The Scroll

For starters, the cover really doesn't sell this book. I had the option of reviewing it, and kept passing it up, just because the cover is so unappealing.

Still, I love a good Indiana Jones-esque treasure hunt, so I figured I'd give this book a try. I kept picking it up, hoping it would get interesting, but I'd end up putting it down after a few pages.

After a while, the story picks up, but even then, the characters are "stock," the plot twists are pretty predictable, the bad guys are all Islamic or secular, and the good guys are all Christians/Jews.

Overall, it's not awful, but neither was it especially good. This is why I give it three stars.

Pershing - From The Generals series

Thomas Nelson's series "The Generals" chronicles the lives of great American generals, and it's a very well-done set of books, in my opinion. The content is well-written, well-researched, and the physical quality of the books is just fantastic.

This book was a short, yet fascinating look into the life of John J. Pershing, who led the American forces in WWI.

It was an interesting look at both sides of his personality - on the one hand, an inflexible, demanding military leader, and on the other, a warm, caring man who cared deeply about family and friends.

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.

Ascent From Darkness

This book by Michael Leehan is a rather eye-opening look at one man's descent to Satanism. What I found fascinating was that he almost rationally chose to turn his back on God, and to turn instead to Satan. Because he felt that God had dealt poorly with him, he made the decision to turn to what he saw as God's "alter-ego."

This is a true story, and as the author says, it's not embellished or exaggerated to make for more exciting reading. Not that any embellishment would be necessary in this story. While Michael Leehan doesn't seem to be a natural writer (his style is not always easy to read, and much of the dialogue is stilted and odd-sounding), he tells his story candidly and powerfully. He drags out the good, the bad, and the really ugly in order to get his message across - and it's the message that comes through loud and clear in the end.

His message: "Remember, no matter how badly you think you’ve sinned or what kind of mess you may have made of your life, it probably pales in comparison to mine. Never give up, never lose hope. Jesus Christ specializes in fixing broken messes just like us.”

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.

Wrapped in Rain

This was a gorgeous story, beautifully written. It's a story of redemption and forgiveness; of getting past immense pain to a place of mercy.

Tucker and his brother grew up under the thumb of an abusive, alcoholic father, but wrapped in the love and care of Miss Ella - their hired help. Miss Ella instills a deep faith and love in both boys despite all that their father throws at them.

After Miss Ella passes away, Tuck still hears her voice. As he listens, she is able to guide him through the pain to place of forgiveness.

Set in the deep south, the author paints a beautiful picture that's almost visible as you read. I could hardly put this book down. Not only is it a beautiful, well-written story, but the message of forgiveness comes across loud and clear.

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.

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door

I just finished reading "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door" by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler. It was quite a fantastic little book, filled with common-sense answers and perspectives on various aspects of the Christian faith.

Each section is short and to the point, yet written in an enjoyable, teen-oriented way. The authors freely sprinkle in pop-culture references to illustrate their message, which makes the book (I believe) more appealing and relevant to modern youth.

I'd recommend this both for teens themselves and for youth pastors/counselors/parents as a resource for teaching - and just for answering the myriad questions that teens have about their faith.

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

It Couldn't Just Happen

I recently received this book by Lawrence Richards, and I have to say, I was a little disappointed. I expected a book that would engage kids and explain the Creationist viewpoint in a simple, understandable way.

This book seems to be more like a textbook - not something that kids would just pick up and read, but something that parents/teachers would need to work through with them. If you're looking for something that your kids will read on their own, this isn't it.

I think this could be a useful resource for teaching kids about creation, however, I highly doubt that this book is going to appeal to kids on an individual level. It's a beautiful book, well made, and good quality for the money, but I just don't see it appealing to its target audience - eight-year-old kids.

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 Blessing

I just finished reading "The Blessing" by John Trent and Gary Smalley. It's a beautiful book with a beautiful message. If I could, I'd put this on the "must read" list of every potential parent. Come to think of it, I'd put in on everyone's "must read" list.

This concept of giving "The Blessing" is a simple one, but it's sadly absent in today's society. So common in ancient culture, the gift of the blessing has been lost to cultural change and social expectations.

I have seen so many kids who are practically begging for a blessing - for affirmation and a confirmation of a parent's love - yet the parents are unable or unaware of how to fill this need.

"The Blessing" details in simple steps how to provide these things to a child - or even to a parent, spouse or friend.

I highly recommend 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.