Book Review of Redemption: A Rebellious Spirit, A Praying Mother, And the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold by Bryan Clay with Joel Kilpatrick

The book Redemption: A Rebellious Spirit, A Praying Mother, And the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold by Bryan Clay with Joel Kilpatrick is Bryan Clay's testimony of how God changed his life from one that was leading to destruction to one that transformed him into an amazing athlete, loving husband and father.

The inside jacket of the book says, " Redemption welcomes readers to learn the potential for victory, the power of prayer, and the promise of a God who never gives up."  Clay's life story shows the reader all of these things.  I was very encouraged by his mother's devotion to praying for his future, and then seeing what God had told her unfold in Clay's life.  Despite the struggles he faced in his childhood and youth, Clay was able to rise above those with faith in God and a lot of hard work.  I really like the quote on the back cover of the book by Clay which says, "I have been put on Earth not only to win medals and enjoy the thrill of competition but also, ultimately, to point people to the faithfulness of God."  I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for some inspiration.  You won't be disappointed because Clay's life story is full of inspiration!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review of Nothing to Hide (A Roland March Mystery) by J. Mark Bertrand

Nothing to Hide is the 3rd book in J. Mark Bertrand's Roland March mystery series.  In this book, Roland March investigates the murder of a man who was decapitated and left at the basketball court in the park.  As   March and his partner, Jerry Lorenz, begin to investigate the murder, March is called to meet secretly with an FBI agent who claims that the murdered man was an undercover asset tracking the flow of illegal arms to the Mexican cartels.  March is asked play along with the cover story, but after further investigation, he discovers the FBI is lying.  There are many more twists and turns that happen, but I don't want to give too much detail and ruin it for future readers.

I thought this book was okay.  It took me a while longer to read it than it usually does because I found the book to be very wordy that it took away from the plot.  I did like how the story unfolded, and I definitely was surprised at the end.

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

Book Review of Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters: Real-life Stories of Supernatural Events

The book Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters: Real-life Stories of Supernatural Events compiled by James Stuart Bell includes 44 true stories about encounters with angels and demons, near-death experiences, miraculous provision and incredible rescues.  The back of the book says: "You'll marvel at how God and His angels are working behind the scenes to protect and guide us. And you'll be comforted by glimpses of the peace that awaits us in heaven.  The God who pulled back the curtain for a moment in the lives of these writers is the same God who works all things together for our good.  Whether you're simply curious about the supernatural world or longing for a fresh experience of God's presence, these amazing stories will touch your heart and strengthen your faith in the God of miracles."

This book is very easy to read.  I found it similarly set up like the Chicken Soup for the Soul books.  Some of the stories will truly inspire you.  Some will give you that glimpse into heaven.  Some might scare you.  There were a couple stories that seemed to be put in just to fill the pages.  All in all, this is a good book for anyone looking to read true stories about the supernatural world.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

Book Review of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade is a story of waiting on God, listening to God and following God's path in life and love despite your own desires.  Kate Donovan accompanies her grandmother to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to help with the restoration of Chapel Bluff, the house her grandmother grew up in.  Kate is looking forward to an adventure and a break from work and life.  She gets more than she expected when she meets Matt Jareau, the man hired to renovate the house.  Of course, she can't help being attracted to him, but she can tell that he is clearly struggling with something and she is determined to befriend him and help with whatever he is going through.  

I really enjoyed this book.  I really like Wade's writing style.  I found the characters well developed and believable.  As for what happens in the book, I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil it for anyone who plans to read it, but I was so sad for both Kate and Matt when she moved back home.  But fortunately, there was a happy ending!

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.    

Book Review of The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis has two main characters -an Englischer, Amelia 'Amy' Devries and an Amishman, Michael Hostetler.  Amelia is a world-famous violinist secretly playing as a fiddler.  Michael is struggling with the pressure from his family to join the church and let go of 'worldly' things.  The two characters cross paths when a wrong turn and a flat tire during a storm leads Amelia to the little cabin where Michael is staying.  The two of them quickly become friends, and Amelia takes some time from her busy life and spends some time in Hickory Hollow to think about her own hopes and dreams.  Michael also takes the time to decide what will make him happiest.  

