Book Review: The Encounter by Stephen Arterburn

This is a wonderful little book.  I am so glad that I was able to get this one for review.  In all honesty, I'm not sure that I would have picked this up on my own.  Now that I've read one of Mr. Arterburn's books, I'll be sure to seek his other stories out on the shelf.

This is a story about forgiveness and healing.  It deals with the hurt created when one doesn't know the whole story behind someones actions.  I think that it is a good illustration on how one shouldn't jump to conclusions.  Always get the full scoop before you go and decide how you feel about a person.

I really enjoyed the characters in the book.  They all felt very "real" to me.  Nothing felt forced about them or their actions.  Sometimes in a short book, things can feel rushed and cramped in the dialogue.  This one felt smooth to me.

All in all, I would recommend this short book by Stephen Arterburn.  It will only take an afternoon for most to read it  but you will be thinking about it long after that.

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.”

Book Review: The Future Door by Jason Lethcoe

"The Future Door" by Jason Lethcoe is volume two of the "No Place Like Holmes" series.  If you couldn't tell from the series title, these are stories that reference Sherlock Holmes.  I say "reference" because Holmes isn't a main character in this book.  The main characters are twelve year-old Griffin Sharpe and his uncle Rupert Snodgrass.  They live at 221 A Baker Street.  Sound familiar?  It just so happens that Sherlock Holmes lives at 221 B Baker Street. 

Griffin is a precocious child.  He has a unnatural attention to detail.  This enables him to be able to solve mysteries.  Rupert fancies himself  a sleuth on par with Mr. Holmes.  In actuality, he is a master inventor but not that great on the details.  When the two, Griffin & Rupert, pair up they become an unstoppable duo.

When Sherlock Homes retires to the countryside, the Moriarty family is ready to cause trouble.  They manage to steal Rupert's time travel device and begin to change the world around them.  Griffin and Rupert must find the time machine and stop the Moriartys.  It's only through Griffin's quick thinking and Rupert's wonderful array of inventions that trouble can thwarted.

This is a cute, quick, fun youth mystery.  I'd say it is best for the 9-12 year-old range.  Anyone older would find it to easy to predict.  The characters, although fun, are not deeply developed.  This is fine for the younger audience but a bit boring for an older child.

In summary, this series would be great for the young detective in your house.  I just wouldn't bother stealing it from your kids to read, not that I've ever done that.

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.”

Book Review: Belong To Me by Marisa de los Santos

Here is another book by my latest favorite author, Marisa de los Santos.  "Belong To Me" continues our look into the life of Corneliea Brown, while introducing us to some wonderful new characters.  This story stands alone from "Love Walked In" but I feel that by reading "Love Walked In" first greatly increases the enjoyment of the novel.

Ms. De los Santos gives us a wonderful look at the relationships between women. I think that the main theme of the book is showing us the difference in superficial connections to others and real emotional connections.  Through her characters she allows us to see how being true to yourself will enrich your life.

I really liked the character, Piper.  She is, in my mind, a queen-bee, Stepford wife, head cheerleader type person at the beginning of the book.  She is just an awful person.  The kind you love to hate because she is so hateful.  As Piper deals with her best friends terminal cancer battle, we watch her change into a "real" person.  To see her realise her mistakes and learn to be genuine, you just fall in love with her.  It makes you feel like you can change those thing you don't like about yourself, if she can overcome being a total jerk. LOL!

There are a couple of other main characters that I won't go into here.  I'll just leave it at they are just as full and well developed as Cornelia and Piper.  You will really enjoy getting to know them.

I would definitely recommend reading this one!

Book Review: The Scroll by Grant R. Jeffrey & Alton L. Gansky

This is one fun archaeological thriller.  Oh yeah, it's a Christian Fiction book, too.  Don't you just love it when you read a Christian Fiction book and it doesn't scream "CHRISTIAN" the whole time you are reading it?  I hope I'm not the only one that feels that way.  Sometimes I just find that they try to hard to be "good" in the writing of the story.  I figure if it's a good enough story they don't have to hit me over the head with the message of Christianity.  This book seems to have found that line.

This is the story of Dr. David Chambers, a leading biblical archaeologist.  He has spent his career finding archaeological proof of things depicted in the Bible.  At the start of the story he has fallen away from his faith in God.  He wants to leave the world of the Bible and explore different cultures.  This is much to the dismay of his professional colleagues.

David is talked back into "one last dig" in the Middle East by an old friend and mentor.  He tempts him by implying they have and idea of where to find the riches mentioned in the Copper Scroll.  If they do find these riches, then history will be altered forever.  Will this change be good or bad?  It all depends on ones beliefs.

When sabotage at the site begins at the sites, the actions really gets going.  This book contains all the key elements needed for an action packed thriller.  It has love, murder, secrets, history, & betrayal.  Who could ask for more?

I don't want to give away much of the story.  It's just to much fun to "watch" it unfold while you read it.  If you like historical fiction and mystery's, this book is a great choice.  I loved the settings, the characters, and the plot.  This is one to read!

Please Rank My Review!!  Thanks!


