting through the list of Fate's enemies he had in order to piece together the reason for his murder as well as the murderer. The case presents a special challenge because one of the three has social ties to Fate and the other two have their own issues and demons to deal with. As they get closer to the identity of the killer, each of their lives are changed and the issues take on larger roles in their lives.
This book is a true page turner. It will keep you guessing the motive and identity of the murderer but you will be taken by surprise when the crime is solved. I will offer a word of warning: unless you want to stay awake all night reading, don't open this book at bedtime.
I found the plot totally realistic and possible. The characters are real and deal with issues that can face each one of us. I do recommend this book to anyone that loves a good mystery. I am looking forward to reading more books by these authors.
This copy was given to me by Thomas Nelson (BookSneeze) in exchange for an honest review on the book.
The triple threat, FBI special agent Nicole Hodges, crime reporter, Cassidy Shaw and Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce begin sorting through the list of Fate's enemies he had in order to piece together the reason for his murder as well as the murderer. The case presents a special challenge because one of the three has social ties to Fate and the other two have their own issues and demons to deal with. As they get closer to the identity of the killer, each of their lives are changed and the issues take on larger roles in their lives.
This book is a true page turner. It will keep you guessing the motive and identity of the murderer but you will be taken by surprise when the crime is solved. I will offer a word of warning: unless you want to stay awake all night reading, don't open this book at bedtime.
I found the plot totally realistic and possible. The characters are real and deal with issues that can face each one of us. I do recommend this book to anyone that loves a good mystery. I am looking forward to reading more books by these authors.
This copy was given to me by Thomas Nelson (BookSneeze) in exchange for an honest review on the book.
The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews
While Andy Andrews was digging up a tree beside his home on the Gulf Coast, he found a rusty can containing Nazi artifacts. This whetted his appetite to find the story behind these rare findings. He interviewed neighbors and other residents of his home town until he was able to piece together the story behind his amazing discovery.
During WW II Germany dispatched submarines and U Boats to the Gulf to sink US vessels filled with supplies for the war. These attacks and the people involved form the basis for The Heart Mender. Lives of both German soldiers and the residents of the Gulf Coast intertwine to bring the story to life.
Helen Mason has recently lost her husband to the war. She has not recovered from her loss and was walking late one night along the beach. She soon discovers a wounded man lying on the beach. Angered when she sees his German uniform she decides to leave him there to die. But when she hears an unusual pharase he utters she changes her mind and helps him to her home to nurse him back to health.
The Heart Mender is set agains a backdrop of angry suspicions. Struggles faced by the people touched by the war are chronicled. It is a story of how people were forced to face fears of the future and ghosts of the past in order to survive the frightening present.
Although I am not an avid reader of war stories this book captured my interest and refused to release it. It is more than a story of war; it is a story of forgiveness and redemption. I do recommend this book. I have read several of Andrews' books and was not disappointed by this one.
After reading this book I did some research of my own and discovered the U-Boat mentioned in The Heart Mender was found sunk in the Gulf. In fact it is very close to the current oil spill. If you would like to read more of this interesting period in our country's history go to www.andyandrews.com. I don't think you will be disappointed.
During WW II Germany dispatched submarines and U Boats to the Gulf to sink US vessels filled with supplies for the war. These attacks and the people involved form the basis for The Heart Mender. Lives of both German soldiers and the residents of the Gulf Coast intertwine to bring the story to life.
Helen Mason has recently lost her husband to the war. She has not recovered from her loss and was walking late one night along the beach. She soon discovers a wounded man lying on the beach. Angered when she sees his German uniform she decides to leave him there to die. But when she hears an unusual pharase he utters she changes her mind and helps him to her home to nurse him back to health.
The Heart Mender is set agains a backdrop of angry suspicions. Struggles faced by the people touched by the war are chronicled. It is a story of how people were forced to face fears of the future and ghosts of the past in order to survive the frightening present.
Although I am not an avid reader of war stories this book captured my interest and refused to release it. It is more than a story of war; it is a story of forgiveness and redemption. I do recommend this book. I have read several of Andrews' books and was not disappointed by this one.
After reading this book I did some research of my own and discovered the U-Boat mentioned in The Heart Mender was found sunk in the Gulf. In fact it is very close to the current oil spill. If you would like to read more of this interesting period in our country's history go to www.andyandrews.com. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog and the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher
Blind Hope is a powerful story of love. We are taken on a journey with Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher. It is a journey of love for a dirty unkempt dog Laurie rescues from an abusive home. When she rescued the dog she named Mia, she did not know how much this little dog could teach her about love and God's grace.
Laurie had sought love and acceptance from other people. She would hide her true self and put on masks she thought others wanted to see. It was only when she brought Mia home with her did she really learn true acceptance. Because of Mia's peace and contentment in spite of going blind, Laurie learned to lean on God to bring her to the understanding of her past and hope for her future.
I enjoyed reading this book because it also helped me to listen to God and lean on Him more in my own struggles. I recommend this book to others who are animal loves but also to others who need to listen to God's teachings through everyday life and living. I intend to keep this book to read again and again when I find myself trying to live life on my terms.