I thought that this book was pretty good.  I did find parts of it unbelievable, but that is why it is called fiction!  I found it to start out kind of slow which took me a while to get through the first few chapters.  Once I got to chapter 6, the story line was more interesting and from then on, I didn't want to put the book down.  

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

Book Review of Mondays with My Old Pastor by Jose Luis Navajo

When Jose Luis Navajo is thinking of quitting the ministry and doesn't know where to turn, his wife suggests that he go to visit with his old pastor.  Mondays with My Old Pastor is a book about Navajo's Monday visits with his old pastor and the wisdom that he gained.  The back of the book says, "In lyrical prose, Navajo shares the personal anecdotes, fables, and deep spiritual insights offered by the old pastor and his wife.  By turns funny, heartbreaking, and thought provoking, Mondays with My Old Pastor is a comfort to anyone who struggles in his or her walk with God.  As readers follow Navajo's journey from desperation to rejuvenation, they will find themselves similarly transformed and inspired.  This moving, beautifully written account is sure to reignite every soul's longing for renewal." 

If you can only read one book this year, I highly recommend making Mondays with My Old Pastor by Jose Luis Navajo that book.  The description on the back of the book said it perfectly.  I laughed, I cried and I thought about what I had read.  After finishing this book, I felt my own soul reignited.  I have so many pages throughout the book marked to go back and read again.  I plan to keep this book on my bookshelf for years to come, and I cannot wait to share this book with others.  It is an AMAZING book, and I cannot recommend it enough.  


Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review of Need You Now by Beth Wiseman

In Beth Wiseman's book, Need You Now, the reader is introduced the Henderson family - Brad, Darlene, Chad, Grace and Ansley.  When one of their teenagers gets involved with the wrong crowd, Brad and Darlene make the decision to move their family from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.  The family faces many challenges throughout the book including Darlene working outside the home for the first time, tension in Brad and Darlene's marriage and the secret their daughter, Grace, is keeping.  A quote from the back of the book: "Experience a family’s triumph over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most." 


This book is a very quick read.  The issues that the Henderson family face are real-life issues that many people will be able to relate to.  As much as I liked the book, I feel like the story really could have been more developed.  There were definitely some parts to the story that were lacking.  Although Layla wasn't the main character of the book, she was a key part of it.  I would have liked to see more about her story especially when she reunited with her ex.  I know that Brad's secret from Darlene (and from the reader) was kept that way to keep the reader in suspense, but I still would have liked Wiseman to have that part of the story in the book.  With that said, I would still recommend this book because I didn't want to put it down!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review of Spirit Wars: Winning the Invisible Battle Against Sin and the Enemy by Kris Vallotton

In Kris Vallotton's book, Spirit Wars: Winning the Invisible Battle Against Sin and the Enemy, he focuses on the idea of spiritual warfare and gives the reader ways that he or she can be victorious in the invisible battle against sin and the enemy.  He also talks about his personal experiences with depression, demonic bondage, torment and deliverance.

First of all, I have to say that this book wasn't what I had expected.  From the description on the back cover, I thought that it would be more of the author's personal story.  However, it is a self help book with some of Vallotton's personal experiences.  With that said, it is a good book, and the fact that Vallotton shared his personal testimony and experiences will give hope to those struggling through the same things (fear, anxiety, depression and much more) if they are to read it.  I think this book has a lot of good information for anyone searching for more about spiritual warfare.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

Book Review of In Too Deep (The Kincaid Brides Book 2) by Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy's book, In Too Deep, is the 2nd book in The Kincaid Bride series.  This book takes place in Colorado in 1866.  Out of concern for her little ones and at his big brother's prodding, Ethan Kincaid asks Audra Gilliland to marry him.  Not wanting to be a burden to her newly married step daughter and thinking of her babies safety, Audra accepts Ethan's proposal and the two of them become a family.  Ethan doesn't expect to begin to care so much for Audra, and it scares him because he promised himself never to care so much after someone he cared for was seriously hurt under his watch.  The men in Audra's life have done a poor job of taking care of her, so she has promised herself to she will take care of herself.  As Ethan and Audra learn to be a family, their feelings begin to change as well as their promises to themselves.


