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.)