“Do What Jesus Did” by Robby Dawkins

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Do What Jesus DidWow! The Book of Acts Comes Alive Today!! 

This is the true story of Pastor Robby Dawkins. Robby takes us on a tour of his life. He relates how he felt impressed by God to start a church in a very poor, urban area full of gang activity, drug use and prostitution. So he took his family to a place like that in Aurora, Illinois, and started a church. This is a fascinating account of what life has been like for Robby.

Pastor Dawkins writes passionately about leading people to become followers of Christ–many who were formerly drug lords and prostitutes. As he has done that, he has witnessed amazing miracles of all sorts take place. He also tells of the many death threats he has received, including ones where he has had to face off with gang members who have threatened to kill him at the church service on Sunday morning.

Robby writes about a former head of a large college atheist group who became a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. The man’s entire life changed course. As a result, many of the man’s atheists followers also changed their convictions, and believed in Jesus Christ as well. The pastor talks about praying blessings for strangers on the street that have resulted in them becoming followers of Christ, and turned their lives in totally new directions.

The pastor tells of the highest highs, while simultaneously experiencing the lowest lows. For instance, great miracles of all sorts can take place in his church, while at the same time, the church’s roof leaks, and there isn’t money to fix it. He relates there are people who have experienced great miracles who have later turned their backs on God and Robby.

We hear the story of Johnny who was in the midst of committing suicide, when a phone call stopped him. The call was from a former strip dancer who had recently become a Christian. She wanted Johnny to come with her to a group of Christians getting together that night. Johnny, a drug dealer, and a satanist with 666 tattooed on his forehead, decided to go with her. That night, Johnny’s entire life changed course when he became a follower of Christ. In the next couple of years, he went on to bring many others to Christ before Johnny’s life was tragically and mysteriously brought to an abrupt end.

At the same time, Robby wants us to know he is a human like anybody else with earthly responsibilities to tend to. He has a wife and six children to support. The pastor speaks of the everyday realities of the church having problems paying their bills, and that he has taken an extra job laying carpet to support his family.

One of his children, Canah, developed autism. The doctors told them it was the very lowest functioning kind, that Canah would never talk or perform normally–they would have to take care of him, and all his needs, for the rest of his life.

Although Robby has prayed for the complete healing of his son, that hasn’t happened. However, parts of healing have taken place over the years. Miraculously, Canah starting speaking. Over time, he has moved up from the lowest functioning autism preschool to being able to function in regular school. Canah can walk and has made great strides, far exceeding the doctor’s prognosis. Ongoing wonders continue in his life.

Robby talks about the cancer his mother had, and relates that his entire family was praying in her hospital room for her healing. In between prayers, the family was singing hymns. In the room next door, a woman named Violet was dying.

Violet’s sister came over and asked if they would sing for Violet. Robby and some of his family went over to her room. While Robby was with Violet he felt impressed by the Lord to say that she would be completely healed. And this healing took place even though this woman and her sister were not Christians. Robby’s mom, a devoted Christian, with many people praying for her, did not recover. Robby honestly admits that was a hard situation. Yet he rejoices that Violet and her sister both became followers of Christ as a result.

Robby comments that healing doesn’t take place every time. But he also believes it is more important to follow the leading of God, and pray for a person. If Robby feels impressed by God to state that healing will come to someone, Robby says it. He concludes it is more important to keep the faith and follow God’s leading, even if healing doesn’t take place, and Robby looks foolish. We must be willing to live by faith.

This is an amazing book. Even more astonishing, Robby states that every Christian can do the things he has experienced. I thought this was a great book full of hope and challenges. I highly recommend “Do What Jesus Did,” and give it five stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Chosen Books for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

 

Author’s website:  http://robbydawkins.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/robbydawkinsministries

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/robbydawkins

More information:     http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/robby-dawkins/4076

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Adoring Addie” by Leslie Gould

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Adoring AddieAddie Cramer, an 18-year-old Amish girl, lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her parents, a maiden aunt and six brothers.  Addie has been saddled with much of the child care for her two younger brothers, plus all the cooking and most of the housekeeping for everyone.  Her mother is whiny and depressed, while her father is severe and stoic–nursing a feud between him and the Mosier family–a very un-Amish-like behavior.  Addie would love to get away from this Cinderella-like existence, but to do that would involve getting married.  Addie likes the idea of marriage, but not the Bishop’s son, Phillip, her parents have decided she should wed.

