Book Review: "The Seraph Seal" by Lenoard Sweet and Lori Wagner

I was really excited when I was given this book to review.  I love historical thrillers, under normal circumstances.  I like how they weave real life into these fictional situations.  This book  seemed like it was going to fit right into this idea.  It is set in the future, 2048, and the time for the Apocalypse is at hand.
The first part of this book was very interesting.  It was an essay titled "Engaging the Apocalypse: A Nonfiction Essay on Scenarios and Semiotics for the 21st Century."  That is quite a mouth full!  Although it sounds daunting, it was the best part of the book.  It talked about using things that are happening in our world today and using them to project/predict what may happen in the future.  The purpose being,  if we think about the "maybes" we will be better prepared if and when they become realities.  I found this to be an interesting concept and enjoyed learning the scientific word for this process, semiotics.
The beginning also talks about the term engaged fiction.  This concept deals with the idea that the reader should be an active participant in the story.  Using this idea, the authors have added a rather large section at the back of the book with additional information.  The reader is encouraged to use this information to develop their own theories and ideas for the story and the future of the real world. Again, very cool idea.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the actual story that the authors wrote.  It just was so jumpy for me.  I found it very hard to follow where I was in the story.  I had trouble remembering who the secondary characters were and if they were good guys or bad guys.  The main bad guy just seemed a bit to fantastical to me.  Maybe I just don't know enough about Revelations to "get it," but it was just too much.
So, after having high hopes, I just didn't enjoy the story.  I enjoyed the concept and ideas that went into the book but not the actual story.  Oh well, I guess you can't enjoy every book out there.


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: 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: "The Corruptible" by Mark Mynheir

If you like a good detective novel this is a perfect choice for you.  I really liked this book and thought that it was really well written.  The main character, Ray Quinn, is a very "real" person and you find yourself easily able to identify with him.  This is the second Ray Quinn novel.  I didn't read the first one but I didn't find it a problem at all when reading this book.

Ray is a former police detective that has been forced to retire due to health issues.  He now owns his own private detective agency.  He has a slew of friends that travel in and out of his circle of society.  Each character is fully developed and understandable.  There isn't any character that doesn't have a need or a place in the story.

There are a couple of things that are missing from this story.  It is so well written that it is easy to over look these missing items.  What is missing is gratuitous sex and bad language.  I almost didn't mention this about the book except that the story isn't hurt in any way by the lack of these things.  It also isn't done in a way to be noticeably absent.  You know what I mean, those books that try soooo hard to be clean that it feels forced at stiff because of it.  This does not happen in "The Corruptible."  As a matter of fact, it wasn't until half way through the book that the thought even entered my mind that I hadn't read a single curse word.  That is pretty impressive for a tough and gritty murder mystery.

I will be looking up the first Ray Quinn novel "The Night Watchman" to read in the near future.  I recommend that you go out and give them a try, too.

Please take a moment to rank my review in the following box.  As you can see, this is my first review for the Blogging For Books site and I could use your support. Thank you!



I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I am a part of their Blogging for Books program.

Book Review: "MacArthur" by Mitchell Yockelson

“MacArthur” by Mitchell Yockelson is an in-depth look at the life of the famed general.  It was a pretty good read.  Since this is not my favorite type of topic, I admit to struggling through the book.  I can’t imagine how hard it would have been to focus if this wasn’t as well written as it is.

I don’t think there is any information in this book that isn’t well known by MacArthur fans.  For those, like myself, that only had an impression of General MacArthur from the television show M*A*S*H, it is a very informative book.  It seems to deal more with the personality of the general, rather than the specific military maneuvers.  I’m very glad about this.  It gives you a real insight into some of the decisions that General MacArthur made during his career that from a cursory review don’t make much sense. 

If you want a good general book about the life of General Douglas MacArthur this is the perfect book.  If you want a detailed military account of the accomplishments of the legend, I’d look for something different.

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: "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: "Max On Life" by Max Lucado

 

When I was given the chance to review a Max Lucado book, I jumped at the opportunity.  His books are always a good read.  This one is no exception.

This book is a compilation of submitted questions and Max's responses.  The questions cover a very large topic range.  Everything from angels to premarital sex.  If you've wondered it, it probably is covered in this book.

I liked the fact that he didn't just seem to pick out the soft-ball questions.  The one's with the pad answers that any "preacher" would give you.  He does a good job of giving a real-world answer.  It makes it very reader friendly.

Is this my favorite Lucado book?  No.  I prefer the books that look in depth at a certain topic.  Ones that cover all sides of a subject.  This book just gives a good, quick, concise answer.  I know that is what the intent is but it's not my favorite book style.

If you enjoy having a book that you can use as a resource when those life questions pop up this is going to be a good read for you.  Perhaps over time, I will find myself referring to this book again and again.  I guess we'll just have to wait and find out.

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 Final Summit" by Andy Andrews

I had not heard of this author before starting to read this book.  Let me rephrase that, I can't believe that I had not heard of this author before starting to read this book.  This is one of the best books I've read in a VERY long time.  I would venture to say that "The Travelers Gift, " his first book featuring David Ponder, and "The Final Summit" are now part of my MUST read list.

I found this book to be a real page turner.  I think I finished reading it in about six hours.  I just couldn't put it down.  Each chapter leads seamlessly into the next.  I was educated and entertained all at the same time.

If I had to describe the style of writing to someone, I would say that the book moves like a Dan Brown book but without the controversy.  I love the way that he uses real historical characters and places to teach a life lesson. 

I hesitate to say more about the story contained in this book.  I found it so interesting that I don't want to spoil the surprise and wonder for you.  Let me just say that you REALLY need to read the books that Andy Andrews has written, including "The Final Summit."

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.”