Book Review of "Every Perfect Gift"

Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love is set in the early settled America, when towns are growing by leaps and bounds. Sophie moves back to Hickory Ridge, TN and sets up a newspaper, hoping to make a name for herself after having left town as a child on bad terms. But its a struggle when the man who owns most of the town is threatened by her success and her goal of finding a story for the paper about his newest endeavor, a resort in the mountains. While fighting to find her way, she falls in love with the architect of the resort and has to deal with her past before she can find peace with her new place in life.

I did enjoy this story line, and characters, but I could tell this was one later in a series, and wished I could have read the other books first. I felt like I was catching up, trying to figure out who all the characters were. The story had a great balance between a love story and a story of determination and courage in the midst of struggles. I loved the main character of Sophie and would like to read the earlier books in the series to hear about her beginnings in the town and her childhood.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review of "Running for my Life"

Right at the end of the Olympics I read Running for my Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games by Lopez Lomong. I was inspired, convicted, and amazed by this man's journey. Lomong was kidnapped as a small boy from his village and taken away to be trained to be a soldier. But the Lord protected him and provided him a way to escape. He then lived in a refugee camp for many years until the opportunity came allowing him to move to the US where he was blessed with a family who helped him achieve his dreams. Along the way, he surrendered his life to God and promised to give back to his birth country whatever way he could. We read about his journey from a small village in Sudan to running in the Olympic games, quite a contrast and story of remarkable survival.

I was mad at myself for starting this book at the end of Olympics and missing seeing Lopez Lomong race and seeing his story on tv. I was so in awe of his story, of his determination to focus on a dream and not give up, of his faith in God even when his circumstances seemed so bleak. I love hearing stories of God's hand being on someone, even protecting them before they have made a commitment to Him. God had a plan for that little boy that was kidnapped, very similar to the story of Joseph in the Bible. Lomong really clung to that story having faith that the Lord would bring him out of struggles at the end to bless him. This story also convicted me of how I take my blessed life for granted. I am not thankful for how easy my life is when there are people right now in the world struggling to survive. I highly encourage you to read this book to get awakened to how other people live and how God has a plan for all of us!

I received this book free from booksneeze.com but was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review of "Tidewater Inn"

Tidewater Inn is by one of my new favorite authors, Colleen Coble, and she did not disappoint me with this first book in the Hope Beach series. Main character Libby is an historical restoration specialist, and is horrified when her best friend, Nicole, is kidnapped while on Hope Island doing research for her. Right before the kidnapping Nicole gives Libby huge news that her birth father, who she thought had died when she was a child, only recently passed away and has left her a beautiful old inn on the island. Libby arrives desperate to find her friend, but is faced with being accused of the kidnapping and two new siblings who do not trust that she is there for pure reasons. She also meets a handsome man from the coast guard who seems to be helping her find Nicole, but she is not sure if she can trust his motives either. Throw in a hurricane, and it makes for an exciting escape.

I had a hard time putting down this book. Coble writing style keeps me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. I was rooting for Libby and hoping that everything would turn out the right way. Coble's description of Hope Island made me want to visit this place, and check in to the Tidewater Inn. Coble also does a great job of inserting Christian perspectives in her characters without it hitting you over the head. Pick up anything by Colleen Coble and you won't be disappointed.


 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

"Kisses From Katie"

I just finished reading Kisses from Katie, written by Katie Davis who lives in Uganda where she has adopted 13 daughters that she is raising on her own. She gave up her comfortable American life with a boyfriend and college to be obedient to the Lord and move to Uganda. She had no idea where the journey would take her, but I am so glad she chose to share it with her readers.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I can't talk enough about how meaningful it was to me. Jason asked me if it was making me want to adopt, but that's not what I got out of it at all. Mostly I was convicted and encouraged about being a good mom. She describes each one of her daughters with such details about their personalities that it convicted me about spending more time with my three sons. She considers each mess she cleans up to be a blessing from the Lord. She still finds time outside of her home to minister to so many other people in the community and takes her daughters with her to show them how to be hands and feet of Christ. She says she is not a perfect mother, but her main goal is to teach her girls about Jesus both in word and deed. She gets so dirty, literally, as she parents and ministers to so many sick and messy people, but she never complains and considers each person she meets as an opportunity to be obedient to God. I am so selfish and spoiled. I want to live an adventure but am I willing to get that messy? Am I willing to sacrifice everything to be obedient to my Savior?  I don't know if I'm there yet. For the time being she has encouraged me to be a better mother. One step at a time.

