Summer Giveaway Hop

Summer Giveaway Hop runs August 1-7 and I'm going to keep it simple. All you have to do to be entered to win this book is be a follower thru GFC and leave a comment with your name and email address. One entry per person. US only please.
I will use random. org to choose a winner on Aug 8th and notify the winner by email and on my blog. Check out the participating blogs for more goodies to win!

Reviews coming soon!

My work schedule has been hectic and I haven't had time to write reviews but there are several coming. Also watch for my Summer Hop Giveaway!

Craving Grace by Lisa Velthouse

For Lisa Velthouse’s whole life, Christianity had been about getting things right. Obeying her parents. Not drinking. Not cursing. Not having premarital sex. Vowing to save her first kiss until she got engaged, even writing a book called . . . well, Saving My First Kiss. (This, it turns out, does not actually help a girl get a date.) Yet after two decades of trying to earn God’s okay, she found her faith was lonely, empty, and unsatisfying. So she turned to more discipline, of course: fasting! By giving up her favorite foods—sweets—Lisa hoped to somehow discover true sweetness and meaning in her relationship with God. Until, one night at a wedding, she denied herself the cake but failed in such a different, unexpected, and world-rocking way that it challenged everything she thought she knew about God and herself. Craving Grace is the true story of a faith dramatically changed: how in one woman’s life God used a bitter heart, a broken promise, and the sweetness of honey to reveal the stunning wonder that is grace.

My thoughts...

In this book the author wants to understand God's grace and begins to search for it. She has ideas such as she has to earn God's grace or be good enough so that He will bless her. She tried making deals with God. Of course, in the end she understands she cannot earn it, that His grace is a gift... no strings attached. Velthouse writes of fasting, which is what we as Christians should be doing on a regular basis. This book is her story of how she searched for His grace and her understanding that came from it.

Lisa writes in an alternating time line style which was somewhat confusing, there is also quite a few pages talking about her dating life which I didn't feel added to the book's theme. I don't feel I can add anything else other than I was disappointed and didn't find the book insightful.


List Price:16.99
ISBN:978-1-4143-3577-3
Trim Size:
5 1/2 x 8 1/2
Binding:Hardcover
Release:May 2011

Satan, You Can't Have My Children by Iris Delgado

We fight in a spiritual war that can only be waged with spiritual weapons. Satan and his demons would like nothing better than to break up our families and disrupt the lives of our childen. Every home is a target. We cannot remain passive.

In Satan, You Can’t Have My Children, Iris Delgado provides an essential guide for anyone who wants to win the spiritual battle for their children. Filled with practical principles and Scripture-based prayers, this book gives you the confidence and faith to stand firm against the influences and attacks of the devil.

My thoughts...

Iris Delgado has written a wonderful tool to equip Christians to do battle, in this day and age we must pay special attention to our children and guide them correctly. "Satan, You Can't Have My Children" gives us prayers to pray, scriptures to read and back up what she has written as well as insights into spiritual warfare.

This book will help build your faith and help you to know how to pray for your children. Spiritual warfare is real, Satan tries to get hold of children through television programs, video games, and the books they read.
Parents have responsibilites and one of those is to do battle for your children. Raise them in the fear of the Lord. Be equipped to do spiritual warfare. This book will help you do just that. I recommend it for every parent.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow

Though Alexia's client's life no longer hangs in the balance, eternal questions linger.

The music stopped, the room emptied, and Baxter Richardson opened his eyes for the first time in months. He should have died from his involuntary plunge off a cliff. But he's alive, and mortal danger remains. Familiar enemies stalk him. New ones hover close at hand.

Meanwhile, haunted by accusing apparitions and the tightening dragnet of criminal investigation, Baxter's wife, Rena, is losing her patience. And quite possibly her mind.

Caught in the middle of it all is Alexia Lindale, a lawyer forced to find her way through deceptive alliances, uncertain romances, and courtroom intrigue. It's a struggle of life, death . . . and life everlasting.

My thoughts...

Another gripping novel by Whitlow, I've yet to be disappointed. Full of suspense, exciting, and amidst all this he shows us our need to rely on God and trust Him.

