Although journey to Riverbend written by Henry McAlughlin took me some time to read, I enjoyed the book and reading about the main character Michael Archer. I did not necessarily enjoy the graphic writing about battles, but I liked how the main concept of the book was Michael’s attempt to repair a father and son’s relationship. Michael is a jail chaplain who is given the job of delivering a message to the father of a prisoner who is being hung, although he is innocent. While delivering the message, Michael begins a relationship with Rachel Stone, a young girl who is living in the pastor’s home in Riverbend.
Overall, I really liked this book, as I typically read historical fiction. I felt myself relating to the characters, and I felt as if they were all very genuine. I would recommend this book for an older audience, as I mentioned some of the descriptive elements which are contained within the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale 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
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Rumors of God
Rumors of God: Experience The Kind of Faith You’ve Only Heard About, written by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson, looks at how we should live our Christian lives and what Christianity should look like. The book is broken down into the things that many people today dismiss as rumors: Rumors of Abundant Life, Rumors of Another Dream, Rumors of Generosity, Rumors of Love, Rumors of Grace, Rumors of Freedom, Rumors of Commitment, Rumors of Community, Rumors of Justice, and Rumors of Hope.
I enjoyed reading this book and learning some of the facts that were included in the book. Although it was not the easiest read, I really enjoyed the readers guide at the end. I would most likely recommend this book for small groups who can study it in depth and who have the ability to discuss the topics with one another.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson 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."
I enjoyed reading this book and learning some of the facts that were included in the book. Although it was not the easiest read, I really enjoyed the readers guide at the end. I would most likely recommend this book for small groups who can study it in depth and who have the ability to discuss the topics with one another.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson 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."
The Final Hour
Action, suspense, fighting terrorists, prison escapes are just commonplace for Charlie West…and all while he’s still in High School. In the final book of the Homelander Series, The Final Hour, by Andrew Klavan, we finally see a conclusion to the hidden terror plot that Charlie has been desperately attempting to foil.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’m glad I was able to read all of the books in this series. I am very interested in Action and Suspense movies, but I have to admit, I typically don’t find myself reading these types of books. Even though this is a different book than I typically read, I was super interested in the life of Charlie West, and I found myself unable to put the book down. I loved the dedication of Charlie to doing what is right and fighting to keep his country safe. I was especially rooting for Charlie since he wasn’t attempting to save the world for attention and prestige. Rather, he had to look as if he committed a crime, and no one within his community really knew the crimes he was accused of were actually set-ups. Although I’m disappointed this series is over, I look forward to reading future books by Andrew Klavan.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson 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."
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Life in Spite of Me
Life in Spite of Me tells the true story of Kristen Jane Anderson, and the deep depression she found herself facing. After witnessing deaths, being the victim of suicide, and finding her grades and relationship with her family slipping, she decided her life would be better off if it was over. One night, as a train was passing the playground she was sitting in, she decided to end her life by laying on the tracks. Little did she know that the accident that took her legs was actually the beginning of her new life; a life focused on God.
Although I have never struggled with depression, I felt empathy for Kristen throughout the book. Everyone has felt lost at some point in their lives, and this feeling was something she didn’t know how to deal with. She made the most of her situation, and through her struggles and difficulties she founded a ministry that helps people who may be going through similar situations. Her strength and ability to grow in her faith after her suicide attempt are an important story for people to read. It shows that through God, and through bringing all of your struggles to him, even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah 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."
Although I have never struggled with depression, I felt empathy for Kristen throughout the book. Everyone has felt lost at some point in their lives, and this feeling was something she didn’t know how to deal with. She made the most of her situation, and through her struggles and difficulties she founded a ministry that helps people who may be going through similar situations. Her strength and ability to grow in her faith after her suicide attempt are an important story for people to read. It shows that through God, and through bringing all of your struggles to him, even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah 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."
Saturday, July 16, 2011
The Blessed
The Blessed, written by Ann Gabhart, looks at the lives of Lacey and Isaac in Kentucky in the year 1844. When Lacey’s mother dies, she moves in with Preacher Palmer’s family and eventually marries the Preacher after his wife’s untimely death. When Lacey meets Isaac, a young man who is forced into hiding in the Shaker community, they immediately form a bond although the community they both find themselves in is extremely restrictive.
This was the first book I have ever read about a Shaker Village, and I really enjoyed learning about their different beliefs and the way they seemed to be cut off from the outside world. Although this is the fourth book in the Shaker Series, I was able to read it as a stand-alone and follow the story without any difficulties. Overall, I loved the character of Lacey. She faced many hardships in her life, such as an abusive stepmother, being basically kicked out of her home, and facing the death of Miss Mona, the Preacher’s wife who took her in as if she were here own daughter. Throughout all these hardships, she maintained and grew in her faith.
"Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell 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."
Monday, July 4, 2011
Creation
I just got back from my first time camping ever at the Creation Festival Northeast. It was a great time, and some of the performers were Skillet, Toby Mac, Hawk Nelson, Christ August, Chris Tomlin, Family Force 5, and others. It was a great week...and I'm super excited that I made it through my first time camping :-) I would definitely recommend that people go to Creation if they have a chance, since it was an amazing time.
Be The People
Be The People: A Call to Reclaim America’s Faith & Promise was written by Carol M. Swain, PhD, and it looks at current topics being discussed in politics which include race, aith, religion, immigration, and national sovereignty. The focus on the book was how we can go about reclaiming the faith that American was originally founded upon.
Since I am interested in politics, this book was the perfect read to learn the author’s perspective on the previously mentioned topics. I liked that the book was not difficult to understand, and I felt that people who are not even interested in politics would be able to appreciate the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze 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."
Since I am interested in politics, this book was the perfect read to learn the author’s perspective on the previously mentioned topics. I liked that the book was not difficult to understand, and I felt that people who are not even interested in politics would be able to appreciate the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze 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."