Please read this book.

Book Review of "By Faith, Not by Sight"

Its no secret that I am an American Idol fan and love when people of faith make it far each season. I really enjoyed getting to know Scott MacIntyre during Season 8, but reading this book let me in on so much more of his life journey and I am even more in awe of him and his determination to succeed. By Faith, Not by Sight is his story of being born blind and learning how to not only survive but flourish with his disability. God blessed him with so many other gifts including his mind and his musical ability. But he was also blessed with a family who would go to the ends of the earth to help him become all that God intended him to be. They supported him not only through his childhood as he learned to live with his blindness, but as an adult when he was diagnosed with a life threatening kidney issue.
I was inspired by Scott's life, but was also encouraged by reading about all that his mother did for him. As a mother I hope I have the strength to do for my children all that Scott's mother had to sacrifice for her son. I was in awe reading about all that he dealt with growing up and how he didn't use his disability as an excuse to not work. He worked even harder than most people. As an Idol fan, I loved the last part of the book as Scott described his journey through Idol and how he strived to use that platform to bring glory to God. I would encourage any American Idol fan to read this book but also anyone who loves to read about inspiring people. Scott MacIntyre has an amazing journey that can teach us all life lessons.
I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for a review, but was not obligated to give it a positive review.

Book Review of "Dawn Comes Early"

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley is the first in her series "Brides of Last Chance Ranch" set on a cattle ranch in the Arizona territory. Kate Tenney, a unknown and frustrated novelist, decides to try her hand at ranching and answers a notice advertising for a ranch "heiress." If she can survive working for the current owner, the ranch will become hers, but the work is harder then she anticipated, and she wasn't looking to fall in love with a local man. In the end, she has to choose between becoming a land owner and a wife. While making that decision she learns much more about herself then she ever expected.

It took me a little bit to get into this story because it was more of a western then I had thought it would be, but once I got to know the characters and really was pulling for the character of Kate, I couldn't put it down. Brownley does a great job of describing the characters and surroundings and I really felt like I was working hard with Kate as she woke at the break of dawn to get to work. And I struggled with her as she makes a decision about her future. The ending actually surprised me but I realized it was the first in a series and I would love to read the next one!

I received this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for a truthful review and was not required to give it a positive one.

Book Review of "Beyond Molasses Creek"

Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz is an amazing novel that brings together the life stories of three individuals into a touching, emotional story of finding peace in the world around you, even when circumstances say otherwise. Ally Green has to come back home after her father dies, and takes the opportunity to reconnect with a childhood friend. But she has a past that has kept her on the run searching for peace, and has a hard time trying to settle down. At the same time, a young lady across the world in Nepal is also trying to find peace as she escapes a hard life and searches for truth. Do these ladies' stories connect? The results are surprising and amazing.
I have not read a novel in a while that touched me as this one did. Beautifully written, with a poetic style that drew me in, this story left me satisfied and at peace with my own story. I loved the back and forth of the characters' stories, both in the present day and the past. I understood where their hearts were and I wanted them to find the peace they were looking for. My only complaint about the book was it was not as Christian based as I thought it would be. There was a lot more room to have God intervene in the story. But I would highly recommend it. A great read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review of "Bittersweet Surrender" by Diann Hunt

Over the holiday break, I was looking for a light, fun read to fill some empty hours, and Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt fit the bill perfectly. Carly Westlake owns a chocolate spa, is recovering from breast cancer, adjusting her to step-mother moving in with her, struggling with losing weight and juggling her lack of love life. She does it all with humor, sarcasm and a realization that she really needs to depend on God as she comes through her issues. As the story unfolds, there is also a mystery going on around her with her friends and family that might end a blossoming romance before it even starts.