The characters are fabulous, I love the way Whitlow portrayed Rena. It's like he knows these people inside and out and there's always moral issues to deal with.

The ending was too quick, I felt it was wrapped up in just a few short pages. Life Everlasting is worth the read though. I give it 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Currently reading...

Watch for upcoming reviews!

Life, In Spite of Me

She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Overwhelmed by wave after wave of emotional trauma, Kristen Anderson no longer wanted to live. One January night, determined to end her pain once and for all, the seventeen-year-old lay across train tracks not far from her home and waited to die.

Instead of peace, she found herself immersed in a whole new nightmare.

Before the engineer could bring the train to a stop, thirty-three freight cars passed over her at fifty-five miles per hour. After the train stopped and Kristen realized she was still alive, she looked around—and saw her legs ten feet away.

Surviving her suicide attempt but losing her legs launched Kristen into an even deeper battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as unrelenting physical pain—all from the seat of a wheelchair. But in the midst of her darkest days, Kristen discovered the way to real life and a purpose for living.

For anyone struggling to find the strength to go on, the message of this heart-wrenching yet hope-building book is a clear and extraordinary reminder that even when we give up on life, God doesn’t give up on us.

My thoughts...

Wow, what an inspiring story. Thank God Kristen didn't succeed in her suicide attempt, her future would've been hell. And thank God Kristen is fulfilling the plans God has for her.

The events that occured prior to her suicide attempt drove her to the edge.
Kristen decided to take her life allowing multiple train cars to run over her body. She lost her legs but not her life.

Well written, emotional, and candid, I pray that Kristen's story will reach many who are contemplating suicide. She openly shares her life, good and bad, with readers in order to show them how precious life is and how good God is. Suicide is not the answer.

New Books Arrive!

These came in last week's mail. I love the smell of new books.

These three were received via Kindle. Feels like Christmas! Stay tuned for reviews.

Journey To Riverbend

Michael Archer is nothing if not a man of his word. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. Unfortunately, Sam Carstairs, one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier, has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.

Soon after arriving in Riverbend, Michael meets and falls for the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel seems to be running from a past as dark as Michael’s.

When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael offers to join the search party formed by the local sheriff. With a budding romance behind him and a dangerous rescue ahead of him, he sets out on the trail, determined to complete his journey no matter the cost.
List Price:12.99
ISBN:978-1-4143-3942-9
Trim Size:5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Binding:Softcover
Release:February 2011

My thoughts...

I had a hard time making it through this book. I found it to be lacking in character descriptions, I couldn't get to know them well and that's the thing that makes a good novel.

There were scenes I didn't expect to find in a Christian novel such as the violence and especially the description of a woman about to be raped. Some of the events were a little hard to follow.

The main characters must face their sins of the past. God is in the business or restoration and it's always good when people find their way.

Reinventing Leona

Leona Harper loves being a pastor's wife. Her impressive resume touts thirty years of coaxing hot water from rusty parsonage plumbing, planning church potlucks, and standing beside her husband while members take potshots at his sermons. Except for the little tiff with her grown children, Leona feels her life is right on track with the wishes of the Almighty...until her husband drops dead in the pulpit.

When the church board decides to fill the Reverend's vacated position Leona is forced to find a paying job, mend her fractured family, and tackle her fears. With life spiraling out of control, Leona might find the church members antics comical if she weren't so completely panicked. Can the faith of an overwhelmed widow withstand the added heartache of two resentful children and several underhanded church members? If Leona can't trust God, how will she learn to trust herself?

My thoughts...

Lynne Gentry has written a charming 5 star debut novel. The story is inspiring and the characters are fun and loveable. Their antics will make you smile.

Leona's pastor husband has a heart attack while preaching on a Sunday morning in their little community church. The members of the church fill the parsonage with food, snips, and fun. And if her husband's death is not enough to deal with, her mother suffers an injury and Leona must help care for her.

Leona has always been "the pastor's wife" and discovers she has no other identity. She soon finds out that the not so Christ like elders want her out of the parsonage right away.

