Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Angels in the Fire by Dann Stadler


Angels in the Fire is a true story of the survival and rehabilitation of 2 people who should not have made it through a terrible head on collision. The story of Dann and Tracey Stadler is quite amazing. The couple was heading to their parent's house when they were suddenly struck by a drunk driver. The fact that their rescuers were able to remove them from the car was miraculous. I loved the story of the angel, who multiple people saw, came to rescue Tracey out of the car. The resulting hospitalization is a trial all in itself as they were separated for months following the car crash. This is an inspiring read.

I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my review

Gone South by Meg Moseley

This is a sweet summer read that will keep you engaged. The main character is a northerner who decides to move south to purchase her ancestor's home but all does not go as planned. I enjoyed the stereotypical interaction between small town people and the Northern personality. The interaction between Tish and Mel was well done as you end up with two "outsiders" who find commonality in their struggles to be accepted by the community. There is of course a love story intertwined as well. All in all a great summer read.
 
I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

It Is Finished by David Wilkerson


It Is Finished is essentially a book that explains the New Covenant. I think many Christians don't truly understand the significance of the New Covenant and how it affects everything in our spiritual lives. This book does a fine job explaining the "how to" defeat sin in our lives. While this book is small it is jam packed with information. I also enjoyed the real life letters that were included as examples of people who struggle with the very topics he deals with in the chapters. If you desire to have a better understanding of the New Covenant this is a great read.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Humble Orthodoxy by Joshua Harris

Humble Orthodoxy is a short but straight to the point book. Mr. Harris deals with the age old problem of how do you get truth across without putting people down. Grace and Truth. Each are essential and Jesus is the fulfillment of both. You can't have one without the other. Well, you can try but it's not very effective. This book gives a great introduction as to what happens when you focus too much on theology and then what also happens if you don't know any theology. Both can be hazardous. Humility is what it boils down to. Recognizing we are all in a spiritually desperate condition and the only one who can save us is Christ. There's no place for our own ego in that. This is a small book but packs a lot into it. I believe it is worth the time to read.

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

Thursday, April 25, 2013

7 Men by Eric Metaxas

        Eric Metaxas new book endeavors to take us on a journey through seven different men's lives throughout history to answer two questions. The first is "What is a man?" and the second is "What makes a man great?". Each chapter is a mini-biography to show us the courage it took in these men's lives to surrender their own desires for a greater purpose. Don't miss the introduction. It sets up the entire book and gives great insight to a growing dilemma in our society today.
        I happened to be doing a study on Hebrews while reading this book and it struck me that these men have what Hebrews 13:7 says "Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith."(NASB) I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is very inspiring. It should spur us on to action. To live out our faith, not just talk about doing it. I highly recommend this book. A must read for everyone.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell

I really enjoy Ms. Mitchell's historical novels. She does a great job wrapping a novel around actual events and giving us a great look into history. This story takes place in St. Louis and brings together two rival candy makers. It shows the competitive nature that would arise between companies as well as a glimpse into the time before child labor laws. Lucy is in the midst of her debut into society but all she wants is to make candy for her father's floundering candy company. I enjoyed the tension between doing what was socially acceptable and what her passion for candy making wanted her to do. Which of course led to tension with the man she was attracted to yet her "enemy".
I enjoyed this book and anyone who enjoys historical fiction will not be disappointed.
I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my review.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Avenged by Janice Cantore

Avenged is the third book in the Pacific Coast Justice Series. I haven't read the others in the series so I jumped right into this novel. The author does a good job re-capping events that happened in the previous books so I didn't feel to out of it. There was obviously major tension between Carly and her husband, Nick which had since been resolved. The storyline kept my attention and the suspense was well done. If you enjoy police drama, this would be a good series.

I received this book free from Tyndale publishers in exchange for my review.