This story was a lot of fun, went fast, but was very in depth with character and set descriptions. My only complaint was that I felt like I was reading a book in a sequel, that I was picking up in the middle of a story. But it was a stand alone book, not part of a series. Hunt did a great job of catching me up on where these characters were in the story. I look forward to reading more of her books when I need a light escape.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review of "Sunrise on the Battery"

Sunrise on the Battery, by Beth Hart is the story of redemption for a family soaked in the culture of trying to "beat the Jones" and making sure their children have a better life than they did, no matter the cost. Mary Lynn and Jackson Scoville pulled themselves out of a country life and are striving to live a city life with all the social connections they can make. But Mary Lynn's heart is still sad, and missing something. She attends a Bible study and church occasionally, and one day asks for prayer for her husband. God reaches down and answers that prayer in a big, inconvenient way. Is she really willing to have her husband lead their family spiritually, even when it doesn't fit into their grand plan for the future?

I have read many Christian fiction books where the plan of salvation and grace seems forced into the story. But this story line is completely built around the salvation of this family, so the whole book is a wonderful testimony of God's miraculous changing power. It was also a great reminder to me of the trap the world sets for us of looking good on the outside, even when we are struggling on the inside. I would recommend this book and am interested in reading other books by Beth Hart.

I was given this book for free by Booksneeze for an unbiased review.

"One Call Away" Book Review

One Call Away by Brenda Warner is a touching story of God's faithfulness, even when it feels like He isn't. Warner's life is full of one struggle after another, which leads her to being a single mom of two on food stamps. But even in the midst of her trials, she knows she can somehow depend on the Lord to take care of her. Then a handsome college quarterback enters her life, and begins the long journey of becoming the supportive wife of NFL Superbowl Champion Kurt Warner.
I was blown away by the strength, determination and courage of Brenda as she dealt with so many tragedies in her life. I loved reading about her blossoming relationship with Kurt, and how the Lord used her to reach his heart for God. There were times when their family wasn't living the squeaky clean life we expect, but in that the Lord was still moving, teaching them about his grace.
I loved this book, and would recommend it to men and women, believers and nonbelievers, sports fans or not. I will wait until my children are older before letting them read it because of some choices that the Warner's made early on before letting God lead them, but I know at some point my boys will learn great lessons from this family.
I received this book for free from Booksneeze in exchange for an objective review.

Untamed Book Review

*Untamed* by Lisa Harper is a book full of conviction wrapped in a package of humor and Biblical stories. Harper takes stories about Jesus that we are all familiar with, and finds a nugget of truth from them that reaches down to your core and makes you want to be a better follower of Christ.
I was amazed as I read every chapter to find something new from stories I have read and studied my whole life. I came face to face with my Savior who has been in a box safety tucked away in my closet, and now I want to let him out and let him change my life from the inside out. He is unconventional, devoted, redemptive and loves me for all I am, not because of what I have done or not done. There are questions at the end of each chapter that would make it a great book for a group study, but I got so much out of it without doing the questions. I can't wait to find more books by Harper. She does take the Biblical stories and add funny descriptions to make them more relevant, but I don't think its too far to make it irreverent. The parts of the stories that she brings out that were new to me were mostly based on further Greek translations that I wouldn't have known on my own. I liked it!
I did receive this book for free from Waterbrook Press, but did not have to give a positive review in exchange for it.

Book Review of "Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me"

Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me grabbed me first by its title. Author Ian Morgan Cron tells his life story, pretty much. He lets us know in the first chapter that some details may have been remembered differently than they really happened, but the story that follows is full of humor, sadness, joy, disappointment and grace. Growing up in the home of an alcoholic and member of the CIA brought Cron moments of terror and grief, which led him down different paths as he tried to gain the love and attention of his father. None of the paths he tried fulfilled him until he truly gave his heart and life to the Father who loved him no matter what he did.

