faith

A Rooster Once Crowed – A Review

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

A Rooster Once Crowed: A Commentary on the Greatest Story Ever ToldA Rooster Once Crowed: A Commentary on the Greatest Story Ever Told by Bryant Cornett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“We live in those few moments between the first and the second crow of the rooster – between decision and indecision, between knowing and being known. But do you even care? Small; decisions made today establish our path for all time and yet we people with a piece of this and a taste of that we diet on wisdom from antiquity and gorge on culture that is next month’s joke. This story is an opportunity to gorge on scripture – from Genesis to Revelation – in context it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and an opportunity to see for yourself what it actually is. Rather than what we mold it to be and to finally choose whether or not to care.”

“Through small stories and a modern context, this book will help you understand and decide what you believe about the greatest story ever told.”

A Rooster Once Crowed is truly a fascinating read. It challenged me, in a good way, from the first chapter by asking me to examine how much I really do know about God, Jesus, Heaven, Creation, the Trinity, the Gospels, the Crucifixion…

Using Scripture references, commentary and personal stories, the author placed me on a journey to either accept and re-affirm my faith or to deny it all together by giving me insight into God’s love for Man (me), the Fall due to sin, and the price/debt Jesus paid, His sacrifice, to bring mankind (me) into God’s plan.

In the last chapter, we are given an Invitation to the final and greatest “Dance”. Will you accept or decline? It is hoped that we accept, and if we do… what do we do until the dance? And how do we prepare? That is the crux of it all.

This is a powerful book that, in conjunction with Scripture, brings forth the truths of my/our belief’s and all that that includes. This book truly is nourishment for the soul.

*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, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com

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Castles of the Heart – A Review

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

Castles of the HeartCastles of the Heart by Hale Meserow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“A Love story, a tale of immense personal courage, a gritty fight against entrenched racism, and a life lived in God’s care, all set in the beautiful back country of western North Carolina and the frenetic bustle of New York City…”

Castles of the Heart is a delightful book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. There were several strong female characters developed throughout the book, with the lead character as Starlight O’Bannion. The story follows the life – from the moment of conception – of Starlight. We are with her during her formative years, as she rises herself from the backwoods mountains of North Carolina to attend a most prestigious college to become a top ranked female attorney… something rarely heard of pre-world war 2. We are with Starlight at her marriage, her sudden young widowhood and the birth of her daughter.

As with most women of that era, Starlight is a strong and powerful woman, except when it comes to love. She again walks down the bridal aisle. We, the reader, can see where it is headed, but the young Starlight doesn’t.

With her professional life on a meteoric rise and her personal life in ruins, Starlight takes on the legal case of her life – to save the son of a lifelong family friend. I will stop this review there as much more will give away the entire ending.

I truly did take pleasure in reading this book. Though the length of the book did take me back a bit at first, I found the story to be an easy and enjoyable read. While there is clearly a Christian aspect to the entire story, I did not find it preachy or pushy.

*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

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52 Reasons to Believe – A Review

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52 Reasons to Believe: Concise Thoughts on the Christian Faith52 Reasons to Believe: Concise Thoughts on the Christian Faith by Gregg Farah

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Have doubts about the Christian faith? 52 Reasons to Believe is a devotional theology book, offering concise thoughts on the Christian faith. It will help you confront your questions and disarm your doubt. You’ll learn what the Bible says about itself and the character of God, and discover how they relate to contemporary life. Learn on your own or with a group, but expect to develop a stronger faith as you arm yourself with 52 Reasons to Believe.”

52 Reasons To Believe is divided into 4 sections. “The Bible is…” “ God is…” Jesus is…” “The Holy Spirit is…” Each section focuses, reveals, identifies and shares the characteristics, traits and descriptions and evidences of each particular topic. The author invites the reader to “dig in” and confront your questions, disarm your doubts and strengthen your spiritual life.

Within each of the 52 chapters, you will find: a reason to believe, a key quote, a “did you know” section, a “link to your life”, small group discussion questions, a Key verse and a short prayer.

Whether you decide to read this book all at once, or use it as a chapter a day or week, this book is a great resource for Christians of all spiritual levels, and would be perfect for groups focusing on new believers.

*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
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A Melody for James – A Book Review

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

A Melody for James (Christian Romantic Suspense) (Song of Suspense)A Melody for James (Christian Romantic Suspense) by Hallee Bridgeman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Solitary strangers meet during a stormy stopover. Hours later, their hearts hum a harmonious duet.

Melody Mason has the hottest female voice in the country music scene. But the cheers of throngs of adoring fans mean little in the absence of the handsome stranger who rescued her years before. Widower James Montgomery has never forgotten her. He prays God can bring her back.

Incredible events finally bring them face to face again. Together at last, they realize the bond between them has miraculously risen to a crescendo, melodiously marrying them like strong symphonic chords. Uncannily, they learn they share more in common than they could have ever imagined. They know God reunited them for a purpose.

Sinister forces threaten to destroy their newfound happiness. The couple must work in close concert, placing all their faith in God as they solve the deadly mystery that ties their lives inexplicably together.

Fire, loss, and bloodshed cannot shake their faith in God to see them through as they face a percussive climax that leaves hearts and lives forever changed.”

A Melody for James is a wonderful Christian suspense story of a chance-encounter, a new love, a broken heart, sweet romance, and repentant hearts along with dread, secrets, intrigue, unimaginable loss and bloodshed all wrapped up in an unshakable faith in God that guides and protects Melody and James and those they love.

