A Time To Embrace by Karen Kingsbury

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  My favorite aspect of the story is how "real" the characters are.  John and Abby have struggled to save their marriage, and just when things have turned around for them, John was in a horrible accident that changed their lives in an instant.  God can use all things for His glory, and is able to use this accident to work on the hearts of those involved, along with many from the town.  Marriages are healed, bitterness is lifted, and a town turns to prayer.  I don't want to give away the ending, so I will only say that this is a wonderful story of encouragement and triumph!  I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more by Karen Kingsbury.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann

From the first page, this story caught my attention and pulled me in.  Noelle St. Claire has been through some type of trauma, and she flees from all she has known to a horse ranch in Colorado.  There she meets two brothers, Rick and Morgan, who change her life forever.  Her past catches up with her, but it allows her to break free from the grip it has on her life so that she can move forward.  I loved this book and would highly recommend it!  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and have been asked to provide my honest, unbiased opinion.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

This story is about a 4 year old little boy that "visits" heaven when he almost dies due to a burst appendix.  I have to admit that I really want to believe, but because it took the boy, Colton, years to fully tell the story, it seems to me that his imagination may have been running wild.  I do believe the parents truly believe what he is saying, but I am just having a hard time buying it.  The theme of the story is good, though.  Trust God through all situations...He hears you when you pray to Him....He loves you....are all truths.  I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this book, because we all need to come to our own conclusions, but I wouldn't recommend it either.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jesus Calling -- 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young

I love this devotional book for children!  Sarah Young writes these devotionals as if Jesus is speaking directly to you.  My family, which consists of children ranging from 9 to 15, enjoy doing these together every night.  Even as an adult, the devotions are meaningful and appropriate.  There is a scripture reference at the beginning with the choice for further scripture review at the bottom of the devotional.  Great family book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

Seeds of Turmoil is a great book, and I highly recommend it for those interested in learning more about the conflict in the Middle East.  Author, Bryant Wright, digs deep into the biblical past of the middle east and focuses our attention on why it is relevant today.  Abraham's decision to "help" God fulfill the promise that one day he would be the father of many nations, has resulted in the friction now felt in the middle east.  The book details why Muslims have such animosity towards the Jews, Christians, and even each other. I appreciated the scripture references and the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian perspectives given in the book.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris

LOVED this book!  I've read a few mystery books before, but wasn't too impressed with the style.  C.S. Harris has forever changed my opinion!  From beginning to end, I was riveted to this story, and couldn't wait to see the mystery unraveled piece by piece.  Sebastian St. Cyr, the main character, has been falsely accused of a horrendous crime.  Instead of going into hiding when all of the evidence points to him, he decides to exonerate himself by discovering who the real killer is.  This book has mystery, romance, and history rolled into one.....a fantastic read!

What In The World Is Going On? by Dr. David Jeremiah

 I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and start reading...and boy it did not disappoint!  Dr. Jeremiah presents a clear and concise picture of biblical prophecy and how it relates to world events going on right now.  He backs up his viewpoint with scripture references, along with other great sources.  I am excited to pass this book on to my friends and would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand end time prophecy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

Mistress of Rome is a fantastic historical fiction read.  This book delivers an intriguing plot with many twists and turns.  Thea, a Jewish slave girl, falls in love with the gladiator, Arius, only to be torn from him by jealous slave owner, Lepida Pollia.  Eventually, Thea catches the eye of Emporer Domitian, but after becoming his mistress she finds that his interest in her becomes dark and sadistic and she longs for him to tire of her.  Eventually, Thea and Arius meet again and plot to take down Domitian.  Will they succeed?  You will have to read to find out!

The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

This book was an excellent read and hard to put down!  I loved the fact that I never quite had the story figured out until the very end.  I've read many vampire inspired novels, but this one was different.  I felt transported to Transylvania right along with the main character of the story, Theodora Lestrange.  Theodora travels from Scotland to visit an old school friend, Cosmina, and to celebrate Cosmina's betrothel.  When she arrives, she realizes that all is not as it seems, and her scholary views start to give way to local folklore.  This book has mystery, tragedy, romance, and superstition all rolled into one...a GREAT read!

Free Books??

I am so excited!  I found out that I can get free books just for being a blogger and writing reviews of the books.  I absolutely "devour" any book I can get my hands on so I figure that this would be right up my alley.  I've never "blogged" before, but it is a requirement to join the program, so I jumped right in and got my feet wet.  Hopefully others will find my reviews to be helpful...and hopefully the books I get to choose from will be awesome.  It will take a while to receive my first book, so I hear the library calling my name!