While Addie is trying her best to please her seemingly unpleasable parents, her two oldest brothers are going through Rumspringa.  This is the time that teens often try a little, or a lot, of life outside Amish restrictions.  Addie’s oldest brother, Timothy, is drinking almost every night, driving recklessly, and developing a foul temper justifying his behavior because of Rumspringa.  He seems to search out members of the Mosier family to cause them trouble, or even physical harm.  Addie’s parents look the other way regarding Timothy’s behavior.

By chance, Addie and Jonathan Mosier meet and instantly become besotted with each other.  This is the story of whether or not the love Addie and Jonathan have for each other will have a future.  Both sets of parents are horrified to have their children interested in each other.   Will Timothy find a way to hurt, or do something even worse, to Jonathan?  Will Addie’s parents be successful in forcing her to marry Phillip?  Will the original source of the feud come to light, and are there new details to change everyone’s feelings?

To be honest, I didn’t like this book very much at first.  Addie’s life seemed so hard and harsh, without any chance of things getting better for her, that I had to force myself to keep reading it.  I ultimately did like how the story turned out.  The characters are well developed, and the tale is told well.  I give a four star recommendation for this book.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

The author’s website:   http://www.lesliegould.com

Twitter:  @lesliejeangould

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lesliegouldauthor

More information:  http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/leslie-gould/1686

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Gone South” by Meg Moseley

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Gone SouthLetitia McComb, Tish, has been named after her Civil War-era great-great-great grandmother.  Tish, a northerner, decides to restart her life in a small southern town. An only child, she has survived the death of her fiancée shortly before their wedding, and then the death of her much loved dad.  Her widowed mother has remarried, and just moved to Florida.  Tish finds herself alone, and lonely in frigid Michigan.  She is ready to use all her savings and give up her long-time job for a change in scenery.

Tish believes that purchasing the home her name sake occupied shortly after the Civil War will give her an advantage to breaking into the local community.  Unknown to Tish, her past relatives were viewed as the lowest form of scoundrels, and their supposed misdeeds are still widely talked about.  A McComb in this town will automatically be viewed as a pariah.

To complicate things, Tish takes in a 20-year-old girl that appears homeless.  She finds out the girl, Mel, is a local with a bad reputation for being a liar and a thief.  Tish is of two minds not knowing if Mel is taking advantage of her, or if Mel has been falsely accused.  While trying to sort out the truth, Tish’s association with Mel causes her even more shunning, including the loss of consideration for a new job.

The local antiques dealer, George, seems the most open to befriending Tish, but he has a reason to get on her good side.  This is the story of the shunning, and the local characters, that Tish experiences and tries to befriend.  Will Tish ever find acceptance, employment and possibly even romance in this new location?  Or has this move all been a tragic gamble that has gone terribly wrong?  Will Mel steal her blind and take off, or can Mel build a new life alongside Tish?

I liked the story-line and the characters were very believable, and this book is well written.  I felt like the ending was abrupt, and not all the questions in the tale were answered.  It may be that this story is being set up for a sequel, however, the epilog at the end of the book needed to solve more of the loose ends.  I recommend “Gone South,” and think it is enjoyable.  But because of the ending, I give this book four stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.

The author’s website:  http://megmoseley.com/

More information:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=218210

Author Bio: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=123046

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Meg_Moseley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meg-Moseley/172801566075519

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Christian Alphabet Book: Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer and the Bible” by Tracy Sands

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover The Christian Alphabet BookThere are lots of alphabet books available, but what makes this a unique book is that each letter of the alphabet is made with Christian symbols.   Two pages are devoted to each letter.  On those pages there is a word that begins with the featured letter, some further information about that word or quality, the letter made out of symbols, and a Bible verse.  There is also a picture of a dove, called “Love,” the dove from above, which appears with each letter.  Love asks the reader to do or answer something.   All of these pages are in color.

At the very end of the book, the symbols for each letter are shown, and explained more fully.  Those illustrations are in black and white.  I was familiar with some of the symbols, but for the most part I had not seen them before.  This is a very creative idea.

The book recommends it is for ages starting at four years old.  I am not sure children that young would be able to understand what the author is trying to do.  I had to look very hard at some of the letters to figure out what it was supposed to be.  For a young child just learning their letters, I would think it would be confusing for them.  In my opinion, I would make sure the child knows their “A B C’s” first, the shapes and the order of letters.  After that, I think, would be the time to introduce this book.

