tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34432676005141006952024-03-08T00:37:23.873-05:00Lisa Reads Too MuchLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-26435786831539646222012-06-11T21:13:00.000-04:002012-06-11T21:13:26.859-04:00Review of Need You Now by Beth Wiseman<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Book Description<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When big-city life threatens the
safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their
three teenagers from <st1:city w:st="on">Houston</st1:city> to the tiny town of
<st1:city w:st="on">Round Top</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Adjusting to small-town life is
difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a
dangerous way.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Married life hasn’t always been bliss,
but their strong faith has carried Brad and Darlene through the difficult
times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their
marriage, the domestic tension rises.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While working with special needs
children at her new job, the widowed father of one of the students starts
paying more attention to Darlene than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like
someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s
now.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Experience a family’s triumph over
lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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This is the first book of Beth Wiseman’s that I have read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand she writes very popular Amish
fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought this book was just
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel that the characters lacked
a certain depth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only interesting
character was the next door neighbor, Layla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I probably would not recommend this book to others.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the
publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>>
book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p> </h3>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-68164672424009961832012-04-04T07:55:00.000-04:002012-04-04T07:55:26.369-04:00Review of The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I was already a fan of Rachel Hauck’s writing, having enjoyed the Lowcountry romances (Sweet Caroline, Love Starts with Elle, and Dining with Joy).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I LOVED The Wedding Dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not put it down, and I read it in a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel has a masterful way of intertwining the stories of four different women who wear the same wedding dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love story lines that go back in time and describe what it was like for women to live in by gone eras with the different societal expectations and roles for women.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The word “redeemed” is used frequently in the story, reminding us of the redeeming love of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rachel Hauck uses the wedding dress as a symbol for the Gospel of Jesus-“it never wears out, it fits everyone who tries it on, it doesn’t need to be altered, and it’s always in style.”</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend it to others.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-16431294386201195112012-03-07T17:43:00.000-05:002012-03-07T17:43:34.533-05:00Review of Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When I read the title of Marilyn Meberg”s book, Constantly Craving, I was hoping it would help me with my constant craving for food when I wasn’t hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although that is not one of the topics covered in her book, I did enjoy Constantly Craving. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Marilyn talks about our different cravings: for excitement, romance, contentment, meaning, purpose, revenge, and heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She discusses where some of these develop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, our cravings for love are related to our early emotional experiences in our family. In her discussion about contentment, she states that it is “characterized by not wanting more than we have.” The biblical definition of contentment also involves being content even when we have less than what we ought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul addressed the topic in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That is a difficult concept to internalize in a world that stresses instant gratification and attainment of material goods.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I think the bottom line for all of our cravings, desire for contentment, and homesickness is HIM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created a God-shaped space in us that can only be filled by Him- not things, people, places, homes, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when we are craving that something we think we need, we should turn to Him to fulfill us with prayer, the reading of His Word, and fellowship with other believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, Marilyn says that “It is He and He alone who will totally eliminate all our cravings-but not until we’re home with Him in heaven. As long as we’re here on earth, we can only experience partial craving solutions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am looking forward to going home!</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I have seen Marilyn Meberg speak at a Women in Faith conference and enjoyed it very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her book is similar to her speaking-very friendly and likable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.</div><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <</span><a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">> 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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When I read the title of Marilyn Meberg”s book, Constantly Craving, I was hoping it would help me with my constant craving for food when I wasn’t hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although that is not one of the topics covered in her book, I did enjoy Constantly Craving. </div><br />
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</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Marilyn talks about our different cravings: for excitement, romance, contentment, meaning, purpose, revenge, and heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She discusses where some of these develop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, our cravings for love are related to our early emotional experiences in our family. In her discussion about contentment, she states that it is “characterized by not wanting more than we have.” The biblical definition of contentment also involves being content even when we have less than what we ought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul addressed the topic in Philippians 4:12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” That is a difficult concept to internalize in a world that stresses instant gratification and attainment of material goods.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I think the bottom line for all of our cravings, desire for contentment, and homesickness is HIM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created a God-shaped space in us that can only be filled by Him- not things, people, places, homes, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when we are craving that something we think we need, we should turn to Him to fulfill us with prayer, the reading of His Word, and fellowship with other believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, Marilyn says that “It is He and He alone who will totally eliminate all our cravings-but not until we’re home with Him in heaven. As long as we’re here on earth, we can only experience partial craving solutions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am looking forward to going home!</div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I have seen Marilyn Meberg speak at a Women in Faith conference and enjoyed it very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her book is similar to her speaking-very friendly and likable. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.</div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <</span><a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">> 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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-71814310355390857762012-02-07T07:49:00.000-05:002012-02-07T07:49:28.830-05:00Review of The Final Summit by Andy Andrews<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have read several of Andy Andrews’ books and The Final Summit is my favorite by far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the story line to be very interesting and I liked meeting all of the historical figures and learning new things about them. I found the premise that all of these people from different eras in time meet and discuss the problem to be very intriguing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, I found The Final Summit to be very entertaining and I would recommend it to others.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>> 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.</span><br />
