Heaven is for Real

I haven't done a book  review for you in awhile, and I just knew I had to share this one with you.  Have you read it?  This book not only strengthened my faith, but it reminded me in a HUGE way of how much God loves us.  This is a true story about a little boy's journey to Heaven and all the many ways that it impacted him and those around him.  I don't want to say too much because I want you to discover this book on your own.  This is an easy read, but it is so powerful.  If you choose to read it, I pray that you find as much hope in it as I did!

Book Reviews

I recently received Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller for review.  This story focuses on Emma and the family around her.  They all have to come to grips with death in the family, lost love, and even loss of property.  One of the greatest thing they all have to learn is that they are not in charge, but rather that God provides and has a greater plan.
This is a well woven piece of Amish fiction.  What I really enjoyed about this book is that the characters are not always proper and perfect.  So many times Amish fiction eludes to that type of character and it ends up being a good read, but very predictable.  This novel had enough real feelings that it was not always so easy to guess what might happen.  If you'd like an easy read that's entertaining, this is a great choice!
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.”

I also read Dinner With a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory.  This is a story of a man that has little time, loads of skepticism, and receives an invitation from Jesus to go to dinner.  Thinking that his friends were playing a trick on him, he goes to dinner only to find that it was no trick at all.  This is a gift-sized book and a very quick read with about 100 pages.  I was really anticipating reading this book.  I read it for Blogging for Books for an honest review, though, so that is what I will give you. 

There were several pages in this book that spent time disproving religions other than Christianity. Although I am a Christian, I did not appreciate that about this book, and I could understand how my friends of other faiths would be put off by this reading.  If I were having dinner with Jesus, I would not want to a theological discussion, but rather I would want to talk to him about his life, my family's life, and some (well many) Scriptures that I have questions about.  It wasn't until the very last pages that some of these things were touched upon.  I didn't understand many things about this book, and I guess in the end, I wondered whether or not I would believe that was Jesus sitting across from me.

With that being said, I have to point out that faith is a very personal journey.  I pretty sure we all have different questions we'd like to ask Jesus.  While I am sure there are some that would love this book, it just didn't fit for me.



Book Reviews

I have a couple of book reviews for you today. 

 I’ll start with “The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck” by Kathleen Y’Barbo. CharIotte is a stubborn, very independent young lady who is used to getting her way.  Now, I want to stop here because anything else I would tell you would surely be a spoiler as this is a very predictable book.  I do want to let you know that I love historical fiction.  It’s truly one of my favorite types of fiction to read.  However, after a very short time into this book, I grew very weary of Charlotte’s demanding behavior and the way she seemed to always get her way.  That part of the main character seemed to be carried a little too far.  Because of that, the story itself turned into the typical romance novel rather than historical fiction and that left little room for surprise.  It was a pleasant enough story with humor sprinkled here and there, and if you are looking for something light this book would suit your needs.  This book was sent to me free of charge by Blogging for Books for a candid review.

The second book I am reviewing is “It’s Not About Me” by Max Lucado.  You know, I love Max Lucado and his messages.  His books are filled to the brim with scripture, teaching, and stories of God’s grace.  I so enjoyed this book because it was just a little bit different.  There was still so much teaching and lots of Scripture to reference.  What makes this book a little different is that the message doesn’t focus so much on the grace that is bestowed on us, but rather the fact that we need to remember at all times that we are not the center of the universe.  We were put here to wake up in the morning and ask how we can best show God’s glory in all that we do.  It’s not about us, but rather the beginning, the middle, and the end are all about the Almighty God.  I need to mention that I read Lucado’s books with a Bible next to me.  He uses so much Scripture reference that I want to look up it and discern the passages on my own.  Because of that, it always takes me a little longer to read his books, but the learning experience is incredible.  As fas as my thoughts on the book, well, it doesn’t hurt for me to hear this message now and again.  It puts things in perspective and helps me remember  my purpose.  I highly recommend this book!

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.”

A Vision of Lucy - Book Review

A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley is the third book in the Rocky Creek Romance series.  This is the story of Lucy and her aspirations to capture the human emotion through her camera lens.  Being a picture taker and scrapbooker, I was instantly captivated by this book.  This story took place in 1878, and there were so many references to what picture taking was like and how people posed.  I also liked the “picture etiquette” quotes as the beginning of each chapter.  Each one held a little tiny piece of what was to come.  Lucy, herself, was a fabulous character!  Full of good-heartedness and loads of love, and yet it was her sense of adventure for getting the perfect picture that nearly always got her in trouble.  The strong family ties and the genuine romance in this book showed God’s continual care and the power of forgiveness. 

I think this is one of the most entertaining historical fiction novels I have read.  I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a “can’t put it down” love story.

