Book Reviews

Encouraging Truths to Hold On To

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

There are seasons that we all walk through that can make us think….  WHAT!?!?!?!?!  This isn’t how it’s supposed to be…  what on earth is going on…  you know what I’m talking about, we’ve all had them.  Well that’s what’s been going on around here for a number of weeks.  To say that the crazy is off the charts…  well that would be an understatement.

But… GOD is HIS infinite wisdom – which astounds me hour by hour – knew what was headed my way… and somehow this little book – What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days by Holley Gerth – dropped into my life when I needed my soul refreshed and my heart encouraged.  It truly has been a blessing.  I would encourage you to pick it up for yourself or for that person that may just be having a WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!   going on in their life. Continue reading →

Spiritual Warfare Jesus’ Way

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How to Conquer Evil Spirits and Live Victoriously – as the cover states.

From the Back Cover:  Easy to follow and immediately practical, this handbook will help you become an instrument of God’s redemptive grace, continuing Christ’s ministry of setting satan’s captives – and yourself – free. Continue reading →

An Aria for Nick

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As I’ve said many times before, I’m not a huge fan of fiction.  I find so much of it “full of fluff”.  However, once in a while an author comes along that challenges that.  This is the second novel that I’ve read by author, Halle Bridgemen and I am truly enjoying her work.  I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

An Aria for Nick (Song of Suspense #2)An Aria for Nick by Hallee Bridgeman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The only man who can save her life has been dead for a decade. Raised in a loving home, Aria Suarez dreamed of becoming a professional pianist happily married to her high school crush. After the only boy who ever caught her eye dies a hero’s death and her wrist is shattered along with her future plans, she turns her brilliant musical mind to nuclear engineering and solving mysteries of science.

Abandoned to an abusive father at five, Nick Williams grew up dreaming of escape; of enlisting in the Army and leaving his wretched life behind; of proving himself worthy of the girl he loves. But the crucible of combat offers only the escape of death. A decade later, Aria uncovers a nuclear plot that threatens the heart of our very nation. Sinister forces surround and threaten her when, out of nowhere, the man who reportedly died so many years before returns as if from the grave — intent on protecting her.” Continue reading →

Ignite God’s Vision for Your Life

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ 1 Comment

Greater: Dream Bigger. Start Smaller. Ignite God's Vision for Your Life.Greater: Dream Bigger. Start Smaller. Ignite God’s Vision for Your Life. by Steven Furtick

 

Recently I became aware of a GodTube video of Pastor Furtick that I, as an evangelical Christian, find truly offensive.  For that reason,  I will not promote any products of Pastor Furtick and have removed my reviews of his books from my blog.

To understand this post, please visit:

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FFCM2CNU

 

Revangelical

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Revangelical: Becoming the Good News People We're Meant to BeRevangelical: Becoming the Good News People We’re Meant to Be by Lance Ford

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

“When you hear the word evangelical, do you think “good news”? That’s what the word means, and it’s what we are meant to be. Yet the surrounding culture often views us as exactly the opposite. Calling yourself an evangelical too often means you are seen through a negative stereotype; people are apprehensive when they hear that an evangelical family has moved into the neighborhood. But is this the way it has to be?

Continue reading →

Making Sense of the Bible

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Making Sense of the Bible: How to Connect with God Through His WordMaking Sense of the Bible: How to Connect with God Through His Word by David Whitehead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I want to read the Bible, but where do I start? The Bible can seem like an intimidating book, but it may be easier to understand than you think. Making Sense of the Bible will teach you how to enjoy studying it on your own.”

As the Author, David Whitehead, says right in the introduction – “The goal in reading the Bible is not to simply read the Bible. The goal in reading the Bible is to get to know and interact with the God of the Bible.” This is such a true statement.

I just finished reading this book and what an interesting book this turned out to be. It truly starts off by answering the simplest, yet so often asked question… why are there so many translations? Such an innocent question that I’ve heard asked many times. This book takes on that question and so many others.

By walking us through an overview of the various books of the bible – both Old and New Testament – we get a broad overview of the author, the message, the location, the culture, and the audience to whom the book was written.

The Bible is a big book, but it can be read and understood. This book would be an ideal addition to a Bible study for both a new or seasoned believer.

About the Author: David Whitehead has been helping people connect with Jesus Christ for more than 30 years throughout the U.S, and abroad. He is the pastor of Grace in Manhattan and a Church-planting coach for Redeemer City to City.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Christian Book, Deeper Shopping, and Goodreads

View all my reviews

This book is available online at
Deeper Shopping Books and Bibles

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You Don’t Have to Live Crazy

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Radically Normal by Josh Kelley –

You Don’t Have To Live Crazy To Follow Christ

Truer words were never spoken.  How often do we really wonder if we are “doing enough”… “good enough”… “sacrificing enough”… “suffering enough… are we even enough?  I’ll be honest, I wonder that at times.  I wonder if I’m supposed to be doing more, studying more, praying more, giving more, more more more.  Should I not watch that hour of television in order to pray more?  Am I too radical… not radical enough?  Sometimes it’s all too much.

Am I missing the joy of the journey that God has set before me in order to make sure that I’m 10000% ready for the “grand prize”. Continue reading →

The Impressionist

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I don’t often read fiction, but the title of this little book intrigued me.  Is it fiction?  It says so…  but it’s really so much more.

The ImpressionistThe Impressionist by Tim Clinton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Middle aged, disappointed and self-loathing, Adam Camp is anything but the picture of a successful man. With his wife threatening to leave him and their son addicted to drugs, Adam teeters on the verge of absolute despair – questioning his own existence and purpose for living.

After an explosive argument with his wife, Adam searches for an escape as he sets out on a journey that will dramatically recolor his world.” Continue reading →

Become a Doer of the Word

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Not Just a Hearer But a Doer V2Not Just a Hearer But a Doer V2 by Yolanda Shanks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Have you ever held on to dangerous thoughts and feelings? And have you ever assumed that since you weren’t hurting others, those thoughts and feelings were okay? Think again.

Building off her successful devotional study, Not Just a Hearer, But A DOER, Yolanda Shanks offers thirty–one more days of practical, scriptural insight that will have you shedding bad habits and replacing them with Biblical behaviors.”
Continue reading →