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</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-77015542390009842412011-12-13T21:48:00.000-05:002011-12-13T21:48:04.622-05:00Review of The Voice New Testament by Ecclesia Bible Society<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I like to read different versions of the Bible, and have several of them, so I was interested in reading The Voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was intrigued by its description as being “a collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did not find much poetry or song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of it is written as a script, which is interesting, and the notes throughout are helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall, I think this translation is interesting but I would go a more standard translation for actual Bible study.</span><span style="display: none; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hide: all;">Top of Form</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="display: none; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hide: all;">Bottom of Form</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <</span><a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">> 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 <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-66950985148485052942011-10-05T21:35:00.000-04:002011-10-05T21:35:14.945-04:00Review of Right from the Heart Turning Your Day toward God by Bryan WrightI am always looking for new devotionals. I have been using this devotional ever since I received it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a very pretty book to use on a daily basis. A variety of topics are covered in this devotional include parenting, marriage, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, prayers, tolerance, and priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each devotion begins with a Scripture verse and is followed by a short, meaningful discussion.<br />
I have enjoyed this devotional and will continue to use throughout the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would recommend it to others as a great way to start the day with God.<br />
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>> 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.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-28555901148339139982011-08-14T22:43:00.000-04:002011-08-14T22:43:17.661-04:00Review of Stumbling Into Grace by Lisa Harper<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lisa Harper is a Women of Faith speaker who has written a likeable, friendly book that shares her personal experiences along with stories from the life of Jesus. The book is divided into three parts: Real Life, Real Gifts, and Real Growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real Life discusses scary things, binding things, dangerous things, and sweet things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real Gifts includes the gifts of forgiveness, touch, humor, community, and rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real Growth shows how Jesus helps us become less critical, more honest, more content, more dependent, and more grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In each chapter, Lisa gives a story from her personal life, a scripture passage from the life of Jesus, and a short discussion of the passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of each chapter are questions for personal reflection or group discussion, as well as a journal prompt, so this book can be used in a group setting or on an individual basis.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All of the big names from the Women of Faith conference- Anita Renfroe, Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, Sandi Patty, Lisa Whelchel give great praises to Lisa Harper’s book in the opening pages of the book, so I was expecting a can’t-put-it-down read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was an okay book, but I didn’t get what I expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be a good book for a group Bible study to help generate discussion.</span></div>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>> 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.<br />
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-12560482013957961912011-07-04T23:22:00.000-04:002011-07-04T23:22:42.911-04:00Review of “It’s Not About Me” by Max Lucado<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s no secret that society today has encouraged people to become very self-centered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We focus on what we want and how we can get it, how we look to other people, and how we can get ahead of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kind of life we should be living-a God-centered life- is totally opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title of Max’s book says it all-“It’s Not About Me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything about our life is about Him-our salvation, our body, our struggles as well as our success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Max talks about each of these areas and how we can change out thinking about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I particularly liked how Max describes us as God’s mirrors. We reflect the Son, just as the moon reflects the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is a great reminder about what life is really all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so easy to be caught up in our everyday life and forget that we were created and are here for God’s glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would recommend this book to all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>> 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.</span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-89304191230311097142011-07-04T22:34:00.000-04:002011-07-04T22:34:57.339-04:00Review of Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Heaven is for Real is the story of a little boy’s experience of heaven during a serious operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His parents were not sure he was going to survive, and his pastor father raged at God and begged for his son’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four year old survived and began to tell his parents small pieces about his experience, including things he could not have known-like the miscarriage his mother has suffered before he was born.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had read Don Piper’s 90 minutes and really enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think a little boy would have much to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very refreshing to hear a child’s viewpoint of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colton talks about the colors, the people he meets, and being with Jesus and His Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book was a great reminder of how we are to view heaven and eternity. Matthew18: 3-4 says “And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would highly recommend this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great read!