Seven-mile Miracle

I have kept up with Pastor/Author Steven Furtick's books since I got his book "Crash the Chatterbox" from the blogging for books program. Each one has had something insightful, and very helpful, I started to read seven-mile Miracle, and I began to think it was for the new believer or someone who hasn't yet received God's grace. It took a few more pages for me to realize I was wrong; it is for the newly saved, the unsaved, and for those of us who are still receiving His grace day by day. 

Summery

"It’s Good Friday. The Son of God is giving up his life. What does he want to say to us in His final hours? What does He tell the people standing at the foot of the cross, to pass down to the ages? He speaks only seven short statements. Words of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, and reunion. Seven statements that mean everything."

Each chapter, or in this case each mile, brought deep truth into what I thought I already knew. This book is insightful, funny, and gets to the heart of these seven final statements of Jesus. On chapters I thought would have no impact on me, after all I already accepted Christ as my savior what could I have to learn about the subject of Salvation?, showed me that we sometimes need to return to the roots. 

The most important part to me in the first mile marker or so was that grace isn't a one time thing, it is renewed every day, because we need it. I loved how Steven put it in the way of it's like being saved again and again and again. I was getting to a point where I thought God wouldn't listen to my pleas anymore, that I had finally done enough to get him to ignore me, but I was oh so very wrong. Boy, I was never so glad to be wrong.

I think this a perfect book for anyone. It is a good introduction into what we christians believe, and gives a solid foundation in The Truth. For those of us that think we have nothing left to learn, pick up this book and see if it has the same effect on you that it had on me. 

that's all for now everyone. I hope y'all have a blessed day.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Because you're Mine

Colleen Coble’s new book, Because you’re Mine, will keep you turning the page with little to no stops in between. This book weaves mystery, death, and the power of love to make an interesting novel.

Everything is going well for Alenna’s celtic band Ceol. The tour is on schedule and their new manager has been bringing them to new heights. Alenna and her husband Liam (Also the drummer for the band Ceol) look forward to informing their band-mates to telling them the great news of their pregnancy; but all goes wrong when Liam and his best friend Jesse get caught in a car bomb.

With threats from her in-laws in Ireland to sue for the right to raise her unborn child Alenna feels she has little choice but to take the offer of marriage from her manager. When all is said and done though Alenna realizes she will have to do a lot more to keep her baby safe as dangers arise in her new home where everything is not what is seems to be.

Colleen Coble always creates interesting mysteries filled with romance and a good message about God’s love. I expected to see this when I read Because you’re Mine. Throughout the book though I found a quite disconnection from any Christian influence in most of the book. It might have been the author’s intention due to Alenna’s grief over Liam and a sudden remarriage.

Even still, any Christian input I usually see in Colleen Coble’s books I saw very little with this one. I was sadden a little by the fact that I felt like I was reading a normal murder/mystery book with more hints of Irish folklore then any of the characters growing in their Christian faith, or even really talking about it.

I liked the background story of many of the characters. They were well thought out, but a bit rushed. And another thing is I had a hard time relating to anyone. I usually can at least feel what the characters are feeling in Colleen’s books, but this one lacked its usual connectivity. Again this might have been the author’s intent.

I still really like this book, but it was not one of my favorites. If you enjoy a good murder/mystery I would say you enjoy this book.

Well that’s all for today folks. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Uninvited

Uninvited is my first book by Lysa TerKeurst, and without knowing the author's renown for penning some amazing books. I've looked forward to reading this one for a few months and I can very happily say I was not disappointed.

Uninvited deals with the enemy's way of trying to make you feel like you're the only one who feels left out, how he tries to isolate you in your own head. In delves deeper into the roots of our self doubt, insecurities, and so much more. Giving scripture to show how to handle these feelings and to show that you're not alone in this. God is prepared for all of it.

We've all faced rejection sometime in our life, and it's not an easy thing to handle. I know I've had to face a lot of it. Reading this book helped me unearth a lot of past hurts, and to move on from them. Lysa mixes in a nice blend of humor and isn't afraid to share her own experiences with these feelings. Reading through this book will be like talking to a new friend, one who isn't afraid to share the pain of the past to help you. 

Rejection, loneliness, depression, all of these are hard for anyone, especially young women, to handle. If you are going through anything like this then please pick up this book. It's not easy to face these things alone, make the choice to not be alone anymore.

I would really suggest reading this with a friend or in a group. It will help all within the group unearth an honest and openness they may not have had before. Living loved when the world makes you feel lonely....that is the whole point of this book, and I have to say Lysa did a perfect job with it.

