Book Reviews

With Autrmn’s Return

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

With Autumn's Return (Westward Winds, #3)With Autumn’s Return by Amanda Cabot

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“When Elisabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne to open her medical practice, she is confident that the future is as bright as the warm Wyoming sun. Certain she’ll have a line of patients eager for her services, she soon discover the town may not welcome a new physician – especially a lady doctor.”

With Autumn’s Return is historical fiction that takes place in Cheyenne Wyoming – 1887; a time when women are relegated to raising children and running a household. They are seen as inferior and weak and in no way capable of being educated, not attaining any professional status. Elizabeth Harding, Dr. Elizabeth Harding, sets out to prove the men of Cheyenne wrong. Her keen mind and tenacity makes her a force to be reckoned with in the town, as she and a local love-interest/lawyer must work together to save one of her patient’s from the deceit of the wealthy of the town.

With Autumns’ Return is book 3 in the Westward Winds Series by Amanda Cabot. While I have not read either of the first two books in this series, I feel that this book could easily stand-alone though it is part of a series. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will enjoy the work of Amanda Cabot.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, 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, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, and Goodreads

View all my reviews
This book is available online at
Deeper Shopping Books and Bibles

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Discoveries in Bible Prophecy

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Discoveries in Bible Prophecy (Bible Prophecy Revealed)Discoveries in Bible Prophecy by Michael D. Fortner

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Discoveries in Bible Prophecy by Michael D. Fortner
Trumpet Press – Publisher

I was excited for a chance to read and review this book when first read the title. I have been interested in Bible Prophecy for many years and have read a variety of authors on the subject. I was intrigued when I read the first line of the Introduction – “This is a new interpretations of Bible prophecy, that is 98% new” – I thought to myself, well now, this is going to be interesting. Sadly, I was mistaken. I am not sure if I am disappointed in the content of the book or the author.

I found this to be a most difficult book to read, to the point that I read the first two chapters and then had to put it away for nearly a week. I picked the book up again; with my mind in a place that was ready to accept the information and conclusions the author was putting forth. After pushing through and reading many more chapters, I was again disappointed.

Whether I agree or disagree with the research and conclusions of the book, many “established” Christians, will find this book disturbing. It will challenge their status quo as the author admits that he goes against the grain of established dominant views of Biblical Prophecy.

In my opinion, the bravado and bragging of the author is off-putting and in my opinion the manner and style of writing is very confusing making it very difficult to discern.

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, and Goodreads

View all my reviews

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Cloudy with Scattered Worries

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Women's Nonfiction - Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries (A Matchbook Services Women's Inspirational Gift Idea)Women’s Nonfiction – Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries by Kathy Collard Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“If you’re facing a storm – trial, temptation, worry, uncertainty, regret, or fear – Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries will increase your faith and help you trust God as you find peace in all kinds of weather.”

Who among us hasn’t faced their share of storms in the life? The title of this book is what caught got my interest… and I am glad that it did.

This is an interesting book laced with solid biblical truths mixed with gritty honest stories of triumphs and tragedies. Throughout the book the author, Kathy Collard Miller, share’s her personal struggles of the times when worry nearly took over her life and destroyed her marriage.

As I read through the chapters I found myself in more than one scenario about how we can take what might not even be as big as a small rain shower – mix it with a good dose of worry and fear – and we have ourselves one giant hurricane. I took encouragement from the truths and tools that are in this book. We all have worries and storms in our life; it all depends on how we react to them that determines the peace that we have in our life.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, 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, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, and Goodreads

View all my reviews
This book is available online at
Deeper Shopping Books and Bibles

To Heaven and Back

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

 I hadn’t had the chance to read this story when it first came out.  This is a true don’t miss.  I can’t wait for the movie to be released, which I understand is to be in April 2014.

 Heaven Is for Real Movie Edition: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and BackHeaven Is for Real Movie Edition: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Heaven is for Real – a Special Movie Edition by Todd Burpo

The cover of this book says it all… “A little boy’s astounding story of his trip to Heaven and back.

