Book Reviews

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This book was an easy read and I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t expect the emotional depth that the author captured while telling the tells of families broken and distraught with poverty. At first glance, one one could cast judgment on the families for their financial distress. Then as you turn from an onlooker to one with detailed accounts of realistic upset and find the strength to cope, your heart begins to yearn for solutions. I recommend this read and know that it’s a needed dialogue in our communities.

This is a great study bible for our kids. The content can be used for our family studies at home. The pictures are alive with great facts about the historical relics that are presented with each book of the bible. The NIV translation is perfect for kids to understand and the best part is the study notes to present great questions while studying. We recommend this as a necessary resource for studying with you people.

I’ve never been into any alien fandoms and this book was a reflection on why I should change my mind. It was a good read but there was a lull of slow chapters and then the next few there was a lot of fast paced action. The entire book had this common theme but it was an overall good book.

This Beginner Bible is great for our four-year-old twins. They love to carry it around and look at the vibrant pictures. We can take it along anywhere and read a beginner take on the word of God. I will be ordering more of these to give to my niece and two nephews. It’s perfect for a baptism gift, birthday, or Easter when the season comes back around. I think other kids will love it like out twins do.

Swipe Right… It’s an okay read but I also think that one’s opinion of the book is coming from their personal experience in life. This book was more of a good reference point and not something that challenges me. My husband and I have a very open and biblical dialogue with our teen about sex, dating, and marriage and Swipe Right didn’t lend any new insight for us to use. Yet, for someone new to the faith, this may be a great book to use. It’s definetely worth the read though… Kudos!

I love a good Bible, and I had high expectations for this ThinLine KJV Bible from Thomas Nelson. They always produce quality Bibles and study resources. I although for this version. I found myself taking it everywhere that I went. The small print does not strain your eyes and the various books are easy to find. I wish that there was more expository references to draw from, like previous Bibles that I have purchased from them. Although you can never go wrong witht the Word of God. I give it a Three star rating.

This story was so heart warming and also encouraging for a mom of multiples, on of which is on the autism spectrum. Following their story from milestone to milestone and trial to trial put a lot into the meaning of family. Family is made up of those that you love and being there for them no matter the hardship or circumstance. This book embodies that whole dynamic of faith, family, and love unconditionally for you child, whether birthed or adopted.

I had thought this book was going to turn out one way based on the description but in turn, it went far beyond my expectations. Without giving away too much of the book, first, I want you to know that you will not be disappointed with this read. It a fast read, witty, and the characters are so real that I feel like I know them in real life. I shared this book with a friend and they loved it. Worth a read!

This was a great devotional. I read it and then gave it to my mom and she loved it as well. It’s relatable quirky and filled with inspiration.

This book was very reminiscent of previous work from John Hagee. I read through waiting for a big revelation only to come to the realization that I’ve heard this information before. Not to be boastful of myself, but for someone that studies eschatology, most of the material I have heard brought up in teachings. I think this would be a good book for someone new to the faith.

This book was okay! Not my speed though, it was a very slow read of common sense and obvious way to treat those around us. It seemed like a long book of the Golden Rule. Do unto others in a long drawn out way. There were some hints of cute humor and things that were relatable with quirky stories but that seemed to be the only draw to the book.

This book just didn’t have the wow factor like some of the other work by Jimmy Evans. I felt like reading through the material was very predictable and took a little more than common sense to understand. Maybe this book was meant to be for a babe in the faith, or maybe some one that is newly married. I felt like I was reading a sermon that I had heard him preach on TV before. I would recommend reading some of Jimmy Evan’s earlier work.

I got this book for my daughter and so far she is loving it. She is twelve and this book is practical for her age. She is able to keep up with devotional daily and likes to share what she has learned for the day. This has been a good resource to talk with her about the Word of God. I’d recommend this book to other parents of preteen girls.

I got this book a little late, no fault to Blogging for Books but it was well worth the wait. I got this book for my husband, because he is a musician. He said that there was a lot of insight and preactical lessons in this book. It was a good read, quirky, and very easy to follow. For those that are in the industry or looking to get into the industry should check this one out. Good Read!!!

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. This is a great reference tool and expository insight into the book of Daniel. The content was very practical and relatable to the times that we are living in right now. The Book of Daniel as so many prophetic inclinations and the author did a great job at addressing them and giving the scriptures to back them up. This is was a good read!

I loved this devotional! It had strong leadership principles but it can also be used in every aspect of life. From leading your family to mentoring a young person. With each day you are given the motivation to lead as God has commanded in His word. This was great and I’ve told a lot of leaders in the community and my church about this amazing book.

My family and I support Tim Tebow and this book was a lot better than I thought it would be. I was full of insight for you to realize that you identity is not tied up into you talents but into who God has called you to be as an individual. This book was practical and relatable, and you feel inspired learning that Tim has had some of the same struggles that we have had, this is a good read and worth the time.