I can't give this book more praise, and if I could I would rate it 10 stars. 

Well folks that's all for now. I hope y'all have a great day.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

A Tapestry of Secrets

The next and maybe the final book in the Appalachian Blessings series is here. If you haven't been looking forward to this book as much as I have then you haven't read the last two books by this amazing author!

We return to the town of Wise to see Perla now in her eighties and surrounded by loving family. Only one dark cloud remains over her life; the secret of Sadie's biological father. But a stroke has left Perla silenced. Will she ever be able to tell her beloved family the truth about that night so long ago?

I have been looking forward to this book since I was told that it was coming out and the story would be more focused on Sadie, a character I felt was far too often was put to the sidelines. Sadie was seen more in this book, but I still feel like there needs to be a book focused on her. I thought to a degree that is what this would be, if you thought the same thing you will be disappointed. Perhaps there will be a book four that will be all about Sadie, as I hoped for this one.

The main characters of this story are Perla (As in the other two books) and her granddaughter Ella. Now Ella is an interesting character. I found her relatable, probably because she is close to my age, and the way she handles change is pretty close to how I use to handle it.

This book deals well with the uncertainty of the future, and I think many young adults would benefit from reading this book and hearing things from the mind of Ella. Also be prepared for tears, laughter, and mystery. Keep a tissue box near by at all times.

If this is the last book in the series it ended well. Though my hope for a return to Sadie still remains the ending to this book was able to satisfy my need to know what happened to all the other characters. It is a book you will enjoy for generations to come.

That's all I have for now folks. Until the next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

the Beautiful Pretender

Melanie Dickerson has become my favorite author of fairy-tales and medieval fiction. The Beautiful Pretender is by no means an exception to this.

I was able to borrow “The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest” from the library before I got this book in, and I will say it helps keep some of the characters straight, but you don’t have to read the first one to enjoy this book.

How would you feel if you only had two weeks to find a wife, and you had a list of only ten girls you were allowed to choose from? The mangrave of Thornbeck faces this problem and his only option is to invite the women from the King’s list and decide which young lady will be his bride.

Avelina is a maid-servent from a neighboring area. When her mistress runs away the blame is laid at Avelina’s feet. To save her family from banishment Avelina must go in place of her mistress, making sure that the mangrave does not pick her at all costs.

The story takes some elements from the princess and the pea, which is one of my favorite fairy tales, and a story to mix into this series of fairytales. A good amount of historical detail is also put into this book, just like most of Melanie’s books, and to me it just makes her books all the more enjoyable.

Something that has made this book more dear to my heart is how marriage is viewed by Avelina, and what she wants from it. So many marriages, both back then and now, turned sour and left children with a horrible idea of what marriage is or what it will be like for them. Avelina explains that a woman wants to be loved for who she is. Not for her money, her family name, or for her looks, but for the person they are. I screaming “YES!!! AT LAST SOMEONE GETS IT!!!” all throughout this scene.

The Beautiful Pretender is by far the best book Melanie Dickerson has published yet. I am very much looking forward to her next book “Silent Songbird”.

So if you are looking for a good fairytale or wanting to know if this one is any good then I hope you have found the answers!

Well folks that’s all for today. Until next time folks, I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Counted with the Stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Counted with the Stars. Most Biblical fiction is very dark, like the authors are highlighting the horrors instead of the hope. That is not the case with Connilyn Cossette’s “Counted with the Stars”. If you are looking for a realistic historical fiction with the message of hope we seek in Christian fiction then you’ll find it in this book!

Counted with the Stars takes place in the timeline of Exodus, telling the story of young Egyptian woman sold into slavery after all her father’s ships are destroyed at sea. To save her mother and her disabled brother from the same fate she has to work for a mistress who is cruel and wishes for nothing more then to see Kiya fail.

I did not expect to feel such a close connection to Kiya. Her character is so real, that you want to do nothing but cheer her on, tell her it’s going to be okay.

Another problem that Kiya faced, and one I think we can all relate to, is finding where you belong. As a merchant’s daughter turned slave Kiya was ostracized not only from the high ranking society, even the commoners and slaves would have nothing to do with her. Being in such a state is hard for anyone and one I could relate to.

This book also always had the same constant message; God is the way.