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.”

The Quotable Rogue: The Ideals of Sarah Palin in Her Own Words

I have been reading a lot lately as it's so easy to do on my Kindle!  This book was an easy one-day read.  It is a compilation of quotes from Sarah Palin.  It is really refreshing to read a book that is just what the title says it is.  The Quotable Rogue: The Ideals of Sarah Palin in Her Own Words by Matt Lewis (a writer and blogger) is perfectly titled.  This book touches on so many “hot topics” in politics.  From abortion to health care to the war on Iraq to gun control to our President to Tina Fey, it is all covered.  What I like the most about this very easy read is that it is not an author writing about Palin.  Each subject is filled with actual quotes from all different sources.   If you’ve followed Palin, it’s interesting to sit down and read her thoughts on each topic.  You know exactly where she stands when you read this book.  I actually think this might be a great pre-Presidential sort of book.  If we were able to read one of these on every candidate, we might better understand who it is we are voting for.

I like Sarah Palin because she is forthright and honest.  After reading this book, I understand that even more clearly.  I don’t know that I agree and am perfectly in line with all of her thoughts, but I will always admire her honesty.

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.”

The Waiting Place

There is a plaque in my living room with a quote by Albert Einstein that says, “Be still.  I want to know God’s thoughts.  The rest are details.”  One of my favorite Psalms is chapter 46, verse 10, “Be still and know that I am God.”  It is no surprise then that I would highly anticipate reading the “The Waiting Place” by Eileen Button.  This book is filled with essays about Button’s life and how she has waited on God in several instances.  It is touching to read what she has learned throughout her life and sometimes through tragic heartbreak.  This is definitely a very interesting read and thus keeps you captivated throughout. 

With that being said, I have mixed feelings about this book.  This is Button’s story and her waiting.  I found myself yearning throughout the book to be taught what to do and how to lean on God during the waiting places in my own life.  I think that is where the author fell short.  She relied on her own life and didn’t transition her experiences into teachable study.  I enjoy Scriptural reference to a book like this, and that was missing.  However, if you are looking for an inspirational book that will show you the way another person made it through her difficult times, then this is an excellent choice!

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.”

A Reluctant Queen

I was very excited to read this book by Joan Wolf.  I truly love the book of Esther.  In it we not only see the courage of Esther, but we clearly see the hand of God at work within a nation.  Every time I revisit this book of the Bible, I have to wonder if I am prepared in my faith for "such a time as this." (Esther 4:14)

Wolf has created a wonderful historic piece of fiction based on Esther.  And I went into this novel expecting a story and to entertained.  She has filled in the blanks, fictionally, of course, and has added more characters and elements.  What I like is that she spends time giving the reader notes at the end telling us what she has changed.  The book of Esther is no only filled with power, drama, and intrigue, but also romance.  And that is what she really seems to have captured in this book.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend this book.  I do love historical fiction - especially when it's based on true life.  The writing made me feel like I was right there.  It is an easy read, and I had a hard time putting it down! 

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.”

The Promise of an Angel

To those that know me, it's not a surprise that I would be reading Amish fiction.  I truly enjoy the simplicity.  This title lets the reader know just what the book is about.  The main character Judith speaks with an angel throughout the book for comfort and strength.  Although I believe in angels and God's purpose for them in our lives, I was a bit disappointed in the way the angel was depicted in this book.  At times, it was a little too far fetched.  I can see what the author was striving for, and it is fiction.  Still and all, I would have liked to see Tobias (the angel) written in a different and more believable way. 
With that being said, I did enjoy this book.  It is faith-filled, and that is a wonderful thing.  There is a glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch terms at the beginning of the book to help with the words that are sprinkled throughout the book.  That is very helpful, I would think, to those that are not familiar with Amish fiction.

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.”

Max on Life - Book Review

I am a huge fan of Max Lucado's.  I have read all of his books and done several of his studies.  I have never been disappointed in anything he has written, and Max on Life is no exception.

Lucado has always had an amazing way of grasping the reader with the stories he tells and his straight forward manner.  This particular book is a series of questions that he has received over the years.  Boy, does he get some interesting questions!  People have asked questions about war, feelings, parenting, ambition, and much more.  He answers all of them citing Scripture and referencing life.  I think the most interesting question for me was very simply, "Why are we here?"  The most basic of questions, and his answer was quite scripturally sound.

If you are looking for a simple read, and yet one that will make you think, this is the book for you.  It has a topical index of subjects that are covered so that it can be used a reference in day to day experiences.  The 8-page Scripture index only proves how Lucado's answers have been prayed on in order to give the best answer possible.  I like this book, and I highly recommend it!

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.”