There are many unwelcome turns in Leona's life, God uses these to help her grow and to come to trust Him to care for her in a way that only He can. Reading how He reinvents Leona is wonderful.

I'm hoping we will meet these characters again.

I received a free e-copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven

In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad.

But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus.

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

My thoughts...

This is an amazing story. It broke my heart to read how this little boy and his family suffered. I could feel Kevin's guilt over the accident and the heartbreak of both parents.

How wonderful God placed Christian people at the site, the paramedic, the man who got in the car and prayed. God knew this accident was going to happen and he prepared His people, those that prayed, served meals, repaired their house, etc. This is what Christianity is about, helping our brothers and sisters in time of need.

I believe Alex went to Heaven, I believe he saw angels in his room but one has to remember, he saw things through the eyes and mind of a 6 year old child and children see things a little differently than adults.

A fascinating book, I give it 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

List Price:15.99
ISBN:978-1-4143-3607-7
Trim Size:5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Binding:Softcover
Release:July 2011

A Place Called Blessing

Five-year-old Josh and his two older brothers lose their parents in a drunk-driving accident. A series of foster homes and a shocking tragedy eventually separate them, leaving Josh alone, angry, and distrustful of most everyone.

At age eighteen, Josh strikes out on his own to find work. With only a high school education and few life skills, he is one step away from homelessness when Providence brings him to a place where he finds much more than physical shelter. For the first time in his life, Josh receives unconditional love and something every human being craves, the gift of "the blessing."

The book includes an introduction and reader’s guide designed to identify and discuss the five elements of the biblical blessing that every person needs. Through the power of Josh's story, readers are shown how to give this gift to their children and others as outlined in the more than one million copy bestseller, The Blessing.

My thoughts...

A beautiful story that will bring tears to your eyes through out the book.
Josh is separated from his brothers and faces many difficult foster homes after losing his parents in a drunk driving accident, he blames himself for their deaths and grows angry and bitter. I wish all our children who are and have been in the system could read this book and know there is hope.

At the age of 18 Josh was released from the system and starts a journey that leads him to God, he learns to forgive and receive unconditional love. He acquires the hope and joy that only God can give.

Tragedy occurs again in Josh's life and he must decide if this is the life for him or if he should turn back to the old life. Caring for others hurts sometimes.

A Place Called Blessing is an excellent book about letting go of past hurts, forgiving, and learning to love. I give it 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When Lightning Strikes: One Man's Journey to Heaven and Back

If you are afraid of dying, wonder about Heaven, or can't visualize your loved one with Jesus, then this is the book for you to read.

Bobby Brunson was struck by lightning and died for 28 recorded minutes, only to return with a stunning, life-altering glimpse of the hereafter.

Here, he recounts his journey to our Heavenly home and lends his perspective on death.

Bobby shares his story with people in churches, hospitals, civic meetings, and any occasion that may present itself. Thousands have seen the expression of joy on his face when he talks about Jesus. His love in sharing his trip to Heaven with others is contagious, and his trust in God in the realities of everyday living is real.

This is a message of hope for the terminally ill, a message of peace for those whose loved ones have passed on, and a book filled with his anticipation of seeing our Lord again. Bobby's message is simple: God loves us all the same, don't sweat the small stuff, and live life in a way to make Heaven your ultimate home.

The story of Bobby walking on golden streets, talking with his deceased father, and holding the hand of Jesus make it a must read for those looking for assurance and a way to deal with death and dying.

My thoughts...

This book is one you won't want to put down, reading the story of Bobby Brunson being struck by lightning, prounced dead, and coming back to life is fascinating. What's even more fascinating is what was happening while he was dead. Bobby went to Heaven. This is where I experienced disappointment. I wanted a physical description of Heaven that would blow my mind. Bobby didn't give one... he says there are no words to describe it. (Guess I'll just have to wait and see for myself!).

What he does tell us is of the peace he felt, the incredible unconditional love which is so hard for humans to grasp. He talks about the people he met, seeing his father who had died two months earlier, and meeting Jesus face to face! This is enough to send goosebumps all over you!