This is a well-made hardback book with glossy color pages.  The colors are bright and vibrant.  It is good sized measuring a little over 8 by 10 inches.

A disc containing songs that go with this book is available for a separate cost.  The songs were nice, but there were only four of them.   I wish there were at least twice the number of songs since it is a different purchase.

This is a very clever way to introduce Biblical concepts and symbols.  I think this book could inspire discussions in many different directions.  Again, I believe the child should be older to understand the concepts, but this is an inspirational way to present the alphabet.  I think both a child and an adult reading this together would both learn many things, and create nice memories at the same time.  A child could also read it by themselves, if they have the reading skills.  The author obviously put a lot of work into this publication.  I liked it, and I give it four stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book  and song disc from Love the Dove Publishing, in exchange for a free book review through the  http://www.bookcrash.com book review program.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianAlphabet

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“A Noble Groom” by Jody Hedlund

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Becky

NobleGroom_mck.inddYoung German-born Annalisa lives in a bleak world in 1880’s America.  Men control every part of her life.  In Annalisa’s world the men were served food first, the women got the leftovers–if there were any.  If a man mistreated his wife, it was his right.  Women counted for very little.  Before marriage, her austere father controlled every part of her life including who she should marry.  Her husband took over that role after marriage.  In addition, he gambled and lost all their money, including the hard-earned money he stole from  Annalisa.  The death of Annalisa’s husband gave her no freedom.  On the day of his death, her father made arrangements for a distant cousin to come from Germany to be her next spouse.  Pregnant Annalisa and her young daughter Gretchen have no say in the matter.

Into Annalisa’s life comes Carl, and he is unlike any man Annalisa has ever seen.  Carl acknowledges women, in particular Annalisa, as humans on the same level as men.  Carl invites Annalisa to sit and eat with him, he has conversation with her, and he asks what she actually thinks.  He tells everyone he is a teacher on the run, who was falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit.  He left Germany to hide out in America.  Annalisa’s uncle sent him to her family. However, Carl has a secret past, one that Annalisa and her family must never find out.  It would destroy them, and Carl would be thrown out.

It is decided that Carl will work Annalisa’s farm until her new husband arrives.  Carl admits he knows nothing about farm work, but he actually doesn’t know anything about work of any kind.  He applies himself though.  There is added pressure because Annalisa only has until the end of the harvest to pay off her farm loan, or she will lose it.  Plus the local lumber mill owner desires her land for himself–and has been trying to force her to sign her land over to him.  In fact, everyone believes her husband’s death was the result of his refusal to sell his land.

For the first time in her life, Annalisa is around a man who treats her and daughter Gretchen with kindness.  Annalisa finds herself loving Carl.  Although Carl is very nice to her in return, Annalisa isn’t sure if it is love–and Carl isn’t either.  Also, even though months have passed without his appearance, Annalisa is promised by her father to marry her German cousin.

Will love grow between Annalisa and Carl?  Will Annalisa be in a marriage that will give her true happiness, or will she be destined to another loveless marriage her father arranges with her unknown cousin?

This book was hard to read because Annalisa, and all the women of her community, have such hard and hopeless lives, and it appears life is destined to continue that way for them.  The author did a good job bringing all the characters to life, and researching this people group, and their history.  The story had a fairly good ending.  However, there was much sadness and death before reaching the end.  The life of Annalisa’s sister is especially difficult to read about.  This is not a happily ever after story.  Carl does have faith in God, but Annalisa struggles to believe God could care for her, in her words, a lowly woman.  The pastor and his wife are the only bright spots in this community, but don’t seem to have much influence to change things.  This is a story of many struggles.  If you enjoy historical tales that contain hardships and heartache, this is the story for you.  I  give this book four stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Faceboook:  http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund

Website:  http://JodyHedlund.com

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story”

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Joni and KenBefore reading this book, I already knew who Joni Eareckson Tada is. Many years ago, I had read the book she wrote entitled, “Joni.” That book chronicled the journey that began with a diving accident she had at the age of 17. As a result, she became paralyzed from the shoulders down-a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. She submerged into suicidal despair. Joni was unable to kill herself because of her disability, so she pleaded with her visitors to help her. Despite the dark time she sunk into, she walked through it, and made her peace with God. Not just peace, she became an ardent follower of Jesus Christ. She even discovered she had artistic talent, and was able to do beautiful works of art while holding a brush in her mouth!