Many of the fiction books that take place in biblical times seem to lose this somewhere along the way, and even if it’s brought back in the end it still feels like it was put there to keep it in the “Christian” section. Counted among the stars did not have this problem at all and kept tied in with events of Exodus and how they might be viewed by the Egyptians.

If you are looking for a book for your christian book group this is the one. If you’re looking for a great historical fiction book with realistic settings and characters this is the book for you. If you are looking for a book filled with the message of God’s love and how the Old Testament illustrates that then Counted with the Stars is the book you have been looking for!

I cannot give this book enough praise, and I hope you readers will pick up a copy.

Well that’s all for now folks. Until next time I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Her one and Only; The end of the Porter family series

I started out on this series unsure if I would really like what would come next. Much similar to a crescendo the Porter Family series gets better with each book that comes next!

I thought Becky Wade couldn’t do better when she wrote A Love like ours, boy was I wrong. Dru Porter is the youngest member of the family, and the only girl in a line of boys. Four older brothers and a tour in the marines makes one able to stand tall against what life throws at you, and the constant judgement of others. Dru now works as a bodyguard, and no one is better at her job. But past mistakes hover over her and make her co-workers weary of her, and being a woman makes most of her clients head tilt in confusion. Dru is determined to prove she is up to the task of being the bodyguard of the NFL star Gray Fowler.

Gray Fowler has to be one of my all time favorite characters now. He is relatable, and his past makes it easier for guys to relate to him as well. It also helped me be more understanding of a few guys I use to know and why their pasts made them have trouble with love.

The action in this book also set it apart from the previous books in this series, giving it an extra draw to an already interesting story. Then the teasing between these two, oh my goodness I could barely contain my laughter most days! And to see the rest of the Porter family, and to have them mixed in more than most book series that have a returning cast just..just made the ending to the series even better than I could have imagined! Finishing this book was like watching the series finale of your favorite TV show. It's wonderful, but then you know you're going to miss seeing new adventures for the characters you have come to love.

The final book in the Porter family series will have you at the edge of your seat, your heart melting, and your head singing praises as these two battle the odds. God’s love really does heal all wounds and this book shows it well.

I hope Becky Wade writes more book series after this. I think I would cry if she didn’t! But if you’re looking for a fun book series to read during the summer I would tell you to pick up this series right now. You won’t regret it!

Well that’s all for now folks. I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

The Calling

I honestly cannot say enough about this book series, and Rachelle Dekker as an author. If you haven't started this heart changing book series by now then you are seriously missing out!

So much has happened since "The Choosing" and there is a time jump of over a year. I found it funny that is almost how long we've been waiting for the release of this book. 

Now back to the main subject here.

Remko has so much weighing on his shoulders, with the leadership of the seers and his marriage to Carrington. Their type of lifestyle is not an easy one with the enemy breathing down their necks. Fear, surrender, and true faith are only a few of the main points made inside this book. Honestly there was so much packed into this 400 page novel I had to take notes for each chapter. This would be a perfect book to use for a bible study or book club. 

So many questions arose as I read the book. About myself, my life, my faith, all of it. It made me take a good look at my fears and ask myself why I was afraid to begin with? 

The trails that Remko and Carrington faced were some of the hardest any person may have to face in this life, and I found myself crying right along side them.

That is another thing about this book that took me by surprise; how the writing style had a way of drawing me in without even realizing it. Just one chapter had me feeling like I was traveling with Remeko through the borders of the Authority, sitting with Carrington in the Seer camp, or trailing beside the bone chilling president Damien Gold. I could barely tell when I had made it to the next chapter. It all flowed together like a forest stream, leading out into a ocean of possibilities. 

When I reached the end I was sobbing, but a little ray of hope came out in the ad saying that the final book in the Seer trilogy will be coming out this fall!!! 

Well folks, that's all I've got for now. Hope to see you next time!

Remember, I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

As an extra bonus here is a Q&A with Rachelle Dekker.

Q. This book is written from Remko’s perspective. Did you face any challenges writing from a male point-of-view? 

A. There was definitely a looming pressure as I started to write the book. As a woman writer, I wanted to make sure Remko felt masculine and authentic, so I was constantly aware of how he sounded, and how he reacted. Once I got into a flow with his character though, it started to feel more familiar I didn’t have to think about it as much. 

Q. Do you think men and women express and handle fear differently? If so, how? 

A. I believe people handle fear differently, and that gender doesn’t always play a role. I believe more often than not we are all the same, and that we should be encouraged that we never really face anything alone. 

