The Final Summit

I nearly didn't get this book. After reading "The Heart Mender" by Andy Andrews, and not enjoying it much at all, I wasn't sure about getting another of his books. This one, however, sucked me right in and I was hooked pretty much from start to finish.

While I didn't agree with certain specific points, most of the book was fantastic - and exactly what I needed to read right now. It's challenging, motivating, and a good kick in the butt. READ WITH A HIGHLIGHTER.

The characters in the story are developed beautifully - the Angel Gabriel in particular is fantastic. Each historical figure is brought vibrantly to life, showing good research (and a little creative license). Each one crackles with character - the dialogue is very well-written.

This book is a sequel to "The Traveler's Gift." I haven't read the first one, so I'd suggest reading it before going on to this one. "The Final Summit" stands on it's own, but there are some references to the first book and gaps that need to be filled in. I'm getting the first book now.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Band That Played On

I really wanted to like this book. When I read the concept of this book, I was excited to read it. I understood it to be a closer look into the lives of these brave men - I expected something a little more intimate, I guess. I hoped it would provide an insight into their character that enabled them to stand so strong in the face of such tragedy.
What I found instead was a very dry, impersonal account - providing a lot of dates, places and names, but not much else. I love a good biography - I've read many, and always enjoy them. This book, however, was just too impersonal, too distant from the lives of these men. It was a tough read.
I guess I can't blame the author though. Not much is known about these seven men, so finding information on them was a tough task. I imagine it wasn't easy patching together a good story with the scraps provided.
Nonetheless, I wouldn't buy this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Promises She Keeps

Another book review by my wife:

Promise, a talented young vocalist with a terminal illness, is counting on fame to keep her memory alive after she dies. Porta is an aging witch and art collector in search of the goddess who will grant her immortality.

When Promise inexplicably survives a series of freak accidents, Porta believes that Promise is the one she seeks. But Chase, an autistic artist who falls in love with Promise and opposes Porta, comes between the women with his mysterious visions and drawings, and plunges everyone into a flesh-and-blood confrontation over the true meaning of eternal life.

Erin Healy spins a good story. Her beautiful writing style combined with an intriguing plot makes for a very pleasant read. Characters are well-developed and relatable. Dialogue is thoughtful and realistic. Supporting elements are woven in masterfully.

Unfortunately, the story ends rather abruptly, in my opinion. Ends are tied up quickly, so while the story ends ok, I felt it wasn't "finished." But maybe that's just me. Overall though, I'd say this book is worth reading.

I am a big Ted Dekker fan. Having written a couple books with him, Erin's writing is very reminiscent of Dekker's - which was a nice plus to this book.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Voices of the Faithful

This is a daily devotional book, compiled by Beth Moore. Beth grew up hearing stories of missionaries who regularly visited her home as a child. The stories stirred her imagination and gave her a heart for missionaries around the world. Those stories of her childhood spurred her to write this book.

Each month covers a different aspect of Christian life, providing a daily Bible verse and a short devotional. The interesting thing about this book is that each devotional is written by a different missionary in a different country - providing a fascinating look into a wide variety of cultures, experiences, and challenges.

While not all of the devotionals are particularly poignant - some seems a bit pointless (or just filler) - the majority of the book is feeding and thought provoking.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

On This Day in Christian History

This devotional book brings an insight into poignant historical event throughout Church history. While some stories are inconsequential (what seemed to me to be "filler"), the majority carry a very inspiring, motivating message. It has brought some very interesting devotional reading, spurring me to do further research and reading on the lives of some of the great Christians showcased in this book.

This book is formatted as a daily devotional, offering a glimpse into that particular day in Christian History, as well as a short Bible passage to go along with the story.

Overall, this was a good read. It was thought-provoking, encouraging, and uplifting. It showed heroes of the faith at their best... but also sometimes at their worst, showing that God can use anyone who is willing - even if they are weak and fallible.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Dining With Joy

This is my wife's review of this book:

I'm a definite foodie, so any book that has to do with cooking or food, I'm likely to enjoy - and this was no exception. It was certainly an easy read - well-written, with descriptive language and lovable characters.

Rachel Hauck paints a lovely picture of a summer in the South where we meet Joy Ballard - a cooking show host who is hiding the fact that she can't cook. When her cooking show "Dining With Joy" is picked up by a major network, things start to heat up - even more so when she's paired up with chef Luke Davis, who quickly begins to figure out her secret.

This book tells a sweet story, but also sends a good message about trusting in God's love and care.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Outlive Your Life

After reading You Were Made to Make a Difference, I went ahead and requested this book from Thomas Nelson’s Book Sneeze program – and I’m so glad I did.
This book – Outlive Your Life, by Max Lucado - is absolutely fantastic. It drilled into my head and heart that not only can we make a difference in the world, but that if we aren’t, then we aren’t fully living.
Service is a large part of my life, but it can become a drudgery at times – doing it out of habit, not out of love. This book reignited a fire in my heart to do more – to strive for more than just the little that I can do in my immediate surroundings.
It’s easy to clam up in our little shells and avoid seeing the need around us. It’s more comfortable not to deal with the problems in the world. There are hundreds of excuses that we can use to avoid the difficulties of stepping out to make a difference. This book blasts those excuses to bits and proves – time and again – that no matter who you are, no matter what your circumstances, no matter what your excuses may be, you can change the world.
If you’re considering buying this book – DO IT. If more people read this book and started living the principles, this world would be a better place.