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

Thursday, July 19, 2012

FEARLESS by Eric Blehm

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fearless takes you deep into SEAL Team SIX, straight to the heart of one of its most legendary operators.
 
When Navy SEAL Adam Brown woke up on March 17, 2010, he didn’t know he would die that night in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan, but he was ready: In a letter to his children, not meant to be seen unless the worst happened, he wrote “I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this Earth, because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me.”

But long before Adam Brown became a member of the elite SEAL Team SIX—the counterterrorism unit that took down Osama bin Laden—there was a fun-loving country boy from Arkansas whose greatest goal had been to wear his high school’s football jersey. An undersized daredevil, prone to jumping off roofs into trees and off bridges into lakes, Adam was a kid who broke his own bones but would never break a promise to his parents … until he grew older, and his family watched that appetite for risk draw him into a downward spiral that eventually landed him in jail.

FEARLESS is the story of a man of extremes, whose determination was fueled by faith, family, and the love of a woman. It’s about a man who waged a war against his own worst impulses and persevered to reach the top tier of the U.S. military. Always the first to volunteer for the most dangerous assignments, Adam’s final act of bravery led to the ultimate sacrifice.

FEARLESS is the intimate story of a devoted man who was an unlikely hero but a true warrior, described by all who knew him as just that—fearless.

Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Adam Brown was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards including the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (total: 5), Iraq Campaign Medal (Total: 3+), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Total: 4+), Global War on Terrorism (Service) Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary) Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon (Operation Iraqi Freedom), Combat Action Ribbon (Operation Enduring Freedom), and numerous other personal and (and confidential) unit decorations.

Click here to see the book trailer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

About Eric

Eric Blehm is a bestselling and award-winning author of nonfiction books. In 2006, he won the Barnes & Noble Discover Award for The Last Season (HarperCollins), a gripping account of the disappearance of legendary National Park Service ranger Randy Morgenson; The Last Season was also named by Outside magazine as one of the ten “greatest adventure biographies ever written” in 2009. Blehm’s next book, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller The Only Thing Worth Dying For (HarperCollins, 2010), was hailed by former congressman Charlie Wilson, of Charlie Wilson’s War, as a “must read” among books about the current war in Afghanistan.

In 1999, Blehm became the first journalist to accompany and keep pace with an elite Army Ranger unit on a training mission. His access into the Special Operations community and reportage set an important milestone for American war journalism two years before reporters began to gain widespread embedded status with the U.S. military in the War Against Terror. Blehm’s immersion with the Rangers is what led him to the previously untold story of an elite team of eleven Green Berets who operated in the hinterland of Taliban-held Afghanistan just weeks after 9/11 (The Only Thing Worth Dying For), as well as to his current book: Fearless (Waterbrook/Multnomah; Random House). On sale in May 2012, Fearless is the heartrending and inspiring story of Naval Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Adam Brown, who overcame tremendous odds in his rise to the top tier of the U.S. military: SEAL Team Six.

Blehm is the founder of Molly the Owl Books, the independent publishing company behind Molly the Owl—his popular nonfiction children’s book about a barn owl and her family—which won the 2011 Nautilus Award and the 2011 San Diego Book Award. Currently, he is working on his next nonfiction book, which takes place during the Cold War era.

Blehm lives in Southern California with his wife and children.


MY REVIEW

We all need heroes in this world. We need people who we can look up to and emulate. We need people with integrity, honor, humility, strong faith and belief in the Living God, Jesus Christ. Someone who loves God, Country and Family more than they love themselves.

Adam Brown was just one of those heroes. He was a strong military team member of the SEAL Team Six. His life before becoming a SEAL wasn't perfect. He had many flaws. But the one thing he did have was an inner drive that wouldn't quit. He didn't believe in quitting.

I was so encouraged reading about Adam Brown and his life. So many times I was brought to tears over his struggles as he became one of the top SEAL Team members. I laughed over his various antics and crazy stunts he would pull. And my heart went out to and broke over the various lives he touched in such humble ways. 