I found myself a bit confused about parts of the story because I hadn't read the first book before reading this one.  I found the marriage between Ethan and Audra a bit far fetched, but I did enjoy reading how their relationship developed.  I found Ethan's naivety about women and marriage quite humorous.  If you are interested in reading this book, I would highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Out of Control. 


I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

Book Review of Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan

Andrew Klavan's book, Crazy Dangerous, tells the story of Sam Hopkins, a preacher's kid who has fallen in with the wrong crowd - car thieves and thugs - because he is tired of being "unapproachable."  When he sees one of those thugs harassing Jennifer, a schoolmate who is a little different, he defends her and gains a new "strange" friend.  Jennifer confides in Sam about scary visions of demons, the devil and voices that she hears, and she calls Sam her "magic" friend claiming that he can make them go away.  Everyone Sam talks to about Jennifer's visions tells him that she is a very sick girl and there is no truth to her visions, but Sam believes otherwise and is determined to get to the bottom of it which in the end is a very dangerous choice.

This book was a very quick read and kept me wondering what was going to happen next, but it scared me because parts of the story could and do actually happen.  As I got closer to the end, I had a good idea of who Jennifer's "demons" were in real life.  Even though this book is supposed to be for young adults, I wouldn't recommend it for teenagers.  I found parts of it disturbing, and I am not sure that the mind of a teenager can actually grasp the seriousness of those parts.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review of Here's Lily by Nancy Rue

 Nancy Rue's book, Here's Lily, tells the story of Lily Robbins, a 6th grader who gets teased a lot at school and is embarrassed by her height, pale skin, red hair and big lips.  When Lily is invited to join a modeling class, her parents allow her to join, but tell her she has to look for where God in the experience.  However, Lily becomes obsessed with her appearance and modeling.  A tragic accident will change everything though for Lily and her family, and Lily will learn that real beauty is on the inside.

I enjoyed this book.  The author did a good job of making the book appropriate for the current "times."  I think that it so important for young girls to find confidence and realize that despite teasing, they are beautiful and special because they have God on their side.  I loved the idea of having "God-confidence - the confidence in God that allows her to trust in Him no matter what."  I think the idea of "God-confidence" applies not only to young girls, but to all ages.  It was an important reminder for me.  I highly recommend this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review of The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo

Robert Liparulo's book, The 13th Tribe, is about a group of immortals who have been trying to earn their way into heaven by killing sinners and Jagger Baird, a former army ranger who is angry with God for an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, but left him alive.  The reader will meet many characters throughout the book, and eventually the characters lives (and stories) will intertwine.  Jagger's wife and son are caught in the crossfire of the Tribe's biggest attack ever where millions of lives will be threatened, and Jagger will stop at nothing to save his family and to stop the tribe from killing millions of innocent people.

I have one word for this book - WOW.  If you want to read a christian novel that is full of action and suspense, this is the book for you.  Not only is it full of action and suspense, but it also has several twists and turns that will surprise you.  My jaw dropped several times while reading this book, and I did not want to put it down.  I highly recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review of From Blah to Awe: Shaking Up a Boring Faith by Jenna Lucado Bishop

Jenna Lucado Bishop's book, From Blah to Awe: Shaking Up a Boring Faith, is geared towards girls in junior high and high school.  The book recognizes that everyone at one time or another gets bored with God, but points out that during those times we are missing out.  The author goes through different ways a person might get bored with God and how to get "unbored."  The book is full of personal stories from other young ladies, scripture and ways to strengthen your relationship with God.

