Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

Wow! Love Lifted Me by Sara Evan with Rachel Hauck is an AMAZING book. If you are at all a fan of Karen Kingsbury, you won't be disappointed with this book. This book is the third book in the series ( I did not know this at the time as it reads well as a stand alone). This book grabs you from the beginning as you get to know the main characters, Jade and Max right away. They have common issues that other people have expereinced and makes it easy to be able to relate to the characters. After Max's return from his camp, I like how their is a big push on prayer! I agree with several other reviews, this book will take you from tears to laughter (so much that my husband was asking me what was wrong!)
It is hard to find a good book that grabs me right away. This one did. It is my first Sara Evans book but I definetly will be going and buying the first two to see the beginning of this series. Like a Karen Kingsbury book, this book will be the kind that you tell yourself just one more page and you look up and it's a hour later. I could relate to some of the issues they were having and it made it seem so human. Excellent read! You will not be disappointed!
I recieved this book free from Thomas Nelson in return for a honest review.

Stuck DVD based series by Jennie Allen

I was provided with a copy of Stuck by Jennie Allen free of charge from Thomas Nelson in return for my honest review. Wow was I blown away by this one. I have attended many small group series. Not many of them are as moving, thought provoking as this one. In the box you are provided with a leaders guide, participants guide, DVD, and cards. After reading the introduction and getting to know Jenni Allen's layout, I was prepared to listen to the first section. I must state that I did this study by myself, but it would be an excellent women's study (or a man's for that matter). Each of the  lessons are a short quick blurp. During these sessions Jennie changes scenes/ locations to relate with what she is talking about. These are short and fairly easy to follow. It will cause  a lot of thoughts to go off through your head. Then to follow up each session there is questions in the guide. There is also "projects" to do. These projects range from drawing a picture to filling in scale to finding your strengths in weaknesses. The discussion cards look like excellent ice breaker cards or to use in a group, but I didn't read all of them or use them in a group.
I would say this study is an excellent, quick study that will remind you where your relationship is with God. I really enjoyed the participants guide the most. I really liked the Bible verses that were assigned for the chapters and then the projects. It wasn't all based on talking and getting other peoples feedback. It was your own experience.

Thank You, God, for Loving Me by Max Lucado: Hermie and Friends

Thank You, God, for Loving Me: Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends
This book continue the saga of Hermie and his friends from the garden. In this book they teach little ones about God's love for them. It has really good  illustrations along with rhyming text, that has already helped my toddler enjoy and memorize this book.
I like that it is only 10 pages long and that it is a board book. The only thing that was a little bit of a disappointment was that I thought it was very similar to the Thank You, God, for Loving me. I understand they are both prayer books for kids but thought they may be more different. My favorite part (and the one that got my sons attention) was "loving me while I'm scared. I like this book more than blessings just because my son understood the loving part more than the blessings as a toddler. Great quick, entertaining read for little ones.
I received this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Thank you, God for blessing me by Max Lucado

Thank you, god, for blessing me by Max Lucado is a very cute cute hard board book. I was  really excited when I received it in the mail as I wanted to read it to my kids right away. It was a little shorter than I had anticipated at 5 pages that have words but it was the perfect length for my 15 month old. The book starts out with Hermie looking around and smiles and starts his prayer. Each page continues with the prayer including things such as food, traits, friends and nature. It is beautifully illustrated. This book is a cute prayer that really just teaches kids to take time for the little blessings in life.
I received this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review.

One Call Away by Brenda Warner

I must start off by saying I'm not a big person on biography/autobiography/memoir  type of books. But I decided to go ahead and give One Call Away by Brenda Warner a shot, mainly due to being an Iowan and big Kurt Warner fan. In this book Brenda talks about her relationships starting out when she was young and how those relationships evolved. She then went into her military experience, marriage, divorce and remarriage. She had some major ups and some major downs. The book was set up in a very easy flowing chronological time frame.
I really enjoyed that she seemed human in the book. I remember some of the rumors she talked about when Kurt played with the Rams. She has had many troubles that others have went through. I had a hard time putting this book down. I also enjoyed following her growth in faith. I would have liked to see a little bit more of a connection to Bible verses that gets her through some tough  times, but, once again, not an issue with the book.  I would 100% recommend this book to others.
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. 