I was given this book by WaterBrook-Multnomah Publishing for review.  The opinions expressed are my own

Book Review: Rumors of God: Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard About by Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

What to say about "Rumors of God?"  For some reason this book just didn't capture my attention the way that others of the same genre have in the past.  I'm not sure if it was me or the book to be honest about it.  Maybe it is because I have read so many other books of this type.  It just seemed to be saying the same thing.  I didn't find any "new" nugget of insight contained within the pages.

Mr. Whitehead and Mr. Tyson each take turns writing chapters in the book.  They were faithful to let the reader know which of the two was writing at any given time.  I'm not sure that it really mattered though in the overall scheme of the book.  Each told stories, from their church family experiences, on how God wants to and is willing to work in our lives if we give him the chance.  They tackle the ideals of Abundant Life, Generosity, Grace, and Freedom just to name a few.

I know that my review seems very negative and I wish is didn't seem that way.  This book contains very good information and teaches some wonderful Christian practices.  If you are looking for a book to renew your drive to know God, this book will fit your need.  On the other hand, if you have already read several books on that topic, this one will say much the same thing.

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.”

Book Review: "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger" by David Gregory

I just loved the idea for this story.  A typical workaholic man gets an invitation to dine with Jesus.  The possibilities seem amazing.  What would you ask him?  What would he look like?  How would he act toward him?

The entire book is set over the course of Nick Cominsky's dinner with Jesus.  Nick doesn't pull any punches with Jesus.  Since he thinks that this dinner is a hoax, he works hard to try and trip up Jesus.  While he is grilling Jesus, Nick starts to believe that he is the real deal.  He starts to really hear what Jesus has to say and over the course of one dinner, Nick's life is changed forever.

The book was very fun to read.  It is a short book so it doesn't take very long to finish.  I think I read it in a couple of hours.  Although it is short, I thought it had some really good insights.  I wouldn't say that there was anything that was life changing for me but it was all good.  It might pack more of a punch for someone that was "on the fence" of Christianity.

I think that I would recommend this book to someone wanting an uplifting read but doesn't have much time.  I would have preferred that the story be more in depth.  It left me wanting more.  I guess if you have to say something bad about a book, that is a pretty good one.


Disclaimer: I was given this book to review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing

Book Review: Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud

This book is just a joy to read.  It's not long, busy, thrilling, or life-changing.  It is just simply a nice escape.  Each author has written short essays on various topics.  The topics include things such as "A Day In The Life" or "Games, Puzzles, &, Playtime."  The ladies then each write a page or two about something that pertains to that heading.  It can be about a particular event or even a family tradition.

I really enjoyed the relationship between these two women from VERY different cultural backgrounds.  It gives a good representation as to how even when we look very different on the outside, our inner thoughts and worries are very much the same.  It also shows us that different people need different things for their lives to run smoothly.  Ms. Woodsmall indicates that she can appreciate the simple, electronics free life of the Amish while not being willing to adjust her life to live that way.  Her path in life lays on a different route.

If you are looking for a good summer read, go out and get a copy of "Plain Wisdom" by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud.  You will be much happier after you have read some of this book.  It adds a little smile to your heart.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”. Please rate my review through the link below.  Thank you!

Book Review: "Unleashed; Release The Untamed Faith Within" by Erwin Raphael McManus

Have you ever felt that going to church just wasn't enough?  Have you ever felt that there should be more to being a Christian than just showing up on Sunday?  Does Christianity just seem to bland?  Then your inner barbarian is ready to burst forth and follow Jesus! 

This is how Mr. McManus frames it up for us.  He sets forth that Jesus never promised us a safe and secure time on Earth when we believe in Him.  That, upon examination of the Bible, the opposite is true.  God wants us to be warriors/barbarians in the unseen war against evil.  He sites numerous times in the Bible that to follow Jesus puts you in the direct path of turmoil and strife.

One of my favorite lines from the book is "People who are fully alive look out of their minds to those who simply exist."  Isn't that awesome!  How often have you had people look at you like you are nuts when you are convicted about a calling that God has put on your heart?  I know I've been in that position on several occasions.  When someone just goes through the motions of being a Christian or is a Sunday Christian, they don't hear God speaking to them.  They have never been called to step away from the normal and become a barbarian.

Another illustration that struck a cord with me is when Mr. McManus discusses Exodus 40:34-38.  For those of you without a Bible nearby, that is where it describes God in the form of a cloud leading the Israelites in the wilderness.  Mr. McManus states, "The civilized Christian build shelters & invite God to stay with them; barbarians move with God wherever He chooses to go.  The civilized Christian has a routine; the barbarian disciple has a mission."  He goes on with these illustrations for a paragraph.  They are all so spot on that it makes you really examine your own behavior.  It makes you want to reach deep down and call up that barbarian in your soul.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed this book.  It is along the same lines as "Radical," "Crazy Love," and "Irresistible Revolution."  It really motivated me to become a more active barbarian for Christ.

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.”

Book Review: "A Conversation with God" by Alton Gansky

The subtitle to this book is "If You Could Ask God Any Question.  What Would It Be?"  I think this subtitle really gives a good idea of what the book is like inside.  It is a question and answer session with God, Jesus, & other prominent people from the Bible.