This book is a great story that will get its hooks in you from the very beginning with its twists and turns and suspense. You do not want to miss this book.

*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

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Uniform Decisions – A Book Review

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

Uniform Decisions: My Life in the LAPD and the North Hollywood ShootoutUniform Decisions: My Life in the LAPD and the North Hollywood Shootout by John Caprarelli

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“February 28, 1997, Los Angeles, California – After a botched robbery at a Bank of America branch in North Hollywood, two robbers, armed with fully automatic assault rifles and wearing full body armor, fired more than 1,100 rounds as they battled police.

Eleven officers and two civilians were wounded. The two robbers, Emil Matasareanu and Larry Eugene Phillips Jr., were killed by gunfire. Officer John Caprarelli was one of the first officers at the scene.

Before a national TV audience, he confronted one of the robbers, provoking a gun fight and exchanging numerous shots before the gunman fell. Officer Caprarelli was awarded the LAPD’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor, as well as a National Top Cop Award.”

I have members of my family that serve as police officers, firemen and first responders. I have always admired them for their dedication to their chosen fields. It takes a certain type of person to do those jobs; they is not for everyone. And after reading this memoir, I now have more admiration for them. These are dangerous and thankless jobs. They are the ones that run towards the trouble, when we are running away from it. The stories and anecdotes written by the Author give us a small, yet rare, glimpse into the life of a 27-year career police officer – both his personal and professional life.

It is the last half of the book, though, that totally captivated me. Without divulging much of the story… It is the detailed minute-by-minute account of the infamous North Hollywood Bank Robbery. I was totally captivated by the retelling of the account and could hardly put the book down. If you are a fan of police crime drama shows, as I am you will enjoy this book.

“It is said that working the streets as a police officer is hours of boredome sprinkled with econds of terror.  I can vouch for that.  It was quite a ride.” –  John Caprarelli

*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, CBD, GoodReads and Deeper Shopping

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Forgotten Road – A Book Review

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

forgotten road book cover

Forgotten Road by Randall Arthur

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Nashville music star and family man, Cole Michaels, is persuaded to embrace an “American Dream” Theology that promises comfort, happiness, and success. But when the unimaginable happens, Cole blames God and abandons his faith. More vulnerable than ever, he is clueless that an evil character with an unspeakable secret is using every available resource to find him.

Down every forgotten road is a new discovery. Sometimes pleasant. Sometimes frightening.

There’s no “fairy tale’ Christianity here. But there is a true –to-life drama that will captivate your heart and mind. And resonate in your soul.”

Forgotten Road by Randall Arthur is the first book that I have read by this author and it is unlikely that it will be the last. It is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. It is at times sweet and other times rife with raw gut-wrenching emotion. This book will grab you on page one, touch your heart, jangle your emotions, and not let go of you until the last paragraph. It is filled with Cole Michaels’ personal road to really discovering the truth who God is and how to humble himself not only before God, but before man as well to let HIS light shine through.

I can’t say enough about this book… but to divulge too much would give away the story. You must unwrap this story yourself. I will warn that there are a few paragraphs/pages that are seriously graphic – so sensitive readers be aware.

*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, Books A Million,  and Goodreads
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Take What You Need

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” Hebrews 4:12

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”
Matthew 24:35

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, and for training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16

Continue reading →

The Power Of Praying For Your Adult Children – A Book Review

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

The Power of Praying? for Your Adult ChildrenThe Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second time reading this book. It is a goto reference for me… not something that you read once, mark “done” and put away. The author spoke directly to my heart, as if she knew the pain and turmoil we were going through with an adult child.

Each chapeter. she guided us through some turbulent times and we are now seeing the results of many hours of prayer. I highly recommend this for parents and step parents, any one guiding a young adult into adulthood.

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When A Woman Says Yes To God – A Book Review

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: Experiencing Life in Extraordinary WaysWhat Happens When Women Say Yes to God: Experiencing Life in Extraordinary Ways by Lysa TerKeurst

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God is about surrendering your whole life to God. Through scripture and her own personal experience, the author is a guide to what can happen when you develop a complete relationship with God. From the beginning chapter the author uses examples of her own life, struggles and all, to bring the reader along her own journey of finally Saying Yes To God in a whole and complete way. This book is filled with simple wisdom and revelation to aid the reader in making that decision in their own life to Say Yes To God.
This is by far one of the best books I’ve read. Her ability to open up God’s desire for my life helped make me want to read some chapters over and over. I read this book in conjunction with the P31ministry.org online bible study. I would recommend this book to any woman (or man) who wants to take their life in Christ to the next level.

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The Gospel Of God’s Grace

~ Ann Cuddy-Sullivan ~ Leave a comment

confident heart

“Have you I let the gospel of God’s grace move from your my head to your  my heart, so that you I know without a shadow of a doubt that you are I am known intimately and loved completely by God?” “A Confident Heart” pg 41.

I grew up in a wonderful, complete, warm and loving family.  Mom and dad saw to it that we were in church every weekend, that we attended weekly religious instructions, and received all of the Sacrements of the Church.

I grew up knowing about God.  I knew OF Him… I just didn’t KNOW Him.  I knew that God loved me.  I just didn’t know how deeply and how He truly loved me and how much He longed for a relationship with me.  I didn’t know that He wanted a relationship with me that would last for all eternity.  All is knew at that time is that if I followed all the rules that that would be good enough to get me into Heaven. Continue reading →