It Couldn't Just Happen By Lawrence Richards

It couldn't Just Happen By Lawrence Richards is a book packed full of knowledge. This includes Biblical answers to tough questions that your kids will ask you. Like "Did we evolve from apes?" or "What happened to the dinosaurs?" There are a lot of fun facts in here along with fun activities at the end of each chapter. As a parent/ adult, I found this book just as fascinating. It was exciting to know that I was going to have a tool that I can utalize when my kids get to that age.
One thing I really like about this book is it's not written in text book language. It is very easy to understand and encourages you to explore on your own. I also like that even though the core is about science, there is still a lot of Bible verses involved. Oh, what our schools are missing these days. It makes me confident as a parent when these sorts of resources make it so easy to help explain things.

I receive this book free from Thomas Nelson in return for my honest review.

Billy Graham in Quotes By: Franklin Graham

Billy Graham in Quotes By: Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney is a great book that is full of quotes that were used over the life and teachings of Billy Graham. Most of the book is made up of quotes with several pages at the end of the book of footnotes. These are topically arranged for easy reference, these powerful excerpts are drawn from Graham's personal and published works. This book has a base in Biblical truths covering such topics as suffering, joy, money, addiction, peace, death, the devil, and Christ's second coming.
I would have to say this book is a lot to read at once. It  would be a great reference book to use...as long as you are using it in the right context. Which in that point alone is the only reason I gave it a 4 star. I wish there were  a little more to the quotes so they wouldn't be taken the wrong way and used incorrectly. All in all it's a great starting point and direction to many topics.
I recieved this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Place called Blessing; Trent and Smith

I recently read A Placed Called Blessing by John Trent and Annette Smith.  This is a novel derived from the ideas taken from the best selling non-fiction book by John Trent named; The Blessing.

This concept book starts with a tear and ends with one, in between you will go on an emotional rollercoaster through what could be the life of any child in or out of the social services program.

My wife works for a behavior center for troubled children she will tell you that this book can be considered mild compared to the trauma that our society can place on a child in the system.

The book is a wonderful example of the struggles and successes that life throws at people.  While most of us never experienced anything close to the story of this novel we all have things that we deal with, hurt we swallow, instances in our lives that we can’t think about without feeling guilt or remorse, or we have hurt others.  This book shows how even in the worst of situations a blessing can provide healing, comfort, and a reminder that we our future doesn’t have to be determined by our past; we can triumph over our failures and until that final whistle of life is blown, we are not to give up.

I recommend this book for anyone struggling with a past issue, or have children.  This book along with the non-fiction can provide a blessing for your children that will last generations.

I received this book for free through booksneeze.com however the opinions expressed are my own.

Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving by Lorilee Craker

 Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving by Lorilee Craker is a this author's adventure in trying to become more frugal by learning the ways of the Amish community. This book goes in depth in what she learns by interviewing different people in the Mennonite community. It talks about how even though, America has been in an economic downtown the last couple of years, the Amish (and their banks) have not.
I really enjoyed this book. I am an avid Dave Ramsey follower and this offer makes several references about him. I basically got this book to see a different side of view. This book was all about being frugal  by using everything up, buying used, and only getting what you need. I agree with other people that it is a hard mindset to change in our society but it all goes back to a Dave Ramsey saying: "Live like no one else...so later you can live like no one else!!!"
This book was a quick read. At the end of every chapter their was different ideas like clothes buying and gift giving or websites.
I received this book from Thomas Nielson publishing in return for an honest review. These thoughts are those of my own.

Time with God for Mother's

Time with God for Mother's is a great pick me up book. I am a busy, working mom of little boys. I often times feel like the day is just not long enough. I continue to use this book as a point to ponder or a great go to book when I feel a need in a certain area. This look book is a great resource for mom's to use. It is a short verse with a short story. This book would definetly strike the mom chord in your heart.  At the end of the book there are also scripture references.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson in return for an honest opinion.