Eric Blehm's style of writing is alive and impacting. Reading Fearless, was almost like reading a novel, easy to read, smooth, and riveting. I couldn't stop reading it, even though I knew what would eventually happen to Adam. Blehm kept me glued to the book because he knew there was more to Adam's story than his bravery in the face of danger. 

Fearless is the incredible story about an incredible man who would tell you, if he were here, that his wife and his brothers were the hereos, he was just doing what he believed he was suppose to do.

This e-book review copy was provided to me free of charge for the purpose of reviewing by Blogging for Books. 





 

THE COMPANY by Chuck Graham

ABOUT THE BOOK

A meteor strike plunges the world into darkness. A stranger to the village of Brigos Glen restores power and light, supplied by three businesses, known as “The Company,” located beyond the forbidden mountains. The stranger reveals a plan so the Brigons can maintain the power and share the light with outlying territories, which remain shrouded in darkness.

Now, seventy years later, The Company summons six Brigons, including the young engineer Sam Mitchell, to attend a conference in the mountains of the forbidden Outlands. Responsible for compiling a report about Brigos Glen from his five companions, Sam learns how managers and villagers largely ignored the plan or compromised it to self-interest, forsaking their duty to share the light. They also took for granted The Company responsible for generating and transmitting the power.

In an ordeal fraught with failure, revelations, and judgment, Sam discovers the true identity behind The Company and learns the fate that may befall Brigos Glen . . . that is, unless he can stop it. 

WATCH THE TRAILER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Growing up in Georgia during the Civil Rights movement, Chuck Graham has witnessed the destruction of a nation divided. After graduating from Walker High School, he earned a BA in political science from the University of Georgia and a JD from the Lumpkin School of Law. His legal career as an attorney in private practice spanned more than thirty-one years. He represented many local, national, and international clients, acquiring intricate knowledge about the often-overlapping structures of the corporate world. He also worked against those seeking to create racial division, including the Ku Klux Klan.

Chuck became a frequent speaker at churches and Christian events, where he also found division within the body of Christ. He began asking questions and discovered the cause—many do not understand who God is. The burden that emerged from this discovery led him to write Take the Stand (Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), which describes the weakened state of the Christian witness.

In 1997 he founded Ciloa (Christ Is Lord Of All), a ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement with the world and teaching those who follow Him how to encourage others. Today Chuck serves as executive director and principal author of A Note of Encouragement, a weekly e-zine reaching 175 countries, and two compilations, A Year of Encouragement and Another Year of Encouragement (Xulon Press, 2004 and 2006).

He has served as a member of the state bar of Georgia since 1979 and an instructor to attorneys and judges through the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). He received the Medallion of Appreciation from ICLE. He co-led a successful Christian arbitration effort involving a national, multimillion-dollar business and an independent consultant.

He and Beverly, his wife of thirty-four years, have lived in Lawrenceville, a suburb of Atlanta, for fourteen years. God has blessed them with three children. In his free time, Chuck enjoys backpacking and hiking (especially on the Appalachian Trail), playing the guitar, dabbling in photography, and reading extensively about the Christian faith.

MY REVIEW

Chuck Graham is a powerful writer. His characters are not just believable but I am sure you will know a someone like Sam, just an ordinary man trying to earn a living for his family. Or Brian, that one person who always has an encouraging word and wise advise. How about the person who is rooted in the past, afraid to change anything. And then the opposite person who only looks to future changes, both of them forgetting the people in the present. Then there is the one who shuns both past and future and is only concerned with how it makes them feel right now.

Chuck gives us a picture of the church, the good, the bad and the ugly with his characters. He also shows us there is only one source, one light. Jesus, in this futuristic allegory.