This story, “Joni & Ken An Untold Love Story” picks up a few years after the book “Joni” ended. She is still a quadriplegic, but full of joy, and loves God. She admits how difficult her life can be, but she also states the condition has brought her blessings! Joni has become very well-known, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Her book “Joni” has become a mega best seller. Also, a well-done movie based on her book has been widely enjoyed and viewed. Her art continues to be very popular, she has begun a singing career, written another book, and has started and maintained a growing non-profit ministry. Joni has traveled around the world speaking to people from her wheelchair.

Despite her severe limitations, Joni seems to be doing it all. However, there is one dream she believes will never happen, the dream of getting married. Now in her thirties, she doesn’t let herself dwell on thoughts of relationships-she doesn’t want to open herself up to disappointment. Then Ken Tada enters her life. He begins an all-out effort to win Joni’s heart. Joni views him as a good friend, but he starts talking about marriage. Joni worries that he has no idea what he is getting into. She is concerned he doesn’t understand the great amount of work involved taking care of her, and the limitations she has that would affect him as well. She worries that maybe he is a little “blinded by the light” of her celebrity status. They have two very different personalities.

They do marry. On their wedding night, Ken finally sees how truly helpless Joni is, and how much he will have to do for her-and he isn’t ready for it. I am amazed that their relationship could work. Reading about some of their situations makes me frustrated. I would think two people without disabilities, but with personalities as different as Joni and Ken, would have a difficult time getting along with each other. It is magnified significantly when you consider everything involved with Joni’s disability and her challenges.

All of the work involved taking care of Joni seems to be become something Ken resents, and he pulls back emotionally. Patience becomes a rarer quality, and strained seems to be the best description of their relationship. Ken feels entitled to Saturdays being a sacred day for him. Not for them together, but for him alone. If that is disrupted, his silent anger is almost unbearable. Years of marriage pass, and they find themselves grinding through life day after day.

I know Ken has put much hard work into taking care of Joni. I am sure Ken does more in one day for Joni than many people do in their entire lives for another person. On the other hand, he didn’t go into this blindly, this was a relationship he chose. Their everyday life together seems so very painful for so many years, that it is hard to read about it.

In 1997, Joni develops chronic, debilitating pain. Despite Joni’s paralysis, she has pain that seems to be in every part of her body. This causes more work for Ken. Up until this time, Joni has had a surprisingly positive outlook. The overwhelming pain sucks away any cheerfulness Joni has managed to have up until this time. Doctors can’t explain the pain, or do anything to help it.

In 2007 while Ken is away on a retreat, he received this impression from God, “Joni is the most precious gift I have given you. You take care of her.” That revelation turns Ken around. He realizes that he would be devastated if Joni passed away. His outlook and demeanor do a complete turnaround. Ken believes it is his destiny to take care of Joni. Ken’s middle name, Takeshi, means warrior. Ken becomes a warrior who fights against the war of problems and illnesses that Joni deals with.

Despite all of the immense challenges the couple has faced, a new hurdle hits in 2010 when Joni develops breast cancer, then has a radical mastectomy. The radiation treatments that follow play havoc with her frail body. Joni thinks more and more about what a release it will be to go to Heaven, and wonders if this is what is going to send her there.

If anyone ever had any illusions that the life of a quadriplegic is easy, those ideas should vanish after reading this book. This is not a typical love story. When reading this, I can understand some of the challenges Joni feels. She had concerns about Ken being able to handle marriage to a disabled person, and really those concerns are realized, they were true and validated. Their marriage did hit choppy waters. It is difficult to take on the care of someone so needy, even more so when one has a personality that wants everything very structured.

Joni’s joy can be felt when the contentious situation in her marriage turns around, and gets better. Joni said she had always felt loved but after this turn around in her marriage she states she feels, “treasured, cherished….even beautiful.” It is obvious how much Joni loves her husband. Ken’s joy can be felt, too, when he feels he knows what his destiny is. I pray that God continues to keep this marriage in that positive state. It is obvious that this relationship owes is longevity to the deep faith of Joni and Ken. When I remarked earlier that I was surprised a relationship like this could work, it is clear it worked only because of the grace of God. The couple has now been married over 30 years.

