"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel is a gripping novel that explores how the choices we make and the courage to forgive can touch the lives of others. This a novel that looks at life, love and faith in a very realistic way. The lives of her characters could be that of your next door neighbor or family member, they are so real.


Kim, a young woman dealing with guilt over a tragic accident that happened years ago in her life, becomes involved with a man named Rick. In her relationship with Rick, she thinks she has found a way to relieve some of the guilt that weighs her down.


Joshua, a widower and father of a young daughter, finds himself to be neighbors of Rick and Kim. If he becomes involved with their situation, it could mean trouble of his own.


And Debbie, who runs a woman's shelter, has helped countless of women, but seems unable to help herself.


Alison Stobel has taken three people who are dealing with very real life issues and brought them together in a way that will have you holding your breath as you turn the page. Your heart goes out to each character and their own situation. You can't help but get involved because any part of this plot could be from a part of your own life or someone you personally know.


I found myself pulling for Kim, Joshua and Debbie in each of their dilemmas. Kim was so weighted down by her guilt and making decisions based on that guilt. I just wanted to hug her and let her know she could let go and grab a hold of God instead.


Joshua was doing everything he could to be a good father and provide for his daughter, and his in-laws were making things so hard.


Then there's Debbie, how many women have I known like her? She's like that family member who just does for everyone and pours her heart out to those who other people ignore. She gives counseling and care to them, yet can't seem to get her own heart straight.


This is a wonderful story and the ending wasn't what I was expecting. I am so glad I read this book. It has encouraged me in my faith, knowing that no matter what, God is always in control and that no matter what, I can always turn to Him, in any given situation and He will make things right, His way, of course.


I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great novel about real people with real problems, who find a real solution. It will make you cry, make you angry, and encourage you, causing you to stretch your faith and believe in something impossible.









Monday, May 10, 2010

Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson, M.D.



Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson, M.D., is an interesting book. Dr. Thompson has taken discoveries of the workings of the brain and in layman's terms shows how those discoveries combined with Scriptures and connections with other people can enrich yourself and others.

Though I found the book to be well written, it was a bit dry and in some places perhaps a little difficult reading. Dr. Thompson's use of pictures and in using layman's terms in describing the brain and it's various functions was interesting albeit for the average reader, perhaps a bit difficult to follow.

His premise of how the brain works and our relationships and how and why we respond the way we do is fascinating but I would be careful in how it would be used in the church or for the average reader. The book would be an interesting one for the mature believer who is strong in his/her faith to read.

I do not believe I would recommend this for everyone to read. This of course, is my opinion.

Tyndale House Publishers did provide me with a copy of this book.


Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Rooms By James L. Rubart

Rooms by James L. Rubart is about a young man named Micah Taylor, a deceased uncle and a house on the Oregon coast. Micah's uncle leaves Micah an extraordinary house that was built specially for him. A house that has some special rooms.


Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy reading any of Frank Peretti's work, you will definitely like this book. The plot definitely has some great twists and turns.


The main character, Micah Taylor, is a successfully talented young man, who has inherited a house from an uncle he only met once in his life. The house is built in Canon Beach, Oregon, one of the most beautiful areas in the state. It's a place where Micah has lots of memories that he would rather forget and a place he really has no desire to return to.


James Rubart is an excellent story-teller and once you open this book and start reading it, you won't be able to put it down. The characters in this book come alive and real and you become a part of the story and the story becomes a part of you.


It will challenge your faith and what you believe, just as Micah is challenged in his faith. If your faith is at an all-time low, this will definitely give you hope and a direction to go in to strengthen your faith.


Suspense, intrigue, romance, hope, love, mysteries and more mysteries.... this book has it all.



The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews


The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances by Andy Andrews is a story about a young woman who lives in America during WWII. It's a story about a young man in the German navy. This is a story about intrigue, suspense, hope and possibly love. Helen Mason and Lt. Josef Landermann lives will never be the same.


This is a great read. I enjoyed meeting Helen Mason and learning why she is a bitter young woman. And Lt. Josef Landermann is a young man that would have made any German momma proud. The author, Andy Andrews did a wonderful job in creating an intriguing story that was different from most historical stories. Helen and Josef dealt with broken heart issues that needed to be healed.


There was enough twists in the plot to keep me reading. I wanted to know what happened next. The overall story is intriguing, inspiring and definitely makes me want to delve deeper in my own faith. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical stories, books of intrigue, something hopeful, well, just everyone!


I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I am not required to write a positive review. These are my own opinions that I have expressed here. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255






Ok, here is a real twist... I have an extra copy of The Heart Mender and I would like to give it away. So, I am going to have a drawing! Hmmmmm..... What kind of drawing? I know, everyone who leaves me a comment saying they are following me on Twitter and Google Friends or Networked Blogs will be entered in the drawing. I will then throw your names in a "hat" and pick one, with my eyes closed. 


Be sure to add your email address in the comment box so I can email you to let you know you won and request your snail mail address at the same time. When you do leave your email address put it in a format that will be hard for spammers to read, such as email(at)address(dot)com..... well, you know what I mean. 


The drawing will begin today May 5, 2010 and will end June 13,2010. That way anyone who would like the chance to enter the drawing will have an opportunity to do so.


This would make a great gift for a graduate or even a father. Men would enjoy this book, as it's not too "girly."

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Author, Shawna Williams Prize Giveaway

No Other

Shawna Williams, author of her new book, "No Other," has a great contest going on right now! All you have to do is go to her website and follow the easy instructions to have your name entered in to the drawing. There is more than one way to enter, so be sure to enter them all. 


There will be three drawings:

Grand Prize:
Book as a Kindle download, or preferred ebook format, Tote, Poster, Notebook, Sterling silver-gold overlay Locket, Goat's milk Soap & lotion, Postcards, $10 Amazon Gift certificate, Pearl bracelet and earrings.


Great Prize:
Book as a Kindle download, or preferred ebook format, Tote, Poster, Notebook, Postcards, Pearl bracelet and earrings, Honey Soap. $10 Amazon Gift certificate


Good Prize:
Book as a Kindle download as a preferred ebook format, Tote, Poster, Notebook, Postcards, Pearl bracelet and earrings, $5 Amazon Gift Certificate




How do you get to her website? I made it easy for you to go there... Just click on her name!


Have fun entering the contest and may you be one of the winners!