I had a hard time getting into the story after reading that it might not all be exactly true, but once the story grabbed me, it did not let go. It was fascinating read stories from this man's life as he tried to earn his dad's love, which I could relate to. Cron is a beautiful and captivating writer and I could feel myself in each situation he found himself in. This book should not be read by children because of the adult content, but I was not offended by any of it. On the contrary, I can not wait to read more from this amazing writer. I loved reading how God held on to Cron throughout his life even when he was trying to run. A truly tremendous story of God's faithfulness and mercy.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Indivisible" by Kristen Heitzmann

This book could be categorized as a romance novel, mystery, or psychological thriller. Its a story of hurting hearts and redemptive lives, but wrapped in a package of a quaint Colorado town full of drugs and intrigue. Police Chief Jonah Westfall is trying to fix a broken relationship, take down a drug ring and solve a mystery of disturbing proportions.

I have read a few of Kristen Heitzmann's books and was excited to read a new one, but was slightly disappointed in this one. It took me awhile to get into it because there are so many characters that she introduces at the beginning so it was hard to keep up. This book also had less of a spiritual side then some of her other books. But, once I got into the story it was hard to put down. And the ending was creative and relieving yet dark and sad. I was content with how all the characters I finally got to know finished their stories.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Book Review - The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susaan Veness is a book full of secrets, fun discoveries, and a reminder to take in every detail of the magical world of Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. As the mother of a Disney fanatic family, I was so excited to receive and read this book. Not that I could ever be bored at Disney World, but I had begun to take things for granted and begun to lose interest in certain parts of the parks. But this book has renewed my interest and excitement of visiting the greatest place on earth!

Veness goes through each park and points out details that you may just pass right by, or may never have even realized were there! Did you know that if you see a pay phone, you should pick it up and listen? You can hear fun conversations that fit the surroundings that you are in. Or if you see a name on a store, it usually is in honor of an Imagineer because they aren't allowed to put their names on their designs. The next time we go to the parks, I plan on rereading this book and highlighting certain things that I want to take notice of and take the book with me to the parks. I'm so excited to discover all the details that the Disney Imagineers put in the parks that were a part of their creative genius.

The book also includes time lines of each one of the parks, when each ride and attraction came and went. My only criticism of the book is that it was published in 2009, so it is already out of date. I can only hope the author writes and updated edition so I don't miss any of the great information. I highly recommend this book for anyone visiting Disney, but especially people who may think they have been enough, and need a new inspiration to go back.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pujols Book Review

“Pujols: More than a Game” by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

As a mother of three sons, I am engrossed in spring baseball season! So I was interested to read Pujols: More than a Game to get to know this man that my boys have referenced many times. I was impressed to know what a Godly man, father, teammate and public figure Albert Pujols strives to be. This is the story of his life, rise to fame, and baseball statistics that have made him a household name.

I really enjoyed the writing style of Lamb and Ellsworth, poetically descriptive at times and at others, simply the stats and play by plays. I loved the chapters about his life, meeting and serving the Lord with his wife, and how he ministers to people in the Dominican Republic and St. Louis. There were lots of chapters though with simply descriptions of games, stats and his rise up the baseball ladder. I personally did not enjoy those chapters, but I know my kids and other baseball lovers will really get into them.

After reading this book, I can now really cheer for Pujols, knowing the man that he is striving to be. I am also praying that as my boys read this book, they will learn lessons about their walk with the Lord that will carry them throughout their lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Time to Embrace" Book Review

"A Time to Embrace" by Karen Kingsbury

John and Abby Reynolds have just reconciled their marriage in the previous book in the series, “A Time to Dance”, and they are now ready to enjoy their newfound love for each other when tragedy strikes. This book is a story of how believers can make it through tough times by depending on the Lord for strength and comfort. It is not easy, but they come out on the other side as even stronger people, and are testimonies of His grace to others around them.