 Q. Carrington struggles with the pain that comes from watching Remko miss the Truth that was so clear to her. What encouragement would you give to others that have loved ones who do not yet share their faith?

 A. Everyone needs to take the journey. For some, truth comes more easily, and others have to struggle to see it. It can be incredibly hard to watch someone you love miss the truth right in front of them, but don’t forget that the Father is still God, and He holds them in His hand. So love those that struggle restlessly and trust that the Father is ever-present, even in the darkness. 7. The theme of identity from The Choosing continues in The Calling. Carrington reminds herself, “When you know who you truly are, you realize there is no war left to fight at all.” How does this statement apply to our Christian faith? 

Q. Do you relate to any of the characters in The Calling in terms of how you’ve faced and handled fear in your life? How so? 

A. For me this is simply a reminder that God is still God. Regardless of my circumstance or how I view the world, the Father is constant and hasn’t changed. He has already won the fight, already conquered death, already set me free. It’s only when I forget who He calls me and who He is that I feel the need to fight against life instead of surrendering to Him and letting Him be God.

Q. What do you hope readers will take away from the story? 

A. I hope they take a moment to see themselves as children of the Father. I hope they see that true freedom and fearlessness rest in surrendering, and that when they stand with the Father than nothing can stand against them. There is incredible peace in that truth, and I hope, like I am beginning the experience, that readers feel that same peace. 

 Q. What can readers expect in the final book of the series? 

A. Characters they know and some new ones I hope they’ll love! More questions of identity, and fear, but the characters will also be looking at forgiveness and letting go. I’m really happy with the way the final book played out, and I’m hoping readers will be as well. 

Siren's Song

The ending to an epic fantasy trilogy. Siren’s Song puts a close to what we’ve all been waiting for.

Dreawolf has waged War on all the hidden lands, and he wants one thing; ultimate power. In a game of chess that could cost everyone their lives. Nym has to lead the Faelen people, but doubts creep in and she wonders if she is leading her people to freedom or to their deaths.

The Storm Siren Trilogy has been interesting, and it covers a lot of topics in just three books. What I found a little odd though was for a christian fiction series I had to really dig to find the reference to the Bible. And the made up cussing, such as “Go to Hulls” may have blocked a little more of it for me. I don’t know what the reasons were the author put that kind of stuff in there, she probably had a good reason, but I personally could have done without it.

Nym’s journey throughout this book reminds me a little bit of Moses, and throughout the whole series I see more of the Old Testament then the New Testament, which was interesting, but again like the other two books before this I really had to dig to find any reference to the Bible.

The theme of this book is Mercy and healing, in many scenes we will see how Mercy, or lack of it, can change the fate of an entire nation. After reading the ending I was left feeling there should be a continuation to this series, maybe there will be, maybe there won’t. I’m not sure.

All in all this book series was good, but I do feel some stuff was lacking, and the focus of the books was a little off. It left me feeling like I had just read a normal YA book I would find in Barnes&Noble, not a teen christian fiction book. That is just my opinion. If you have read these books and feel differently then please leave a comment and tell me how you felt about the books.

Well folks that’s it for today. I hope y’all have a blessed day.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Light of the Last

The first two books to this series were like the beginning to a classic song. It starts out a little slow, then it starts to build a little tempo around the middle, by the crescendo you have your breath taken away from you! Light of the Last builds up on where the other two left off, giving us a great action packed novel with twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn’t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can’t imagine–an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war.

Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he’s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem–his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency. Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew’s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul.

Okay, after Rise of the Fallen (that’s book two of this series) I really couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. A lot goes on in 335 pages, a few time jumps, some flash backs, all of it building up the character Drew Carter is and needs to be. I seriously impressed with Chuck Black on this one.

I also enjoyed looking to the back of the book after each chapter and reading the chapter guide. Each one gives a sort of theme to that chapter, and the Biblical message in it. If you plan to read this book for a book club or with some friends I suggest doing what I did and after each chapter you finish going to the back of the book to read the chapter guide for it. Doing this helped me look forward to reading the next chapter. Each book should have a chapter guide, so give it a look!

I will be giving way only one spoiler here people, and this is it: There are more books to come. If you thought this would be the last we see of Drew Carter and the gang then you are happily mistaken! We will be seeing our hero and perhaps some new characters in the next book.

The plot thickens!

The first two books of this series were a little much to get through, but you’ll be eating up book three. So I encourage you to go to your local bookstore or Library and pick up this series.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Always Watching

Suspense doesn’t begin to cover this book. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book, wondering, waiting, always watching for the next turn of events.