One thing I didn’t like about the book were all the flash backs into the past that jump around so much. Flash backs are good, but these were so unorganized, it was confusing at times to read. This is a good book to understand the difficulties in living with disabilities, and the trials that took place in a marriage of many years-along with the importance of faith to go through them. I give this book four stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Her website:   http://www.joniandfriends.org/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JoniEarecksonTada

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JONIANDFRIENDS


Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Unstoppable The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujicic”

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover Unstoppable ThreeThis is not so much the story of Nick Vujicic’s life, as it is his advice on how to live life.  Although he uses bits of his life story to illustrate some of his recommendations, this is a guide to living life abundantly–no matter what cards of life each of us has been dealt.

Who is Nick Vujicic and what gives him the right to give advice about living?  For no apparent reason, Nick was born without arms or legs thirty years ago.  He has one little partial foot at the end of the trunk of his body, and that is it.  Despite what the world would call disadvantages, Nick has used what he has been given physically, along with a deep faith in Christ, and has been quite successful.

He has been all over the globe.  Nick has been with the poorest of the poor, as well as, mingling with presidents, actors and actresses, and he has received an invitation to Billy Graham’s home.   Nick has surfed in the ocean, parachuted, and skateboarded.  He speaks to crowds all over the world, makes television appearances, acted in the movie The Butterfly Circus, and is an author.  He is married to a beautiful wife, and they recently had their first child.

Nick has a special heart for those who feel overwhelmed, have been bullied, or even suicidal.  He truly understands those feelings because he has been there, too.  With God’s help, Nick has been able to come out on the other side, and he wants other sufferers to do that as well. Nick has a non-profit company that he works through to reach out to hurting people everywhere.

Nick’s advice should be listened to because Nick himself seems to be in an impossible situation.  Yet he has done more so far in his short life, than many full-limbed people have done in a lifetime.  Nick offers sound advice to people, but he starts first by being a follower of Jesus Christ.  Everything else he has to say is built on that first step.

I enjoyed Nick’s book and give it five stars.  He has interesting, and encouraging things to say.  Nick truly has a heart for all people, and cares about bringing happiness to the unhappy.  I recommend this book no matter what the faith of the reader.  I especially recommend it to anyone who feels they have hit-bottom with nowhere else to go.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.

His nonprofit organization:  http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

His story:  http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/about-nick-his-story

The author’s website:  http://www.nickvujicic.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NickVujicicFans

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/nickvujicic

Read Chapter One:  http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/pdf/UnstoppableLoveStory.pdf

Book Trailer Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii4JNtDPSaA

Nick on CBS Sunday Morning:  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50138905n

Nick on Oprah:  http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/How-Nick-Vujicic-Triumphed-Against-All-Odds-Video

More Info:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/workid.php?work=218361

Author Bio:  http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=107506

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“All in Good Time” by Maureen Lang

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover All in Good Time 2This story begins with a stage coach robbery.   A number of years later, we find Dessa, a former maid, in 1887 Denver.  She wishes to get a loan to start Pierson House.  This will be a home for women who want to get off the streets.  It is to be named after Dessa’s late friend who got her started in street ministry.

Dessa has an uphill climb to get a loan.  After all the other banks in Denver have turned her down, she walks into the bank owned by Henry Hawkins.  Henry is the stiffest, most unfriendly, man in town.

Amazingly, Dessa gets the loan.  This is nothing short of a miracle since Henry was antagonistic towards the Pierson House project specifically, and against giving a loan to any woman in general.  However, his uncle Tobias took matters into his own hands, and granted Dessa the money.

Dessa depends on pledges from the community to start and run Pierson House.  Because of that, she naively accepts the help of Turk Foster to hold a fund raiser.  Unbeknownst to Dessa, Turk has a notorious reputation.  If he is tied to Pierson House in anyway, her current supporters will pullback their contributions, and she won’t get any new patrons either.

Besides Turk, Dessa has many trials with Pierson House.  Instead of women flooding to her for refuge, she has hardly a trickle.  The home is located in the very worst part of Denver, the Fourth Ward, and no one in that area wants to be seen getting help there.  Henry Hawkins seems to criticize her every move, and makes it clear he thinks she will default on the loan, and he will be able to take possession of the house.

The Fourth Ward also has a Chinese population.  Recently there had been a riot between the people of the Fourth Ward and the Chinese people.   As a result, there is hostility between the races.  Dessa is warned not to have anything to do with the Chinese people because it could start another riot–even if she is only trying to help them.