Bobby came back from Heaven with an urgent message... Jesus is coming soon! I don't want to give away too much, you'll have to read the book to find out what happens next.

Kay tells her story as well, the shocking news that her husband was dead which she immediately refused to accept. She is a remarkable woman of faith who stood strong, reminding God of his promises by quoting scripture daily. The many prayers she prayed, not giving in to doubt or giving up, what it was like when Bobby went through a horrible time of depression.

While she talks of everything they went through she never wrote in a way that would make you pity her. You will see what a courageous woman she is.

I give it 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

Love Finds A Home

When times are tough. . .. . .will love find a home?

Daddy’s Girl:
Glenna Moore has become accustomed to a life of hardship while following her father on his gambling jaunts across America. But when a night of gambling turns into catastrophe, will Glenna’s heart be capable of letting a young reverend’s kindness save her from despair?

Reverend David Green trusts God in every action, but will his offer to help a desperate young woman backfire and uproot a past he would rather forget?

Dear Teacher:
Wherever Judith King goes, her physical flaw—one brown eye and one blue—follows her. As she adjusts to her life as a one-room school teacher in a Pennsylvania canal town, she insists that no man could fall in love with her.

Single father Ernie Snyder is captivated by the beautiful new schoolmarm, but believes it is a hopeless case for a man like him to marry a woman like her. Can two stubborn souls learn to let love into their lives?

Twice Loved:
A position in a used toy shop is an answer to prayer for Bev Winters who finds herself widowed with a young daughter after World War II. But when her employer shows her surprising kindness, she is unsure how to react.

After his wife’s death, Dan Fisher dutifully maintains her used toy shop and closes his heart to ever loving another woman. Then Bev Winters enters his life, and he is drawn to help her and her daughter. Will this working relationship turn into love?


My thoughts...

Brunstetter has written a collection of short stories about women who must overcome hindrances and hardship as they learn to trust God with their lives and learn to love.

Glenna Moore has gotten used to watching over her father in his drunken stupors. When he is caught cheating in a card game, they must board a train and escape those who are after him. She meets a young preacher who could change her life. Will she turn away from him?

Judith King believes no one could possibly love her because of her flaw. Read how her self esteem rises up as she falls in love with the father of one of her students. Will that love be returned?

Widow Bev Winters obtains a much needed position in a toy shop, she is thinking of nothing but providing for her young daughter. The toy shop's owner is a widower with love being the last thing on his mind. See how the Lord brings happiness to their lives.

I recommend this book if you're a romance reader! I give it 4 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Title: Love Finds a Home
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Pub Date: 07/01/2011
ISBN: 9781616264550

Thunder Of Heaven

From Tim LaHaye, creator and coauthor of the world-renowned Left Behind series-the most successful adult fiction series ever written-and Craig Parshall comes this epic story ripped from the headlines of world events and filtered through Scriptural prophecy.
Set in the very near future, Thunder of Heaven chronicles the earth-shattering events that eventually lead up to the Apocalypse foretold in Revelation.

This book will appeal to the tens of millions of readers who have already made Tim LaHaye a household name and one of the bestselling authors of all time.
Thunder of Heaven is a return to form for Tim LaHaye, whose previous prophetic fiction series, Left Behind, has sold roughly 70 million copies.

Those who have read the Left Behind series and are eager for more highly charged fiction that is based on biblical prophesies will embrace Thunder of Heaven for the same reasons that turned the Left Behind series into one of the world's most celebrated publishing phenomenons of the last two decades.

My thoughts...

A well written book that is action packed. Fans of LeHaye will not be disappointed with this end time novel.

Joshua Jordan and his wife, Abigail, go against terrorists who plan to attack the USA. Their battle ensues and I was hooked, page after page of suspense.

The characters are well rounded, considering what they're going through, they become closer to each other, like a family.

LeHaye's writing style is one that kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Thunder of Heaven
SubTitle: A Joshua Jordan Novel
Publisher: Zondervan
Pub Date: 07/01/2011
ISBN: 9780310326373