I am new to Lynette Eason’s novels, but I can say I am a fan now. I usually read books with more romance or that are in a historical setting, it took some getting use to a modern fiction book with so much action and so few answers. Lynette doesn’t make her bad guys identity easy to guess, at least not in this book. The Elite Guardians are a group of well trained bodyguards, each one of its founding members were once a some type of law enforcement before creating the business, and they aren’t afraid to go out into the field. Oliva is one of the three founding members and our main character.

Ice doesn’t begin to describe her cool personality, and the control she has over her emotions is something only pain from the past can accomplish. Then there is Wade, her new client. He’s a radio talkshow host, a psychiatrist, and works for a charity. Hard not to like this guy, right? Well someone has set her eye on him, and not in the most attractive way. His stalker has become ruthless, taking out anyone who might be a threat. So what happens when Oliva steps onto the scene as his new bodyguard?

This well written novel is just the first in the new Elite Guardians series, and I honestly cannot wait for august to get here so I can read book two. This will become a new favorite series to new and old fans alike. The characters are complex, and well developed, and it’s not focused so much on just the two main characters. It brings a whole host of characters to life, and each are special in their own way.

There is also the theme of surrender in this book, surrendering control, the guilt, and fear. I found it interesting how the author showed how to deal with fear in a Christ like way, something have been trying to deal with myself

I cannot say more about this book without REALLY spoiling it, and that isn’t fair to you readers, but please get this book! it is amazing.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

Mermaid Moon

Again I missed book one of Colleen Coble’s amazing series, but I do not regret getting my hands on book two!

Okay, for all you people out there wondering you do want to read book one of this series, because the characters are in here and they play a role in the story. And another fun fact, these take place in the same islands, or at least the islands around the Summer Harbor series by Denise Hunter! that is just so cool to me.

Anyways, back to the program. As we have come to expect with Colleen Coble, this is a mystery/romance novel, but this one is different from her previous works. I’m not sure how to explain it, maybe it’s the writing style, the feel of the characters, the storyline, or maybe all three. Mermaid moon is for sure her best book to date!

I want to explain a little of the story, like I usually do, but anything I could say would spoil the plot, and I just cannot do that to you readers, not this time anyways. You can look at the description below, but that’s all I can give y’all this time.

Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.” Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point. Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago. When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

The theme of this book is forgiveness, forgiving family and forgiving yourself when God already has. It touched my heart deeply. Before I was saved I battled with a guilt I couldn’t comprehend, and I felt God would never show me forgiveness if I couldn’t even find it in myself. I was wrong. If you are battling with a deep guilt I suggest picking up this book, it might help you.

That’s all for today folks I hope you have a blessed day

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given

Listening Beyond the Silence

Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse have come together to blend a story of family, mystery, and God’s ever present love.  Be ready to hear Beyond the Silence in this wonderful novel.

Tracie Peterson has become one of my favorite authors, her books are always good, but I had never heard of Kimberly Woodhouse before now. For all you Tracie Peterson (or Kimberly Woodhouse) fans out there please do not worry that your favorite author’s style will be ruined. I ate up this book in two nights, and together these two women have created a book I feel neither could have done alone.

The story’s female lead character, Lillian Porter, starts out her journey on unsteady standing with her grandfather. Making her journey to Angels Camp California all the harder, but she feels God calling her to follow the dreams of her mother.

I love how they blended facts with fiction, both authors researched these areas and even some of the shops and people in the books! I never would have guessed some of them were real people, it made the book all the more enjoyable. Too many authors are afraid to touch details like that because of historical accuracy, yet TV shows can do it all the time! I just don’t get that.

This book also focuses on another painful, and all too common subject even in the church, Gossip. How often have we judged a person solely on what someone else has said, or facts that have been bended into a bad lighting? This made a lot of trouble for our main characters. This is something we need to keep in mind though. At the end of the day, when our tongues have unleashed any hurtful gossip, what impression do we leave on other people?

The story also didn’t rush into the romance, which I found refreshing. Instead of the normal “I have this strong feeling towards him/her” it starts out as friendship. I won’t tell if they get together or not, you’ll have to read the book to find that out.

Many other topics are also covered in this 350 page book, I was surprised how much they could fit in and not drag out the storyline. It all flowed perfectly and I will probably read it again sometime in the future.

I highly encourage getting yourself a copy from your local library or bookstore, you won’t regret it.

Until next time folks I hope you have a blessed day!

I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.