I love a good Bible, and I had high expectations for this Word Study Bible from Thomas Nelson. They always produce quality Bibles and study resources. I although for this version. I found myself wanting more. I wish that there was more expository references to draw from, like previous Bibles that I have purchased from them. Although you can never go wrong witht the Word of God. I give it a Three star rating.

I had never heard of this book or author before and I absolutely fell in love with this story. Lori Langdon is brilliant at bringing you right into the lives of her characters and I value that as a reader. This a true coming of age story set in the mysterious backdrop of Gilt Hollow. I want to tell the whole story but I assure you that it’s worth reading. At the end, I found myself wanting more, and not wanting the story to end. Well done Lori Langdon, well done.

Getting this book was a bit disappointing just because I had a different expectation. I thought this was going to be so much more than a novelty book that I would keep on my coffee table to entertain guest when they came over. With that being said, this little gem was full of quirky information about common phrases and words we use every day. Just needing to keep this tid bit and it can be enjoyed.

I didn’t read this book with any real expectations and I don’t normally read books of this genre. I will say that this book was a very easy read and it was packed with amazing detail to the near apocalyptic future. The author did an amazing job tying various historical event to current events of our time. Interesting to say the least.

This book was pretty hard hitting right in my emotional jugular. Lysa TerKeurst did an exceptional job with this project. I thought that I would read just another spiritual self-help book, it was so much more than that, and she is well deserved a great review. You could tell that she wrote from the heart and from life experience. The quotes and scriptures used in the book were spot on for the subject matter. This book has great potential to change the perspectives of those that read it. I’d recommend it to a new reader, second reader, or maybe even a group study. Kudos Lysa!

So I got this book and began reading and I couldn’t keep it to myself. I used this study guide with a few of my girlfriends and we loved it. This book let’s get a taste of how God can use you in spite of your flaws. I found pieces of myself in each chapter and it restored the hope of my fellow readers that God has something amazing planned for them, even though our pasts have been blemished.

I received this book from a friend and it was actually a great read. The principles were real and practical and the transparency of their story was great to hear. My husband and I actually read this book together and discussed a lot of the topics in our down time. I Have actually shared this book, with some of the other parents that I know and they agreed that this book is on time and relatable. Kudos to the Schwenk family.

I had very high hopes for this book because of the author but, in my opinion, it just didn’t have the “WOW factor’ like her previous novels. I wanted to read something more than a book about another female lead that complains her way through situations and has the predictable ending. I wanted more twists and turns and I wanted to like Georgia (the main character) so much more. Once you get to the end of the book, you do find out that the title was very cleverly chosen. I hope this doesn’t reflect badly on Terry McMilian as an author because she is a phenomenal writer! This book was just not my cup of tea!

I really enjoyed this book! Brian’s story was so much more than just about the broken life of a rock star. He spoke the love and challenges of a single father raising a daughter, the difficulty of finding the right management, and finding the heart of God, and his plan for your life. This book is so relatable in regards to the spiritual struggles and roller coasters that we find ourselves on when we begin to lose sight of the path God has us on. Brian was so transparent with the way he shared his heart about his relationship with God and parenting. I actually want to read this book again, but I have shared it with a friend, that is loving it!

This book was truly divinely inspired! You can read this book from so many different perspectives and get to the same conclusion. A heart is whole when given to the Lord. I love the transparency that the author gives and a real ‘in your face’, dialogue about faith and that life isn’t always fair but we can overcome what is thrown our way. I actually have given this book to someone that I felt should read and they too have gained encouragement while going through a personal storm in their life. I will definitely be checking gout some of the other books written by Christa Black Gifford.

I did not think that this game would get this competitive in my house. I received it in the mail a few days ago and my family can’t stop playing it. I realized that I am not very good at puns, but the concepts that you can come up with are hilarious. The directions were very easy to follow and we jumped right in. The mystery cards are great because you get to make up the prizes. This game will definitely bring out the most creative side of a person. This game is punderful! Get it… Ha ha ha!

I received the copy of Rooted by Banning Liebscher from Blogging for Books. I must say, this book made me feel like I had attended a conference. There was so much applicable and inspiring information. Told from the point of David, you find yourself learning how to grow not for what God is going to do with your passion, but by God working in you as a person. It was a very easy read, and extremely practical for today’s fast paced world. This book reinforces that you must seek Christ first to find your true passion and purpose.

I received this book from Bool Look Bloggers! I didn’t know if this book was going to be my cup of tea, but wow, what a journey! I like not knowing what was going to come next for the main character Bobby. Then when I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was a different twist on it. You dive into this world where Bobby, is faced with the biggest obstacle in his life. His life and relationship with God. You have heroin characters like ‘Mama’, who are take charge and guide Bobby gentle with a few others to the truth they all have to come face with. We have all been Bobby in some way or another, trying to close doors and let go and trust God. At times, it was hard to follow in the dialogue between the characters, but the flow of the story was beautiful and fast paced. You wanted more at the end of each chapter. Read this one with an open mind and heart, because if you can read between the lines, there is a story of inner redemption that we can all glean from, great book!