As the story goes on, we find Henry has kept a secret that could destroy his life, Turk has political ambitions that make him willing to do anything to get himself elected, and although Dessa has pledged herself to a life of celibacy, she would like to change her mind.  However she has a secret of her own that she believes might force her to stay in that lifestyle.  Will any of these people get to have the life they want, or will one or more of them never achieve it?  Dessa would also like to help a pair of Chinese sisters.  She thinks she might have a plan so no one will be aware of her help–but will her good intentions start another riot?

The lives of Dessa, Henry and Turk along with the fate of Pierson House, all become interwoven to give us a tale of drama, action and romance–with twists, turns and surprises along the way.  The characters are very interesting and believable.  The picture the author paints of Denver at that time rings true.  Christianity is a natural part of Dessa’s life, as well as some of the other characters in the book.  I enjoyed this story and recommend this–I give it 5 stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale Blog Network (Tyndale House Publishers) for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author’s website:  http://maureenlang.com/

Faceboook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maureen-Lang/77586161029

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“When God Makes Lemonade” by Don Jacobson

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Becky

Book Cover When God Makes LemonadeThis is a collection of true stories about people who have experienced some very trying situations.  The premise of the book is that despite the difficulty, the person or persons involved in the different stories were able to get something good out of the bad situation–that God made a sweet drink of lemonade out of the sour circumstances they lived through.

Some of these stories are like that.  Individuals survived a difficult time period, but ultimately when looking back through the perspective of time, a really good thing came out of the trying circumstances.  The people involved had a nice sweet drink of lemonade in the end, or at least, eventually.   But to be honest, some of these stories are really hard to read, and the supposed “good outcome” is a stretch.  In other words, sometimes that drink of lemonade is pretty sour in the end.

I understand that real life isn’t always neat and pretty.  But the author states on the front cover of the book that the stories inside will  “amaze and encourage.”  To be honest, I did not feel encouraged by many of these stories.  Instead I felt pretty glum and downcast by some of them.  I commend the men and women in the more difficult stories for still seeing lemonade in the end.  I do admire the people for holding onto their faith in God despite some heart rendering situations.

At the end,  Don Jacobson states he wants to write more of these type of books.  He also gives his contact information for anyone who would like to contribute a true story.

The author promises the accounts in this book will be encouraging.  Although he tells many incredible stories, the bottom line is many of these narratives leave you feeling sad and frustrated.  Given the book fails on its promise to encourage, I can only give it 3 stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author’s website, contact him with a story:  GodMakesLemonade.com

Facebook:  facebook.com/godmakeslemonade

Follow him on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LemonadeHappens

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Swept Away,” by Mary Connealy

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Becky

9261 SweptAway_mck.indd“Swept Away,” by Mary Connealy, starts off with a bang, and the fast-paced action continues to draw you into the story of two people, Luke Stone and Ruby MacNeil.  Luke is trying to return to his home and reclaim his family’s stolen ranch–the stealing of said ranch had cost his father his life.  His dad saw the writing on the wall, and had sent Luke the ranch’s deed before he lost his life.  As Luke has made his way closer to his small hometown in Texas, he has run into roadblocks that have obviously been set-up to stop him from making it home.  But Luke has a plan to get everything back with the help of some close friends.

Ruby is in the midst of a predicament of her own.  Left an orphan at a young age, some neighbors, the lazy Reinhardts, took her in.  They were more interested in turning her into a slave than doing any kindness for her.  They sold her family home, and kept the profits.  Now the Reinhardts have joined a wagon train and are going West.  When they reach their destination, Ruby will be forced to marry their leering son, Virgil.  Ruby is biding her time until she can make her escape.

As fate would have it, Luke and Ruby’s paths cross.  Ruby ends up hiding out with Luke, joins his group to regain his ranch, and helps fight the bad guys.  There is action, romance and a touch of humor in this tale.

Although this book is the first in the series, “Trouble in Texas,” the story can definitely stand alone.  I have read other books by Mary Connealy, and have found them to be great stories with a Christian perspective.  This is another one, and a very enjoyable read.   I recommend this book, and give it five stars.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author’s website:  http://www.maryconnealy.com

Her blog:  http://mconnealy.blogspot.com.

Follow her on Twitter:  @maryconnealy

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/maryconnealyfanpage/ 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment