Literary Insights

Literary Insights: A Book Lovers Review



Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Fourth Fisherman by Joe Kissack How Three Mexican Fishermen Came Back from the Dead Changed My Life and Saved My Marriage

The Fourth Fisherman: How Three Mexican Fishermen Who Came Back from the Dead Changed My Life and Saved My Marriage


It was the subject of headlines around the world: Three Mexican fishermen in a small open boat without any supplies, drifting for more than nine months and 5500 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Through blistering sun and threatening storms, they battle starvation, dehydration, hopelessness, and death. An unwavering faith and a tattered Bible was their only lifeline.


          In this true story of Tres Pescadores (Three Fishermen), is the telling of how they were rescued near Australia. In their story of survival, faith, and hope it is also Kissack's story as he tells how he was once as lost as they seemed to be. At first glance, a high rolling television executive and three fishermen from Mexico have very little in common.  As the story unfolds we find a tale of outdoor adventure, a superstar television executive, whose life is in shambles, and the incredible ability of God to rescue them all through their faith.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys true life inspiration. The story is an easy read for those who don’t know the Lord, for new Christians and those who have been walking with the Lord. This is a message of hope and grace available to anyone and an encouragement that God will use you not in the same way as he uses others. When you come to your moment of brokenness will you find that God is enough?

I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing as part of their blogging for books program in return for this review.

Friday, December 2, 2011

The Skin Map (audio book) by Stephen Lawhead


It is the ultimate quest for the ultimate treasure in a race against unknown foes. Pursuing a map tattooed on human skin; to possibly unravel the future of the future.

Lawhead has penned a promising tale of inter-dimensional adventure, full of rich imagery putting a new spin on an old legend. Dynamic settings are mixed with unpredictable adventures as we follow Kit through his new life, which include parallel worlds and time travel. Most interesting is the lost map many are battling to find. The map is tattooed on the mapmaker, the skin map. This map is crucial to traveling the cosmos and, more importantly, getting back to Earth.  Soon the reader discovers, as intriguing as the map is, that's not the real prize, it's only the beginning.

It was suspenseful, engaging, with characters that are human and easy to relate to. The idea behind this story is interesting, the descriptions of the various ages/places visited done well. The story itself is captivating, and draws the reader in very quickly. I did find the main character not as interesting as the others. I supposed he will redeem himself in the following stories in the series.  

This is the first audio book I have listened to and found it hard to do anything but sit and listen. Although would be very good on a road trip, I prefer the actual book. If you like a good story to escape with I recommend this book, in whatever format you prefer.

I received an audio copy of the book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program.
I review for BookSneeze®

Friday, November 4, 2011

Forever Faithful

Forever Faithful: The Complete Trilogy
The entire best-selling Forever Faithful trilogy, by Karen Kingsbury now available in one volume:

Kingsbury is a great storyteller. Her characters are well written and come alive off the page with real life struggles. This trilogy is full of stories of redemption, restored relationships, and forgiveness. The joys and sorrows the characters experienced are so real the reader will feel they know them personally.

Waiting for Morning
   a drunk driver...a deadly accident...a dream destroyed.  When Hannah Ryan loses her husband and oldest daughter to a drunk driver, she is consumed with hate and revenge.  Ultimately, it is a kind prosecutor, a wise widow, and her husband's dying words that bring her the peace that will set her free and let her live again.

A Moment of Weakness
   When childhood friends Jade and Tanner reunite as adults, they share their hearts, souls, and dreams of forever--until a fateful decision tears them apart.  Now, nearly a decade later, Jade's unfaithful husband wants to destroy her in a custody battle that is about to send shock waves across the United States.  Only one man can help Jade in her darkest hour.  And only one old woman knows the truth that can set them all free.

Halfway to Forever
   Matt and Hannah...Jade and Tanner--after already surviving much, these couples must now face the greatest struggles of their lives: parental losses and life-threatening illness threaten to derail their faith and sideline their futures.  Can Hannah survive the loss of an adopted daughter?  Will Tanner come through decades of loneliness only to face losing Jade one final time?


Karen Kingsbury is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author, with nearly twenty million books in print.  Dubbed the "Queen of Christian Fiction" by Time magazine, Karen has written more than forty Life-Changing Drama, which encompasses the Redemption, Firstborn, and Sunrise series, as well as stand-alone novels such as Like Dandelion Dust, When Joy Came to Stay, and This Side of Heaven

If you have never read any of her books this is a good series to start with. Fans of Kingsbury will not be disappointed. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program in return for my review.


Sunday, October 23, 2011

When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado

When God Whispers Your Name

One of Max Lucado’s greatest gifts is the ability to retell biblical stories in a modern fashion and make it so real that you think he’s telling your story. He draws you in with little effort and shows you God at work in your life. This book testifies to the power and persistence of the Creator to know each of His creations by name. Through moving encounters of biblical stories, Lucado reveals the hope that God knows and whispers our names.

The three sections, the Song of the Minstrel, The Touch of the Master, and the Guest of the Maestro, have short chapters that can easily be read in a short amount of time. This book discusses how to listen and hear when God whisper’s your name. Lucado tells the modern story and then identifies the biblical counterpart. He does so in a way which holds the reader’s interest and is never boring. The discussion guide at the end of the book includes questions for each chapter that will help you to reflect on what you read, gives you scripture to guide you and even suggests which chapters to read together due to a common theme, to help the reader in their relationship with God.

If you need some help to get inspired Max Lucado is just the author and recommend you add this book to your reading list. This book would make a great gift or anyone for any occasion.

I received a free copy of this E-book for my Nook from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program.

I review for BookSneeze®

Friday, October 21, 2011

The Twelfth Imam by Joel Rosenberg

The Twelfth Imam, The Twelfth Imam Series #1

The Twelfth Imam by Joel Rosenberg flawlessly combines the best element of a Tom Clancy political thriller with the spiritual warfare of Left Behind. Set in modern Iran, the book follows a wide cast ranging from Iranian Christians and CIA operatives to radical Muslims and Iranian nuclear scientists. Readers find themselves guessing at every turn, trying to unravel an intricate web of deceptions, alliances and hidden agendas as the Iranian government works feverishly to develop weapons of mass destruction.

The action-packed plot sprints forward from the opening paragraph, and loses none of its intense drama and emotion as it continues. The book focuses primarily on David Shirazi, a Muslim-turned-agnostic who hunts terrorist leaders for the CIA. Undercover in Iran, he finds himself struggling to outwit and outgun a host of Iranian loyalists.

The story takes place today, and current events about the conflict and intrigue that characterize the geopolitical realities of the Middle East are woven masterfully throughout. Apocalyptic leaders of Iran are calling for the annihilation of Israel and the United States. Complicating matters is the emergence of a mysterious cleric. Do the miracles and healings he’s performing confirm that he is the Islamic messiah known as the Twelfth Imam?

This is my first book by Joel Rosenberg. This book gripped my attention from the very beginning! The reading is fast pace and well written. The intrigue kept me attentive for hidden details. This was my first, but won’t be my last in this series.

If you like political thrillers you will enjoy this story and if you have never tried one this is a good one to start.


Friday, September 23, 2011

A Sound Among the Trees: A Novel by Susan Meissner

         
Marielle Bishop marries into a Southern family with a dark past in this mystery about love and loss. Marielle meets her future husband, Carson, online and moves to the steamy Virginia hills from her home in the arid Phoenix desert. She soon learns that the family’s stately mansion, Holly Oak, houses more than just her new family. The Bishop family since the Civil War has been afflicted with hardship and strife—with many locals blaming their troubles on the estate’s alleged haunting. Suspicious herself, Marielle decides to investigate the family’s former matriarch and spy during the Civil War—to figure out why her spirit refuses to leave the property.

The story revolves around the women of Holly Oak and the mystery that holds the house in limbo. It all starts with Susannah who lived in the house during the civil war and was suspected of being a Union spy; it is suspected her ghost haunts the house looking for redemption. Then you have the Matriarch of the present, Adelaide, who is in her nineties and thinks that it isn't Susannah who haunts the house but the house itself that bears a grudge against it's tragic past. Then finally you have Marielle who has just married Adelaide's grandson-in-law (his first wife was Adelaide's granddaughter) and is now living in the house with Adelaide, Carson her husband, and his two children. Marielle is realizing that there is something deeper that lies within Holly Oak. Marielle is determined to find the truth behind the mystery of the house that is shrouded in time with women who share a heritage of loss.

In this contemporary historical Christian fiction, Susan Meissner brings the present and past together filled with mystery. Susannah’s story comes to life as the author leads the reader through decisions Susannah and the other Holly Oak women made that affected the family for generations. 

It was a delightful read and I recommend it to all those who love a good contemporary historical fiction read.

            I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program in return for my review.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis

Mine Is the Night - Liz Curtis Higgs
     Author Liz Curtis uses a fictional scenario in her new novel “Mine is the Night” to retell the story of Ruth by placing it in Scotland. The story takes place after the Jacobite uprising of Prince Charles against the King of England.

      The story is about family, love, and inner beauty. The story has a great moral lesson, but is first and foremost an inspiring romance.  Get ready for a magnificent story of the mending of three women’s hearts, one amazing hero, and the faithfulness of a perfect redeemer.

 There are other “heroes” other than Lord Jack that fill out the story.  Seeing the dynamic develop between the various characters was enjoyable, edifying, as well as, the truths of God’s forgiveness and provision in our lives.

     Mine is the Night is believable, the characters are so very lifelike, and the tale is one of beautiful detail. If you enjoy Christian romance, or Scottish historical in traditional settings, this book is for you!

      I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program in return for my review.




Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Untamed: How the wild side of Jesus frees us to live and love with abandon by Lisa Harper

Untamed: How the Wild Side of Jesus Frees Us to Live and Love with Abandon


Have you met the real Jesus – the One who is wild enough to set you free?  Too many people settle for relating to Jesus merely as a comfortable friend and companion, when what we all need is an untamed Savior: A fearless champion tough enough to conquer our shame and compelling enough for us to follow him without hesitation.
Harper, speaker at Women of Faith conferences, blends storytelling and biblical insights and invites you to engage with The Jesus of the gospels. Harper reminds us that Jesus is so provocative that no one left an encounter with Him unchanged. Pharisees fumed, paralytics turned cartwheels, and pariahs found love and acceptance when they met Him. Come meet the Redeemer who is both safe and strong – learn how the wild side of Jesus frees us to live and love with abandon.
I recommend this book.  At the end of each chapter are questions that are introspective and will lead to dig deeper in the bible passages provided.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner


A GREAT SUMMER READ!

An epic tale of good and evil based on the four horsemen of the Apocalypse found in the book of Revelation.

Using the four horsemen of the Apocalypse to symbolize the four Gospels, four transcendental, and four forces of the universe (air, water, earth, and fire), Sweet and Wagner weave an end-times tale of good vs. evil and the promise of a new dawn for humanity. The authors scenarios used modern technology, nano-technology, bio-sciences that are presently in process and those that are controversial in possible use to present what a future may look like if evil men were to obtain these technologies for their own benefit.

Set in 2048, when planet Earth is suffering from the damaging effects of years of misuse and abuse, cultural history professor Paul Binder receives a mysterious letter that leads him to examine a lost 2nd-century Diatessaron manuscript.

Ancient prophecies, cryptic letters, and strange events set him on a course to uncover the missing clues that could lead humanity into a new age. Each character embodies elements of the four horsemen in a race to save the world from total destruction. Layered with forgotten symbolism from the ancient, Jewish, and Christian traditions, the novel is a type of engaged fiction in which the main character's lost journal serves as a guide to the reader in interpreting clues and understanding the novel's conclusion.

What a great thought provoking story. I enjoyed the realistic development of each character, the increasingly inviting pace of the unfolding story, and the mind-challenging complexities of the hauntingly real conspiracy. This book seems designed to rekindle interest in biblical prophecy or at least will inspire to re-imagine John's Revelation.
I highly recommend this book; it was exciting and full of details and would make a great movie. I like the added notes and pictures to help visualize the story, made my reading more enjoyable. “For those that say it is unbiblical or only mature Christians should read it” – those comments are ridiculous and I am being gracious – it is FICTION and a great story at that. Actually made the story of the four horseman come alive and can actually see how the ends times may happen.
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze blogger program.


I review for BookSneeze®

Saturday, May 14, 2011

The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir is the second book in the Ray Quinn Mystery Series. I haven't read any other Quinn books, the story had several references to incidents in past books, but enough background info was given that it was easy to follow.
 It is the story of Ray Quinn; former detective turned private investigator, who had to retire when he was wounded.
In Quinn’s first big job he tries to solve an easy open and shut case for his client. The man Quinn is searching for, Logan Ramsey, a dirty ex-cop who stole from his employer. In what begins as an “easy” case turns complicated. While investigating the motel murder in an attempt to find the stolen property, Quinn comes in contact with a list of unsavory characters.
Quinn works with his young assistant Crevis, who he is training to become a cop and Quinn's quasi part time employee, Pam (a character from the first book), who tries to teach Crevis enough grammar to pass the written test for the police academy, which he had failed twice already, due to Dyslexia.
I planned to leisurely read this story but the action on the pages kept me wanting to know more right away. If you like detective mysteries you will enjoy this book. It has interesting details such as: humor, procedural knowledge, brisk pacing, redemption and strong characters.
I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program in return for my review.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Celebrate America anytime!

God's Promises for the American Patriot - Deluxe Edition

God’s Promises for the American Patriot by Richard Lee and Jack Countryman
A new wave of American patriots and their fervor for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are reminiscent to that of over 200 years ago.  In response, God's Promises® for the American Patriot combines historical facts about our forefathers with promises from God's Word, giving a powerful look at the importance of Biblical values and how they affect the fabric of our constitution. 
Noah Webster’s An American Dictionary defines patriotism as Love of one’s country in defending and protecting its rights and the modern Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines patriotism as Love for or devotion to one’s country. This book of promises seeks to show that true patriotism is not just an emotional feeling; it is action by introducing people who believed in our country and the examples their lives provided.
This book sends the reader on a journey to understand what God has done for America and where we are as a nation. The reader will enjoy the stories of heroes, past and present, who have devoted their lives to establishing and shaping America on the promises of God.
It is inspiring and educational and is sure to fuel the passion of many Christian patriots across the globe and to spur further research.
I enjoyed reading about how men and women of character and intregity depended on biblical values and its message, using scriptures to connect love of God and Country.
Great to give as a gift and is available in Deluxe Leather Edition and Soft Cover.
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze blogger program.
I review for BookSneeze®

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Max On Life by Max Lucado

Max On Life
In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of questions from all types of sources: questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. Lucado offers insightful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions.
He is engaging, a good writer, has compelling stories and illustrations, and seeks to point people to the words of Scripture. Lucado has the ability to answer in phrases and concepts that are clear and free from clutter.  They are not just his opinions, but he gives God's Word to back up his answers. Included in each response is a personal explanation with scripture references. This is a wonderful book to add to your library.
The book also includes a topical index so that readers can search for a question and answer based on their own questions as well as a scripture index for readers to read and study the scriptures for themselves. This book is a great read for someone new to the faith since many questions new believers face are answered here.
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze blogger program.
I review for BookSneeze®

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer



The Canary List - Sigmund Brouwer
Sigmund Brouwer uses Satanism, demons, an atheist school teacher, foster children, child abuse, conspiracy theories, and the Catholic Church to draw you into this quick read of a fiction book. It begins like a spiritual thriller but falls short. Brouwer tries to weave a tale about Jaime Piper, a 12 year old foster child's unique ability to sense evil and the Catholic Church wanting to either use that power or get rid of it. A school teacher, Crockett tries to help Jaimie Piper and in the process is accused of pedophilia. A high-profile lawyer gets hired by the very people who framed him and the reader doesn’t know whose side he is on till the end.

The plot never really gains any credibility. The chapters are short and jump back and forth making the story choppy and the surprise ending doesn’t make any sense. There was no clear statement in the story for or against the many topics that were brought up e.g., spiritual darkness, child abuse, foster system, catholic conspiracies, and righteousness.

At the end Brouwer tries to sum up what the story really was all about like a TV drama explaining what you just watched.

I would not recommend this book

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program in return for my review.


The Final Summit by Andy Andrews




A quest to find the one principle that will save humanity before mankind destroys itself finds David Ponder in a race against time. He has been chosen by the archangel Gabriel to lead a summit of fellow travelers, using their wisdom and experience to save mankind before all that is known is destroyed. Ponder soon finds himself traveling to the most unlikely of places to interview the most fascinating of subjects such as Winston Churchill to George Washington Carver to Joan of Arc, he must work to discover the one solution that will save humanity. Together, with the help of hundreds of his fellow travelers, before time runs out, the final summit of Travelers must work quickly to avoid dire consequences.

Will the group come up with the answer in Time? What could possibly be the one action that could change the times of history? The team is assembled much like CEO’s in a boardroom. There are five chances to come up with the correct answer and with only a limited time. The Travelers have their chance to voice their opinion.