I love Karen Kingsbury’s books! Her writing is current, with wonderful descriptions of the people and places in her stories. I feel like I really know these people, and wish I could sit down with her characters for coffee to hear their stories. The story of the Reynolds includes marriage issues, parenting issues, job issues and personal spiritual struggles. As a mom of three boys I also could relate to the sporting side of John’s job as a football coach. This book was an encouragement to me because I know that at some point in my life, tragedy will come, but I know that God will be there to help me through it. I was disappointed that there were only two books in this series, and wanted to hear more about this family’s journey. But Kingsbury has so many other books to enjoy, and I can’t wait for her next series. I highly recommend her to any readers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Your Money God's Way" By Annie Streater

I was a little nervous when I picked up this book that it would contrast the financial program by Dave Ramsey that my husband are trying to follow. But when I saw Dave’s review of her book on the cover, it gave me his blessing to dive in. And I was so glad I did. This book should be required for everyone who goes through Dave’s program because Streater helps you to look at your motivations for why you have been making poor financial decisions. She shows 7 myths that people hold about money and confronts them with God’s truth. This book was so practical and down to earth, not just about financial issues, but about heart issues on so many levels. Streater is bold in her confrontations about poor decisions, but because she prefaces that with her own story of mistakes, it comes across as a friend giving you a kick in the pants instead of an expert belittling you. I am inspired to carry on with our financial changes and now have God’s truth to back up my decisions.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Anne Bradstreet, by D.B. Kellogg

"Anne Bradstreet" by D.B. Kellogg, is a biography in the Christian Encounters series by Thomas Nelson. Kellogg describes the life of this amazing woman, as she deals with moving to the wilderness of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, starting and caring for her family while her husband was away governing the new land, and all the while writing poetry that described the love she had for her God.

I was fascinated by the descriptions of the Puritan lifestyle in the 1600s, and in awe of Bradstreet's courage as she cared for her 8 children, often while dealing with her own health problems. I was amazed at the depth of her poetry, and did not realized the impact it had on Christians not only in her day, but for generations after. However, not being a history buff, I was bored by the number of names and dates and the lack of narratives between them. This is a small book, and for readers who love to read history, I would recommend this series of biographys of lesser known Christian figures, but I do not think I will read any more.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Same Kind of Different As Me

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Denver, a 20th century slave, and Ron, a millionaire art dealer, have had completely different journeys in life. But when Ron’s wife has a vision of a man who will change the city of Ft. Worth and realizes its Denver, she helps her husband start a lifelong friendship that not only changes Ron and Denver’s lives, but hundreds upon hundreds of lives who are transformed by seeing God move in mysterious, miraculous ways.

I could not put this book down. Reading this true story about Denver’s life, basically a slave in the 20th century in my home state of LA, was both shocking and heartbreaking. But watching how God’s hand was on him was inspirational and comforting. Ron’s life lead him down a path of getting everything the world had to offer; yet he knew something was missing in his life. The lessons I learned from each man were enough on their own, but the lessons learned from their friendship and the journey of getting there were ones that I wish everyone in my community could absorb.

I not only recommend this book, but wish it was required reading for those in all walks of life, especially the people that I have met entering the ministry. It inspired me to drive down to “the other side of the tracks” and I would love to take people with me!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review of The Heart Mender

The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

I'm really excited because I have joined a website where I receive free books in exchange for reading them and writing a review. My first book is The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews. The story seems to be a true story of what Mr. Andrews has learned while researching WWII memorabilia he finds behind his home on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It leads him to write the story of a young widow, Helen Mason, who is struggling to forgive the world for taking her husband away. In the midst of her struggle she comes upon a German U-boat officer, Lt. Josef Landermann, on the brink of death, and she must learn to forgive as she nurses him back to health.

The plot line was fascinating to me, especially after the introduction where Andrews says that for the most part the story is true. I enjoy American history, even more when it is stories that I did not hear in school. I could picture myself walking along the beach on the Florida/Alabama coast during WWII, and having a cup of coffee at the diner where Helen works. I could feel the bitterness and anger she carried around with her. And I could relate to how hard it was for her to let that go. But the story did get a little slow for me. The parts of the story where I would have liked to read more details about the characters were skimmed over, and other parts had too many war details. It was not a book that I had a hard time putting down at night. But I did want to finish to find out how it ended. And the ending did not disappoint me.

I do recommend this book if you enjoy American History, WWII history, stories of love, forgiveness and adventure. The best part about this website I have joined is that they not only sent me a copy for me to read, but an extra copy for me to pass on! So the first two people who comment on my blog will receive a copy of this book! I would love to hear what other people think about it, like a virtual book club!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”