Book Review of The Reason by William Sirls

The book The Reason by William Sirls is a story of believing and having faith in what you cannot see.  When lightning strikes the cross and St. Thomas Church and splits it in two, the minister, James Lindy, wonders how they will repair it without the necessary funds.  He hears the words "only believe."  This is not the last time that the characters in this book will be asked to "only believe."  

We will meet several characters along the way.  Macey Lewis is a young oncologist who will be challenged to believe in a higher power (God) rather than what she knows and has always put her faith in--modern medicine.  The mysterious Kenneth is a carpenter/construction worker who offers to try to help fix the broken cross and ends up giving everyone so much more.  Alex's mom, Brooke, is asked to believe that God will heal her son.  The cross brings together all of these people.

I found the first half of the book a bit slow moving, and it was hard for me to get involved in the story line.  Once I got further into the story, it began to move more quickly for me and found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next.  Overall, the book was just okay for me.  I think that it would have been better if this book had been part of a series (with books about each character coming first).

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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

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