I had heard bits and pieces of this young boys (Colton Burpo) story from interviews on the 700 Club and other programs, but I had not had the chance to read his story. I was excited to get the chance to review this book. To say that this story is “astounding” is an understatement. This book took my emotions on a roller coaster ride and didn’t let go until the last page. The author, also a Pastor and Colton’s father, has an ability to relate his story as Colton’s father from his son’s near death illness, to the discovery of Colton’s trip to Heaven and back that is truly a gift. I was totally drawn in by this story and I did not think it implausible. It is a simple and heartwarming story that just might answer some questions for those who wonder if Heaven is real… In the wide-eyed innocence of a 4 year old, yes it is. And in Colton’s words…”He had to have Jesus in his heart! He had to know Jesus or he can’t get into Heaven!” (page 57) That should give us all something to ponder. Continue reading →

Crash the Chatterbox

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Crash the Chatterbox: Hearing God's Voice Above All OthersCrash the Chatterbox: Hearing God’s Voice Above All Others 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

Breaking Free From Strongholds

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ 1 Comment

Can a person be a born-again, blood-bought, Jesus-loving, child of the Most High King and still struggle with strongholds in their life?  According to a book that I just finished reading by Pastor Bobby Davis – yes,… they can.

Here is an excerpt that I found so amazingly telling…

“As I said when we began this chapter, salvation is a journey.  It is a process.  True salvation is not a one-time event, as most people think.  You go the the altar;  you accept Jesus as Lord of your life; you get up and go on with your life. Sure, at that  moment you were transferred from one kingdom to another, (I love that line!) but the same strongholds you stuggled with before kneeling at that altar are the same one you will struggle with when you get up.” – Saved But Still Enslaved – page 20 Continue reading →

At Peace in the Storm

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

Below is the online review of a book that I had the priviledge to review.  This book touched my heart on so many levels that it is hard to describe.  When your own storm is brewing on the horizon, or if you are riding it out right now…  I recommend this book to help you to remember that you can find strength and encouragement in that storm. 

“EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF KNOWING THE GOD WHO IS ALWAYS THERE TO REACH OUT A HAND AND PULL YOU OUT OF THE WAVES”

I pray you will be blessed as I was. Continue reading →

Reclaim Your Soul

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ 1 Comment

Reclaim Your Soul: Your Journey to Personal EmpowermentReclaim Your Soul: Your Journey to Personal Empowerment by Cindy Trimm

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3Jn 2). Have you ever wondered… If everyone wants to succeed, why do so few people become successful? Can certain relationship patterns prevent me from stepping in my destiny? Are there habits or behaviors in my life that keep me from fulfilling my purpose? Develop the skills you need to succeed in life! While (the Authors’ first book) The 40 day Soul Fast focused on the 40 characteristics of an authentic person… Reclaim Your Soul focuses on the 40 behaviors of a resilient person.”

Reclaim Your Soul – Your Journey to Personal Empowerment– is the second installment in the “Soul Series” penned by this author. This book focuses on reclaiming our soul from destructive and unhealthy “soul ties” we have adopted in the past, by daily building a new set of life skills that empower new habits and behaviors. These new habits and behaviors help us to create a foundation for living the life of your dreams by the renewing of your mind.

This book is divided into two parts. Part 1 “The Power That Works In You” describes God’s Plan A, You by Divine Design and the Power To Change. Part 2 – “The Road to Resiliency: 40 Disciples of a Resilient Person: is an eight week study on confronting our Natural, Emotional, Relational Soul Ties and Dysfunctional Relationships. Once confronted, we begin to Break the Cycle and Build New Boundaries. The study concludes with Encountering Christ and Reclaiming Your Soul.

While this book does rely, and stand, on Biblical Scriptures, the author does mix quotes and thinking from New Age Guru’s, Thinkers and Philosophers. To me, that was at times confusing and I found it unsettling.

This book contains a significant amount of information that could be overwhelming– depending on your perception of the condition of your soul – (in my opinion) and might require a second or third read to absorb all that it contains.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, 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, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, and Goodreads

View all my reviews

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Turn Up The Volume, It’s Time To Live Life Out Loud

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

Your Guide to Living Life Out LoudYour Guide to Living Life Out Loud by David Bell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“Life can be frantic, fleeting and full of challenges. It can also be a wonderful discovery, packed with adventure. Whatever your experience, there’s no doubt that it doesn’t come equipped with a step-by-step manual or an instant answer to each daily question. That’s where this book comes in. Having faced some of life’s most daunting issues at an early age, Dave Bell reflects on his path so far and shares some practical insights that will help you plot your own course as you navigate your own uncharged territory. Focusing on the simple truth of God’s word. This real, honest life-story invites us to take a deep breath, look ahead and begin to live every day to the full.”

This book is an amazing story of a life. Specifically the life of Dave Bell… who at a young age was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. This book chronicles the story of that journey as the author reflects on it ten years later. Continue reading →