The questions included in the book are broken into ten sections.  The sections are God, Bible, The Future, Pain & Suffering, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Heaven and Hell, Humanity, Christian Living, & Today's World.  As you can see, they are very good topics of discussion.  I feel like they hit upon all of the most common questions people have about Christianity.

The questions are answered in a conversational tone.  I've read some complaints that they don't quote scripture in the answers.  I didn't think that was a problem.  All of the scriptures used for reference are noted and then listed in the back of the book.  I think that if someone has a question it is best to answer in "real words" first and then back it up with scripture.  Sometimes it makes it more understandable that way.

I really enjoyed this book.  I like that I can just flip it open to any one question and read the response quickly.  They are short, one or two pages, and to the point.  I also like how they give more than one persons answer to a lot of the questions.  You may have it answered by God, Jesus, and Paul or some other combination.  It gives the answers more of an authentic feel.  Of course, these are fictionalized answers based on scripture.  After reading the responses, it is always good to follow-up with prayer, scripture reading, and contemplation.

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.”

Book Review: "The Sacred Meal" by Nora Gallagher

     I've struggled with writing this review.  I really enjoyed reading the book.  I felt like it gave some interesting insights on the Christian path.  Where I struggled was that it seemed to only have a tenuous link back to Communion.  Ms. Gallagher would write a chapter, a good chapter, on a topic such as receiving unearned gifts and then tie it back to Communion.

     I think I was expecting a detailed history about the practice of Communion.  Thinking I was getting a step-by-step instruction booklet on the hows and whys of the act.  Upon reading this book, I find, perhaps, the reason that she didn't write a book like that.  Ms. Gallagher paints a picture of a practice that is very personal and very unique to each person participating.  While the outward symbols may be the same, how we approach the act and how we recieve the gifts are personal.

     This book is a good book for those people seeking a fresh, open look at the Eucharist.  It doesn't  approach the Lord's table in a preachy or supierior way.  It would be a helpful book  for those raised with the idea that participating in Communion is only for those "churchy" or chosen few.  It makes sharing, even a "normal" meal seem more meaningful.

     I would reccomend this book for those people who enjoy a thought provoking read. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "Finding Our Way Again. The Return of the Ancient Practices" by Brian Mclaren

This is the first book in The Ancient Practices Series and I was super excited to read it.  I've really enjoyed the two other books I've read in the series.  I thought, surely, that this beginning would be just as good or better since it was setting us up to read the rest of the books.  Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

The book did have some good pieces of information, just not the information I was expecting.  I felt like the book spent most of it's time talking about the shared heritage of the three major world religions, Judaism, Christianity, & Islam.  The author stressed the point that perhaps if we all got in touch with our heritage we would all get along and peace would reign.   This isn't a bad hope/wish, just not what I thought the book was going to focus on.

One of the things that he wrote about that I enjoyed was that faith should be a way of life not a belief system.  That in the bible, it is often referred to as "the way," which infers that it is a progression not something static.  Faith is a road we travel.   The metaphor of the road is taken further by explaining that the roads in ancient days were rocky, twisted, & dangerous.  That one needed careful attention and commitment to travel the road.  If we follow Jesus and imitate his behavior, it is like following someone who has been down the road before us.  It makes traveling much easier, not easy, but easier.

He also points out that by practicing the ancient ways we are exercising our beliefs.  They are a way of building up our faith  reserves for times when we have nothing.  I find this point to be comforting.  It was also pointed out in one of the other books about the ancient ways, Common Prayer, I believe.  I like knowing that when I'm to upset, tired, despondent, or confused to come up with my own thoughts, my brain can draw on the words from the centuries and I can find comfort and sense in them.

To sum up what the author says are the points behind practicing the ancient ways; They are to 1) help us build character, 2)help us to be fully awake and alive to God, and 3) help us more fully experience God.

Now the big question, would I recommend this book?  To tell the truth, I'm not really sure.  It isn't bad, just seeming off topic and a bit rambely for my tastes.  If you do choose to read it, read several snippets or reviews so you know what the book is really about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "The Truth Of The Matter" by Andrew Klavan

I recieved this book from Booksneeze.com to review. Over all it is a very good juvenile fiction book. I would say it would most appeal to a 11-13 year old boy. I think that for someone on an upper reading level would find the dialouge a little shallow.

This book is the third in a series of adventures of our hero, Charlie West. It is set in present times or just in the future. Charlie has found himself without the memory of a year of his life. During that time, he has been convicted of murder, sent to prison, broken out of prison, and is being chased by two sets of unknown government type groups. As you can tell from just this vauge list of events, this is an action packed book series.

Even though I had not read the first two books in this series, I found that the back story was filled in very well. Therefore, if you pick up any one of this group you will be entertained. This book is from a Christian publisher and does have Christian themes. It is not over the top with pushing God onto non-believers. It does show how Charlie's faith gets him through some really tough spots. It does not have bad language in the book. This was a nice perk. I liked how the author conveyed emotions with out falling back on potty-mouth dialoge.

This is a good action/adventure book for young teens. Those that like spy novels will really find something to like in this book.