</span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-63287692986601916782011-06-06T22:26:00.000-04:002011-06-06T22:26:27.577-04:00Review of The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because of the complexity of the storyline, I have included the description of the book from the publisher:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“An epic tale of good and evil based on the four horsemen of the Apocalypse found in Revelation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Using the four horsemen of the Apocalypse to symbolize the four Gospels, four transcendentals, and four forces of the universe (air, water, earth, and fire), Sweet and Wagner weave a fast-paced, end-times tale of good vs. evil and the promise of a new dawn for humanity.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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. 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.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is a fictional tale of the end times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a fan of the Left Behind series, I thought I would enjoy this one too; however, I have only gotten through a little less than half of the book, and I can’t force myself to finish it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are multiple characters and multiple story lines going on at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are constant shifts in these story lines and their settings within each chapter, which is very confusing and feels choppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one chapter, I counted seven different scenes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m sure there are many people who enjoyed this book very much, but unfortunately, I am not one of them, and I could not recommend it to others.</span></div>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>> 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.<br />
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</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-28994611090756921272011-04-27T17:16:00.000-04:002011-04-27T17:16:37.295-04:00Review of the Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Set in the early 1900’s, Olivia Stewart travels to Mercy Falls, California to investigate the death of her sister Eleanor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Olivia keeps her identity hidden from Eleanor’s fiancé, Harrison Bennett, as she believes he have played a part in Eleanor’s death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woven into the story are themes of societal expectations of the wealthy, especially those of women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Olivia strains against these expectations as she desires to become her own person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also becomes involved in organizing a ball to raise funds to rebuild the Mercy Falls lighthouse that was destroyed in a storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mystery, intrigue, and romance make this a very enjoyable read.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the first book of Colleen Coble’s that I have read and I liked it very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I will be looking up her other books, especially those that are part of this Mercy Falls series.</span></div>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>> 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.<br />
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</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-31618841200374851652011-04-18T14:31:00.000-04:002011-04-18T14:31:14.181-04:00Review of Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max LucadoMax on Life provides answers to 172 questions on various topics. Some topics are heavy duty- why are we here, who is God, life after death, and unanswered prayers. Max gives a one page answer, which may seem to be too simplistic to some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I can see this being helpful to a newer believer-finding an answer and usually a biblical verse that they can reference. This is not a book for in-depth theological answers. Max also covers a lot of simpler topics, such as hospitality, worry, and getting out a bad mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can envision using this as a reference book, because there is a helpful topical index in the back of the book.<br />
If you’ve read other Max Lucado books, you may recognize that some of the answers are from those other books, so it may seem repetitious. I’ve enjoyed his other books, but as for this one, I would say it was just okay.<br />
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Disclosure <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a>> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write</b> 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.<br />
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</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-31937647096570831472011-03-22T19:15:00.000-04:002011-03-22T19:15:46.572-04:00Review of The Story of the Bible by Larry Stone<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love to read the Bible, but I thought that reading about the history of how the Bible came to be might not be very interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wrong!! Larry Stone has written a concise and interesting story about how the 66 books written by more than forty authors in three languages over a period of fifteen hundred years became the Bible we know today. Mr. Stone starts at the very beginning, discussing Hebrew and Greek languages, the people of the Bible, and the beginning of a new faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He takes us through the early church years, the Middle Ages, and all the way through the Bible being brought to the new world and up to current times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He describes the people involved in the different translations and how decisions were made on what was included in the Bible. The Story of the Bible has beautiful illustrations and also has removable color reproductions of pages from the different Bibles that are discussed that gives an extra dimension to the book.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really enjoyed reading this book, and I know it is a book I will reference in the future and share with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the most important book in the world-the Bible!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <a href="http://booksneeze.com/">http://booksneeze.com/</a> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am discloing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part255.</span></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3443267600514100695.post-17478246133629028942011-02-10T21:43:00.000-05:002011-02-10T21:43:54.592-05:00Review of Same Life, New Story by Jan Silvious<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a ten week Bible study that sees our lives as stories we are continually writing with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we don’t like our life as it is, we can choose to write a new story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jan Silvious uses ten women from the Bible to illustrate the difficulties that can be encountered and overcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These include letting go of issues from the past, changing an “I can’t” to “I can”, getting rid of drama, working through fear, and choosing resilience in the face of adversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jan skillfully interweaves stories of Naomi, Leah, Rahab, Hannah, and others with stories from modern day women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each chapter ends with questions for personal reflection as well as group discussion questions, so the book can be used for personal study alone or with a group.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have read a lot of self-help books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I only get halfway through, and stop reading because the information is the same old, same old and I lose interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Same Life, New Story, I did not have that problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found it to be an inspiring and challenging way to look at life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the stories within to be interesting and I would highly recommend this book to others.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <</span><a href="http://booksneeze®.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://BookSneeze®.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">> 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.<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09952710862812206760noreply@blogger.com1