The book is an easy read and enjoyable if you don’t have anything else to read. It is a bit too “New Agey” implying people have the courage, intellect, strength, etc. to save the world. The book hints that it could be a spiritual principle that would save humanity but ends up being something else entirely (I won’t spoil it).

David Ponder comes back from answering correctly and saving humanity and the book ends. How long was he gone, 3 hrs, 3 days, 3 wks? Nothing about the good people at the beginning of the story who were concerned about him hiding away in his home, how this revelation would affect the characters, Ponder’s life, humanity, maybe for another book, but I won’t be interested in finding out.

I would have liked better if it focused more on the famous people who used historically proven principles that made life better for themselves and others, instead of trying to present a story within a story, leaving both stories wanting. I was disappointed in the end

This book also has a readers guide as with all books lately whether it is needed or not.

I received a free copy of the book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program.


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Heart of Ice By Lis Wiehl and April Henry

 

A story about three strong women and the real life problems and decisions they face: Crime reporter, Cassidy Shaw, and her two best friends, Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedge comprise the triple threat fighting crime in Portland.

It made me think of the TV show Criminal Minds or Law and Order; it reads more like a TV show than a novel. The story begins with revealing to the reader the murderer, Elizabeth Avery. The reader will find Elizabeth a beautiful woman who manages to hide her killer cold heart as she manipulates everyone to her own end. You see inside her head and what she is thinking as she is acting out her own form of evil that appears logical to her own mind.

Elizabeth leaves a trail of bodies in her wake, The Triple Threat friends must piece together clues from seemingly unrelated crimes. Can they stop her before she reaches her unthinkable, ultimate end-game? Wiehl and Henry throughout the story give the reader clues and information to piece the puzzle with the Triple Threat Club but leave the final pieces to the very end.

This is the first book from this author I have read and is the third of the series. I found it to be interesting and kept me reading to the end. I generally love stories of mystery and suspense; though reading this story gave me a huge headache, in the beginning. I don’t know if the story was so well written that everything felt so real and made my head ache or that my headache kept me from enjoying the story.

If you like suspense, mystery then I recommend this book. I plan on reading the first two of the series. I am not surprised that CBS plans on producing one of her stories for TV.

Per the recent FTC ruling, I am required to inform you that I received a free copy of this book for my nook from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program in return for my review.



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The Miracle of Mercy Land by Jordan River

The Miracle of Mercy Land - River Jordan

I was intrigued from the very first sentence, “I was born in a bolt of lightning on the banks of Bittersweet Creek. Mama said it was a prophecy, and as she is given to having visions of the biblical kind, no one argues with her.”

The book is the first one I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. This is not your “cookie cutter” type of story. Jordan has created a spiritual thriller with characters that come off the page with life choices made and discovering that the right choice is not always easy to determine.

In the Miracle of Mercy Land, River Jordan explores good and evil, curiosity and truth, darkness and light told through a tale of southern charm and supernatural fantasy. Jordan takes the reader on a journey to the banks of Bittersweet Creek, where the past is revisited and broken hearts are mended.

A great story of a girl who discovers her destiny by tremendous acts of courage by standing firm in the values she was taught early in life.

There is a list of questions at the back of the book to facilitate discussions.

I highly recommend this book and I plan on reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books program in return for my review.


The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh

The Shelter of God's Promises

In a world of uncertainty, pain, and struggle, where do you find solid assurance and unshakeable truth? Gifted Bible teacher and inspiring Women of Faith speaker Sheila Walsh offers powerful, heart-filled teaching on ten bedrock promises of God, providing the foundation for daily confidence, joy, and hope.

When I read this opening on the cover it was easy to choose to read this book. This book did not disappoint, it was all I expected and more.

Sheila Walsh searches Scripture for what God has promised, what those promises mean, and how encounters with Christ fulfill His unwavering commitment to us. In these pages Walsh shares some of the Bible's most compelling stories, and unveils ten foundational promises of God. Walsh uses personal experience with meaningful biblical insight to inspire readers to trust in God and His promise to sustain them for a lifetime.

In The Shelter of God’s Promises, you will find the comfort you need. You will find the faith that never fails and the strength to carry on in difficult situations through the promise of God’s presence.