We also get to see glimpses of Abraham, Moses, even some of the churches in Revelation. Rich with detail and emotions, The Company, is not just a work of fiction, but a picture of where each one of us stand before God. 

Powerful, thought-provoking, and insightful, The Company is a well written book full of allegory not just pointing the reader to Jesus but giving an understandable explanation of the Trinity.

I can not wait to read the second book. I would highly recommend this book to any one who enjoys a great fictional story, yet one steeped in truth and reality.

Read more reviews of this wonderful book by clicking here

This is the link to buy the book today. 

This e-book review copy was made possible by the Litfuse Publicity Group. It was provided free of charge. I am only obligated to write a review, whether it be good or bad. 





 

 

 


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

THE UNRAVELING OF WENTWATER by C.S. Lakin




In case you missed my review the first time I posted it, I am re-posting it with great news! THE UNRAVELING OF WENTWATER is now available for purchase at Amazon. So be sure to stop by there and get your copy of this 4th book in the Gates of Heaven series by C.S. Lakin!

MY REVIEW - AGAIN!


Teralyn, the babe born in Wentwater, is the one who will unravel Wentwater. On her naming day, the marsh witch appeared unexpectedly and placed a curse on her. The villagers banished the parents out of the village and set the cottage to burn with Teralyn in it. 

The villagers of Wentwater are extremely superstitious. Sweeping away the footprints of chicken feet, a loose button will cause untold trouble if it comes off the garment, stopping in a doorway and spinning around so the shadows don't hold evil.... Every bit of their lives, thoughts and relationships are tied to superstitions.

Then there are those who live in the Heights of Wentwater. Nary a superstitious thought among them. They are scholars, thinkers, seekers after knowledge and wisdom, until they have reduced their world into a logical, intellectual world that has only room for their words. Forget magic and wonder, there is no place for that.

Justyn is one of those who lives in the Heights. He used to be a villager, in fact, he was there when the tragedy of Teralyn happened. His brother, Fromer, still lives in the village. Only Justyn has no use for his brother, thinking he is above him and all of those who live in the village.

Teralyn, who has lived in the Heights for all of her life, or so she believes, goes down to the village for a music fest and from that point on things begin to happen.

C.S. Lakin has written another wonderful book. Focusing this tale on words and their importance, she unravels the two extremes of Wentwater. Then revealing the necessity of both logic and superstition, intellect and emotions, she weaves together two communities that need each other with the greatest word of all. 

I can't wait to read this book again. I highly recommend The Unraveling of Wentwater to anyone who enjoys an extremely well-written fantasy. 

This book will be available in July through your favorite bookstores including Amazon.com and Christianbook.com

I was able to review this book through the courtesy of C.S. Lakin and AMG Publishers. They provided a review copy for the purpose of writing this review.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

THE JESUS SCANDALS by David Instone-Brewer




ABOUT THE BOOK

30 scandals uncovered in historical sources

If tabloid newspapers had existed during the first century, Jesus would have featured constantly in the headlines, linked with scandals of all kinds. Details of these were recorded in historical documents by both his friends and his enemies. They provide insights into Jesus' life and teaching that have been obscured by the centuries. They tell us what his contemporaries really thought. These scandals include:  
  • his parentage and accusations of alcohol abuse and fraudulent miracles
  • the dubious status of his followers - poorly educated, ex-prostitutes and the certifiably mad
  • his anti-religious teaching on temple practices, eternal torment, easy divorces and judgement in this life
  • his thoughts of suicide, shameful execution and impossible resurrection
Faithful to the biblical text, this carefully researched book can be read as a whole or as stand-alone chapters.

Suitable for house group leaders or discussion starters.

TO READ CHAPTER EXCERPTS AND MORE CLICK ON THE LINK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Revd Dr. David Instone-Brewer is a Baptist Minister who was seconded to the academic world by his denomination. He is now the Senior Research Fellow in Rabbinics and the New Testament at Tyndale House in Cambridge. He has written several academic books and articles on early Judaism and the Bible, as well as regular contributions to Christianity magazine. Other interests include computer programing and lowbrow movies.