Max On Life Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions By Max Lucado

Max On Life Answers and Inspiration for Today's Questions By Max Lucado is a book written as Max answers his mail to many questions. They are the answers to the how's and why's to many areas in life like about life and faith, heaven, and hell. It also includes personal areas like sex, managing money and raising kids. They are called "bite-sized" essays. They are Bible based with a topical addendum at the back. 

I think this book is above average. I have read a couple of Max's other books and this is not one of his typical books. These are questions that are answered and some are brief and some are longer. That being said and remembering "bite-sized essays" some of the pages left me wondering a little bit more about a question than I had gotten answered. I think this book is  a great tool for a new believer or a great start to answering a question- you'll just have to continue your research after the fact. 

I was provided this book from Thomas Nelson in return for an honest repsonse.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

“The Final Summit” by Andy Andrews is the story of a common man named David Ponder. He is taken away from Earth by the archangel Gabriel and leads a summit of some of the most powerful and will known people from history- Abe Lincoln, George Washington Carver and Joan of Arc to name a few.  There are historical facts presented as they have to work to find what will save humanity.  The best part of this book was the historical facts.

Aside from the good information from the historical facts, the rest of the book has many flaws. There are many theology flaws in this book. This book is not Biblically accurate and may give a misinterpretation to a non Christian. It’s an interesting approach but frustrating to read. Yes I agree that we need to do something but this approach can be as misleading as The Shack.  What redeeming quality I found in this book was the personal declaration at the end.  This was a very thought provoking true statement. Just wish more of this was portrayed in the book.

I was provided a copy of this book through the booksneeze blogger program- the opinions expressed, are those of my own.

A Cowboy's Touch By Denise Hunter

A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter is a 320 page, very quick easy read. This is the story of Chicago city girl Abagail Jones who writes for her mom's magazine. She has had some medical issues so she is sent to a ranch in Montana "to check on her great aunt." Little did she know what she would find in the Big Sky state.  Abagail becomes a nanny on her 3 month leave and finds many things on the ranch, including God. Sorry, Can't tell you anymore...don't want to give anything away.
This is my first Denise Hunter book. I must say that I was more than impressed. I'm an avid Karen Kingsbury reader and this held right up there with one of those books. I have had a hard time finding a good solid fast read. I really enjoyed the excitement in this book.  You will not be disappointed in this book.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.

Couples Who Pray by Squire Rushnell & Louise DuArt

Couples Who Pray by Squire Rushnell & Louise DuArt is a book that a husband a wife wrote together. They talk about knowing first hand what is like to pray as a couple and the benefits that come out of this such as better communication, agreements become the norm, satisfaction in lovemaking, increase in respect, etc. In this book they have gone in detail about a study that was provided by Gallup and Baylor University.  Then it goes into detail about their 40 day love challenge about praying together for 40 days for at least 5 minutes a day. Then there are also testimonials from people who have done this and have seen a difference in their marriage.
After that being said, in theory, this would be a good book. However, it was disappointing at times. Much of this was common sense on why you would want to pray but at the same time it doesn't address how to get on the same page as your spouse. It rubbed me the wrong way a couple of times when it was like keeping up with the movie stars and how it changed their marriage. Or the how it's about what you want and nothing is said about what God wants.
this is a fast, easy read...just not what I was looking for.
( I was provided a free copy of this book through a book review program and provided this information based on my opinion of the book.)

Review if Izz'y Popstar Plan by Alex Marestaing

Izz'y Popstar Plan by Alex Marestaing is a uniquely written novel, that is written in a daily devotional format. Yet to make it appeal to modern living, it is set up in a blog format. This is a book geared to preteens or early teens. The main character is Izzy Baxter who has big plans to be a popstar. She decides to participate in a T.V. show Challenge.  She learns that God has other plans for her and they turn out to be much cooler than what she thought her plans were.  At the end of each daily blog, their is Izzy's prayer then it ask what your prayer would be. Their is also a couple of post at the end of her blogs to help you think.

I thought this was a cute book. I give it 4 stars. I'm not exactly sure how it would set with tweens. I think they would like it especially that their is a website that goes along with the book. I'm not sure what the best way to read the book is...is it more a novel or a devotional. Either way it is good information for young girls, especially ones who may not have a lot of contact with God. This is well written and reads very fast.
 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