In the chapter on the Promise of Strength there is this thought that I connected to: No matter what circumstances pull the carpet out from underneath us, I found, like millions before me who have walked this path of faith, that God will use the darkest of nights to let us know that He is there, that He upholds us.
I agree with Walsh’s conclusion: the promises of God are fulfilled in Christ to not only offer us shelter but that He is the shelter.

This would be a perfect book to pursue further study on God’s promises and to find your own promises God has for you. This book includes an in-depth bible study and a study guide is available for purchase.

This book may be short but is full of truth and reads like a letter from a precious friend who needs to share her heart. I fully recommend this book.

Per the recent FTC ruling, I am required to inform you that I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program in return for my review.

Life Lessons Study Bible by Max Lucado



Lucado’s Life Lessons Study Bible has a lot of great features such as over 1,000 Life Lessons, a Topical Index, and Devotional Index by topics, A Two Year Bible Reading Plan, New Believer Studies, 30 Day Reading Plans, Spiritual Growth Verses, and more! This Bible takes a lot from Lucado’s well known books old and latest such as his latest release, Outlive Your Life.
I am glad that Lucado uses the NKJV version of the Bible, easy to read, as Lucado adds his insights and teachings from years of personal bible study and writing and applies them to the scriptures.  He provides margin notes that give life application lessons.  Lucado also includes a two-year devotional plan along with a section at the end of the book that includes:  He Did This Just for You verses, Spiritual Growth verses, Studies for New Believers, A 30-Day Overview of the New Testament, and An index of Where to Turn When.
If you enjoy Max Lucado's books, then you will enjoy this Bible. The commentaries are quotes from Lucado's books as well as insight into the scripture. The commentary is in the margins on the outer edge.  It is a great Bible study tool. The commentary and insights touch the heart and engage the mind for further study.

Interspersed throughout the chapters are mini-devotionals which are one to two pages long and contain the same depth as the marginal commentary. It is a great Bible for the new convert or the mature Christian.
I enjoy Lucado's writing style; it is the same way he preaches, both inspirational and encouraging. In simple terms every page has study/devotional material. Each "lesson" includes the situation, observations, inspiration, application and exploration.
For anyone looking for a Bible that has interesting insights and endearing stories, I would recommend this Bible.  The devotional material is brief and engaging. The Bible is available in hardcover and Leather soft cover with a presentation page making a good gift for the new Christian or seasoned believer. I highly recommend this book
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible, NKJV Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith by Max Lucado from BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publisher for this review.

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Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo w/Lynn Vincent

 


This is an amazing story about a 4 yr. olds’ visit with God in heaven while undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Heaven is for Real gives a fresh look at heaven; through a child’s heart is revealed in conversations with his father. To those of us waiting to see Jesus this story is reassuring. Heaven is for Real will encourage you to find out more on what Jesus meant when he said you must have child like faith to enter the kingdom of Heaven. This book is an easy read and enjoyable. If you love children and love Jesus I would recommend this book.
Per the recent FTC ruling, I am required to inform you that I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program in return for my review.


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Good Morning Lord by Sheila Walsh








I Don’t know Where You’re Going Today, But I’m Going With You.

Talented author and Women of Faith speaker, Sheila Walsh has written a delightful devotional. Walsh shows us the heart of God in easy to read stories. The short descriptive narratives are just the right amount to get you mediating on the goodness of God with space to write down your own thoughts. If you want to learn to trust God daily in a fun and interesting way I recommend this devotional.

Per the recent FTC ruling, I am required to inform you that I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program in return for my review.



I review for BookSneeze®

Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado

Outlive Your Life
In leading us through the book of Acts, Max Lucado takes familiar stories to help us understand the heart of Jesus. Lucado gently tells us to not see people as problems but as opportunities to serve Christ. Lucado recaptures the wonder of the early Christians and explains to us that if they could change the world, we could too. Lucado presents the Truth that goes straight to the heart.


I loved the inspiration Lucado brings to help us see that “in our simple deeds we serve Jesus.” Imagine what we could do to change our world in the lives of “the least of these”. I encourage everyone who wants to make a difference to begin with this book.

As Lucado closes he leaves us with this thought, “…here we stand: you, me, and our one-of–a-kind lives. We are given a choice. An opportunity to make a difference…What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope?”

Per the recent FTC ruling, I am required to inform you that I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their Booksneeze Blogger program in return for my review.

I review for BookSneeze®