Jenna writes with a very conversational tone which is perfect for the young readers this book is geared toward.  I really liked that she asked questions in each chapter, and most of those questions were followed by space for the reader to write her answers.  At the end of each chapter, there is a "To Sum it Up" section that covers what was read in the chapter which I felt was an important addition to the book.  How often does a teenager read something only to have forgotten what he/she just read?  I know that I forget things that I read after a few minutes, and I am 33!  I also liked the prayers throughout the book.  One of the parts that I thought was really neat was in the chapter A Very Unboring Story  where Jenna wrote about the gospel and took a closer look at "your character" (meaning the reader) and God's character within the gospel story.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a young girl that is struggling with her relationship with  Jesus.  In fact, I would recommend it to any adult that is struggling with their relationship with Jesus.  You won't be disappointed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  

Book Review of Miracles Are For Real: What Happens When Heaven Touches Earth by James L. Garlow & Keith Wall

In Miracles Are For Real: What Happens When Heaven Touches Earth, James Garlow and Keith Wall look at what miracles are and what they mean for believers today. Garlow and Wall look at both miracles that happened while Jesus was alive, miracles that happened in eras past and some modern day miracles.  The authors purposes in writing this book were in the introduction on pages 11 & 12.

1. God is alive, well, and intensely interested in your life.

2. Not only do miracles happen, but they still happen today.

3. Regarding the supernatural, the best way to live - the only way to live - is to believe that a miracle could happen at any moment.

I got the most inspiration from reading the accounts of real modern day miracles experienced by others.  I also found it interesting that there are all different kids of miracles.  However, I found that all of the information about the different kinds of miracles was a little confusing at times.  Overall, I would say that if you are looking for some inspiration, this might be a book you'd enjoy.

 I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

Book Review of The Exceptional Life: 8 Powerful Steps to Experiencing God's Best for You by Stephen Arterburn

Stephen Arterburn's book, The Exceptional Life: 8 Powerful Steps to Experiencing God's Best for You, covers 8 different things in our lives that may be hindering us from - like it says in the title - experiencing God's best for us.  In the introduction of the book, Arterburn states that he believes if he were to take the main problem anyone is having in life, no matter what it is, he'd be able to boil it down to the fact they must release one of eight things in order to gain the beneficial qualities they are missing.  For every negative quality a person releases, they will gain a positive.  Here is a list of what Arterburn covers in this book.

1. Give up guilt and shame, in order to get back hope.
2. Give up resentment, in order to get back love.
3. Give up fear, in order to get back trust.
4. Give up anger, in order to get back forgiveness.
5. Give up instant gratification, in order to get back patience.
6. Give up learned helplessness, in order to get back power.
7. Give up isolation, in order to get back connection and community.
8. Give up addiction, in order to get back freedom.

I love Stephen Arterburn's writing style.  He seems to be knowledgeable of current trends, down to earth and extremely candid which is very appealing to me when I am reading a book--especially a book to help improve my life.  This book is eye opening, and Arterburn's insight to each topic is thought-provoking.  If you want to improve your life, I would definitely recommend this book.  You won't be disappointed.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review.

Book Review of Heart of Ice (A Triple Threat Novel) by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Heart of Ice is the third novel in the Triple Threat series by Lis Wiehl with April Henry.  The series is about three friends: Cassidy, a TV crime reporter, Allison, a federal prosecutor, and Nicole, an FBI agent.  The three women together make up the Triple Threat Club and work together to solve crimes in the town of Portland.  In this book, the villain is Elizabeth Avery, a master manipulator, convincing many people to do things for her.  When random crimes start popping up all over Portland, the Triple Threat Club is on the case, and they won't believe where these crimes lead them!

I enjoyed this book, but I was a little confused as to why it is published by a Christian publisher.  One of the main characters, Allison, is a Christian and there are moments in the book when faith is talked about, but it is not throughout the entire book which is what I would have expected coming from a Christian publisher.  With that said, the book is fast paced and interesting to read.  The characters are real and are dealing with everyday situations that I could easily relate to.  If you are looking for a good thriller to read, I would recommend this book.   


Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255