MY REVIEW

The Jesus Scandals: Why He Shocked His Contemporaries (and still does today) is a great book for small bible study groups and individual bible study. Why? Because Dr. Instone-Brewer has taken thirty scandals that not just shocked Jesus' contemporaries, it also challenged them and their religious beliefs. 

These scandals may also shock you, challenge you and your religious beliefs as well. 

I found several things in the book that caused me to re-examine how I look at things like divorce, Easter, and even finances. 

Instone-Brewer takes a look scandals in Jesus' life, among His friends, and in His teachings, using historical references from Jewish historians and plenty of bible references.

Looking at these scandals from the eyes of the Jewish people of that time makes reading the New Testament more understandable. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand why Jesus would say something like forgive someone seventy times seven. Read "Bitterness and Hatred" to find out why. 

There is just so much I want to say about this book but fear of spoiling it for you. So all I will say is READ IT! It is worth your time. It will open up the New Testament for you in a marvelous way. 

Reading this book will give you a better understanding of those who wrote the New Testament, who the writers were trying to reach at that time and it will give you a better understanding of how it applies to your life. 

Dr. Instone-Brewer's compassion and love for Jesus and the church comes through each page in this well-written, easy to understand book.

Kregel Publications provided me with this free review copy. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.



 

 
 


   


Sunday, July 8, 2012

FINDING OUR WAY HOME by Charlene Ann Baumbich

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the road home becomes daunting—sometimes a very capable girl on a bicycle can help find the way.

“Charming, surprising, familiar, and just downright wonderful.”
—Allie Pleiter, author of Yukon Wedding and Bluegrass Blessings

When principal ballerina Sasha Davis suffers a career-ending injury at age thirty-eight, she leaves her Boston-based dance company and retreats to the home of her youth in Minnesota. But Sasha’s injuries limit her as much as her mother’s recent death haunts her. Concluding she can’t recover alone, Sasha reluctantly hires a temporary live-in aide.

Enter the übercapable Evelyn Burt. As large-boned as Sasha is delicate, Evelyn is her employer’s opposite in every way. Small town to Sasha’s urban chic, outgoing to Sasha’s iciness, and undaunted where Sasha is hopeless, nineteen-year-old Evelyn is newly engaged and sees the world as one big, shiny opportunity.

Evelyn soon discovers Sasha needs to heal more than bones. Slowly, as the wounds begin to mend and the tables tilt, the two women form an unlikely alliance and discover the astounding power of even the smallest act done in the name of love. Finding Our Way Home is a story of second chances and lavish grace.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the Dearest Dorothy series, Stray Affections, and Divine Appointments, as well as several nonfiction books of humor and inspiration. She is also a popular speaker, an award-winning journalist, and lives with her husband in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. 

MY REVIEW

This is the first book I have read by Charlene Baumbich and I have to say I was completely entertained from beginning to end. She is a wonderful writer with strong characters and an equally strong plot. She must have a great sense of humor because I found myself chuckling often over the antics of Evelyn. Charlene also has a strong faith in God because grace and faith was a central theme throughout the story.

I found myself sighing with Sasha while she dealt with continuous pain during her healing process. I also emphatically felt the thrill and excitement of each leap and jump she completed in her dances as she replayed them in her mind. 

But the what I especially enjoyed was the relationship between Evelyn and Sasha. Watching it develop from an employee and employer relationship to one of deep friendship, was beautiful, hopeful and quite moving.

Evelyn was not only Sasha's helper, she brought light and music back into Sasha's life. Sasha was not only Evelyn's boss, she brought stability into her life by providing a place to work and live. 

The two of them were almost as different as night and day, yet there was plenty of shared laughter, tears and shared secrets that made their relationship work.

This e-book was made available for review through Blogging for Books. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.