No Greater Love by Levi Benkert

This was an emotional story. There was a lot in it I could relate to. Levi tells his story of how he enjoyed great business success and the financial gains that come from that success and then the resulting downfall created by the recession. His family ends up going to Ethiopia to help with an orphanage and they end up staying there. This was a very touching story. I appreciate the emotion and honesty of running away from life's problems and calling it ministry. There's no question they love the children and people of Ethiopia very much and what may have started out as running away, God turned into a passion and love that is changing children and widow's lives. Levi does a really great job describing the incredibly emotional spiritual journey their family has been on over the past few years. This seems to be an amazing ministry and I encourage you to check out their website at www.bringlove.in
I received this book free from Tyndale publishers in exchange for my review

To Heaven and Back by Mary C. Neal, MD

This was an interesting read. It was quite short and very easy to get through. I thought it was well written and very concise. Maybe a little too concise as I was still wanting for more details. I enjoyed her story but I felt I didn't really get what her experience was in Heaven. I understand that it is very difficult to explain in words something that is unexplainable but it didn't really seem like what she described was Heaven. It seemed more like out of body encounters with Angels. But that was just my perception as it was described in the book. Although, I appreciated her candid remarks about not wanting to be back on the earth after experiencing what she did while in Heaven.  I think she portrayed a great lesson for all of us which is to not waste any moments we have here on earth because we are here for a purpose. I can't say I agree with her theology as she mentions no where that you need to believe in Jesus as your Savior in order to get to Heaven in the first place. I also had trouble reconciling her thoughts on souls and children remembering "God's world" with Scripture.  I would also like to have seen more glory given to God throughout the book. I would recommend this book with reservation.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review.

Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren

First I will say that I'm coming to realize that contemporary romance is probably my least favorite genre. That being said, I'll also note that Lisa Tawn Bergren is one of my favorite authors - just her other books. This is the only book I've read in the Full Circle series and its book # 6. The story was interesting and had the typical elements of romance and was well done. I certainly learned alot about wildfires and those who fight them. There was alot of new terminology that I had never heard before. The book had 2 stories in one. The first part was all about Reyne and her relationship with Logan and then there was a novella in the back that finished up Matt & Hope's story after Beth dies of cancer. I'm sure it was good to know there was a happy ending for them. For those who like contemporary romance, I would recommend this book.

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

Wildflowers from Winter is the author's debut novel. I thought the book was well done for a first time author. The story captured me from the beginning and I enjoyed her character development. The setting was easily pictured in my mind. I was a little frustrated with how long it took to tell us what really happened in Bethany's childhood. I understand the build-up but for me was really anti-climatic when it finally came out. Honestly, I was expecting something much worse. I was also a little confused with the change in narrator in certain chapters. Current day was in 3rd person but reflections of her childhood was in 1st person. I think a chapter heading would have been helpful. All in all, I think it was a good, romantic story of friendship and a developing relationship between Bethany and Evan.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review.

Fearless by Eric Blehm

This story is amazing. What's more amazing is it's not just a story it's someone's real life. Adam Brown's story is truly inspiring and he is a true hero. I appreciated hearing what the other SEAL's experience with Adam. I enjoyed reading about his life not just through his family's eyes but also his co-workers, friends and superiors. There is definitely a common theme from all of them. Adam never quit and believed he could do anything. It's hard to believe all he accomplished with one eye and learning to be left handed. Reading this book has given me even more appreciation for our military and how their sacrifices allow us to keep our freedom. I've read a couple of books now that are true stories of men fighting in this war on terror and in all of them I've seen the common theme of evil. They are fighting against evil and I am thankful for them and their courageous acts. I am thankful that I was privileged to read this book and may God bless his family and those who are still fighting.
I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review.

Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick

This is a sweet story based on the life of Hulda Klager. She was a "simple" farm wife who had a passion for flowers. She understood them and realized she could create new breeds by cross pollinating them. I enjoyed learning about her legacy and the various types of people she influenced over the years. She had many tragedies but her flowers gave her and so many others beauty and hope. Two things stood out to me in her life. One was the relationship she had with her husband. It was precious and inspiring the love and companionship they had. It was rare for a man to support his wife the way he did back in that time period. The second was how many people received her lilac blooms over the years and how they sent them back to help establish her garden again.
There were parts that were quite slow in the book but overall I enjoyed learning about her life.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review.

Bourne by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Bourne is the novella that continues the story from the end of Torrent in the River of Time series. I loved the River of Time series and I was very excited to read the continuation of the Gabi and Lia's story. Even though the novella was short it (and I did not want it to end) it satisfied the want to know how Gabi and Marcello were doing and I enjoyed hearing from Lia's perspective. I can't wait to find out more about Lia and Luca's relationship. Lord Greco's character is fascinating with the obvious torment he is going through. This is a great read and I am looking forward to anything more about these characters!