This book was given to me by Multnomah Waterbrook in exchange for an honest review.
Laurie had sought love and acceptance from other people. She would hide her true self and put on masks she thought others wanted to see. It was only when she brought Mia home with her did she really learn true acceptance. Because of Mia's peace and contentment in spite of going blind, Laurie learned to lean on God to bring her to the understanding of her past and hope for her future.
I enjoyed reading this book because it also helped me to listen to God and lean on Him more in my own struggles. I recommend this book to others who are animal loves but also to others who need to listen to God's teachings through everyday life and living. I intend to keep this book to read again and again when I find myself trying to live life on my terms.
This book was given to me by Multnomah Waterbrook in exchange for an honest review.
Hot by Laura L. Smith
Lindsey has emerged from an ugly duckling to a beautiful young woman who dresses like a model. She should be happy but inside she feels empty. Her parents are so caught up with her rebellious sister and Lindsey feels alone. She thinks no one understands her until she meets Noah. He possesses a calm confidence and Lindsey wants this for herself.
She finds herself caught up in world of popularity, fashion and boys. She is torn between values she has grown up with and the temptations that face our teenagers today. She is haunted by questions that she cannot find answers to. Will Lindsey discover what matters most before she becomes even more entangled in the new world she has discovered?
This book will be an invaluable addition to any teenage girl's library. I recommend that parents read this book to understand the problems and questions that face our young girls today. I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to reading other books by this author.
I received a free copy of Hot from Navpress in exchange for an open and honest review.
She finds herself caught up in world of popularity, fashion and boys. She is torn between values she has grown up with and the temptations that face our teenagers today. She is haunted by questions that she cannot find answers to. Will Lindsey discover what matters most before she becomes even more entangled in the new world she has discovered?
This book will be an invaluable addition to any teenage girl's library. I recommend that parents read this book to understand the problems and questions that face our young girls today. I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to reading other books by this author.
I received a free copy of Hot from Navpress in exchange for an open and honest review.
The Edge of the Divine by Sandy Patty
In this book Sandy Patty is honest and open about her stumbles in her Christian walk. She candidly talks about her struggles and consequences of poor decisions in her past and her ongoing struggles with her weight.
I appreciated Ms. Patty's straightforward method of letting the reader know her inner thoughts and struggles. She presents the details of her past like an invitation to her life. Her writing style is conversational and easy to follow. Reading this book is like talking to an old friend I haven't seen in a while. The way she spoke of "the edge" hit a note with me because when I named my blog "life on the edge" that is the meaning I had in mind.
I recommend this book to anyone who is facing trials in their life either from poor decisions in their past or perhaps a physical problem they are enduring. This book is for anyone who is "on the edge" wondering which side of the cliff they will land on.
This book was provided by Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson) in exchange for an honest review.
I appreciated Ms. Patty's straightforward method of letting the reader know her inner thoughts and struggles. She presents the details of her past like an invitation to her life. Her writing style is conversational and easy to follow. Reading this book is like talking to an old friend I haven't seen in a while. The way she spoke of "the edge" hit a note with me because when I named my blog "life on the edge" that is the meaning I had in mind.
I recommend this book to anyone who is facing trials in their life either from poor decisions in their past or perhaps a physical problem they are enduring. This book is for anyone who is "on the edge" wondering which side of the cliff they will land on.
This book was provided by Booksneeze (Thomas Nelson) in exchange for an honest review.
The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarkey
The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin and Alex Malarkey
I received this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
After a tragic car accident left Alex with injuries so severe no one thought he could survive, God worked miracles that everyone in awe. Alex was in a coma for months while family, friends, and complete strangers prayed for his recovery and healing.
After coming out of the coma, Alex related a story to his father that his father initially had trouble comprehending. It is only after Alex reported what had happened at the accident scene and later in the hospital that Kevin could grasp the immensity of his son's experience. Alex told his father that he had visited Heaven and spoken with God. But this is not the only contact Alex had with angels during his recovery. He relates his experiences with these heavenly creatures in such intimate detail, the reader is left feeling as though the angels are in the room while he is reading the book.
The book kept me riveted to each page from the first page to the last. I am a christian and reading Alex's description reinforced for me the fact that God does take care of His children and never leaves us. I will (and have) recommended this family and friends.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
After a tragic car accident left Alex with injuries so severe no one thought he could survive, God worked miracles that everyone in awe. Alex was in a coma for months while family, friends, and complete strangers prayed for his recovery and healing.
After coming out of the coma, Alex related a story to his father that his father initially had trouble comprehending. It is only after Alex reported what had happened at the accident scene and later in the hospital that Kevin could grasp the immensity of his son's experience. Alex told his father that he had visited Heaven and spoken with God. But this is not the only contact Alex had with angels during his recovery. He relates his experiences with these heavenly creatures in such intimate detail, the reader is left feeling as though the angels are in the room while he is reading the book.
The book kept me riveted to each page from the first page to the last. I am a christian and reading Alex's description reinforced for me the fact that God does take care of His children and never leaves us. I will (and have) recommended this family and friends.
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