The Chronological Study Buble – Thomas Nelson Publishing

I received this copy from Book Look Bloggers, and obviously, it’s going to take me some time to get through this study Bible, so here’s my review after having it for about two months, I think it’s pretty cool! I did think that this was going to be more extensive in its application for an actual study Bible. I thought that it was very informative and it had plenty of archeological facts for you to tie in the pieces of each era in our history. Yet, I wanted more. I wanted to dig deep in the cultures of the times and how they relate to Christian history, and to me, that was missing. I love that the times and scriptures were put in order and it was very easy to follow. I will continue to dig deep and hope that I can come back and leave a better review.

How To Live In Fear – Mastering the Art of Freaking Out

Thanks to Book Look, I received this awesome book by a local pastor here in Northern California. I’m very aware of his presence and his teaching by listening to his broadcast on our local airwaves. The book, ‘How To Live In Fear – Mastering The Art of Freaking Out, by Lance Hahn was a good read. This is a book that you journey through a life of anxiety, fear, and touches of depression. You leave with a true sense of hope, direction, and belief in something greater than you adversity. Though I have never struggled with the elements mentioned in this book, I can appreciate and apply the knowledge that stem from Mr. Hahn’s experiences. You see that seeds of negative thinking started in his childhood, and read through this process, you see how he overcame the odds. I love how he directs the reader to pursue positive activities that can consume time that will be spent dwelling on the fear and negativity. The heart of this book, I found to be Mr. Hahn giving the reader hope in the will of the Father and not one of our own. This is a great read, which I can recommend to others in my current circle.

Man Myth Messiah by Rice Broocks

This is another great book from Book Look! Reading Man, Myth, Messiah was a good review for some that is familiar with the Word of God and Christian Apologetics. Rice Broocks, does a great job of giving you the pro and cons to support the existence of Jesus Christ. Although he leaves it in a way that will allow you to come to your own conclusions based on the depth of the information that he provides. He focuses on the crucifixion of Christ, and takes you as deep as the myths of Egyptology like Horus, and Osiris that try to debunk the existence of Jesus Christ. He passionately expresses the need for the people to have a savior and provides the reasoning by giving examples from the Old and New Testament from the Bible. I love also how Rice Broocks brings historical examples of those that have defended the faith. I understand this book gives the evidence that will be used in the movie God’s Not Dead 2. I really enjoyed the first movie and after reading this book, I look forward to checking out the next movie.

Prison by Toni V Lee

I love getting books from Book Look, but I must say that I had such a hesitation to read this one. I normally don’t read cop dramas or detective novels but I made it through this one. This was an entertaining story of Sonja and Max, both are cops and they are set to find out how to bring down a drug dealer that has started dealing drugs in their church. You immediately pick up on the fact that there is love tension between the two and Max is set on Sonja but she puts up a hard front to keep him at arms length. The best part of the novel, are the extra characters that you find in the elderly women in the church that help Sonja and Max on the case. The dialogue is quick and witty with their banter. Then you have Rock, the drug dealer, and his persona was very well developed, and you find yourself rooting for his demise. I’d recommend this book to those that like the cop drama but for me it was an okay novel, well written, and smooth to digest.

The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership by Jenni Catron

This book was more than I expected it to be after reading the descriptions on Amazon and other sites. Jenni Catron really knows her stuff and takes you into a deeper level of discovering your potential as a leader. Her format and teaching design can work in any arena of leadership, from church ministry to corporate business practices. You walk away from this intense read feeling motivated to take the reigns and lead with purpose. Jenni bring to light that leadership is most powerful through being a good servant leader. She impresses that fact that when the leader focuses on the right things, that’s where it counts. “There is something divinely beautiful that happens when we as leaders can pair the gifts of an individual with the needs of then organization.” – Jenni Catron, The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership. Great read, and I look forward to following more of her work.

I blog for a few different sites, and this was the first of many to come!

The Newsmaker by Lis Wiehl, is a fast paced story about news reporter / journalist Erica Sparks. After going through tons of drama and a custody battle for her child, she has hit an all time low in life. Then she comes across comes across a story that would change her career and her life. She finds herself on a wild goose chase trying to find out the truth, and then realizes she’s trying to also find herself.

This book was an okay read, that many might choose to take on a relaxing vacation or just flip through during down time. I thought the main character Erica Sparks was well-developed, quirky, and quick in wit. There are some things that I wish were more developed, like her faith journey. It was mentioned a couple of times vaguely in the story but, I think some readers would have wanted to see that better developed. The opening and ending were great and I feel that you will be left wanting to know more about Erica. Where does her journey really end? I recommend this book for a lazy afternoon read but, if you were looking for a real Christian fiction novel, this may not suit you.