Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Every Waking Moment - By Chris Fabry

Every Waking Moment is a story about
Treha, a custodian in an assisted living facility, who has an incredible gift.  She has a unique ability of relating to the elderly patients and helping those who might be considered lost to find their way back.  

Devin is filming a documentary about the residents at Dessert Gardens, the same nursing facility where Treha works. After an unlikely meeting, Devin becomes interested in Treha's extraordinary ability and shifts the focus of his documentary to tell her story.  As details are revealed, the documentary begins unlocking her past.

The chapters alternate between Treha's    story and scenes from the documentary. Having the documentary interspersed throughout the novel was an great idea, but I thought it was a bit confusing and the scenes were often unrelated to what was going on. 

I have enjoyed other books by Chris Fabry, but this one was just ok.  Treha is an interesting character, but I found the details of her life to be too unrealistic, and I just couldn't get into this plot.

Disclosure of Material Connection: As a book reviewer I received this book free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/EveryWakingMomentAuthorQ&A.pdf

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist - By Amanda Jenkins

(Learning to be Free)

Confessions of a Raging Perfectionst is a story of one woman's battle with perfectionism.  Self-proclaimed raging perfectionist, Amanda Jenkins, shares candidly her addiction to perfection, from an addiction to diet coke to obsessive list keeping. Jenkins shares honestly and transparently with a bit of humor interspersed throughout this book. 

As an avid list keeper and a bit of a perfectionist  myself, I was intrigued by the title of this book. This is not necessarily a book about perfectionism, but rather a collection of personal experiences from the author.  Although it is relatable at times, there was nothing exceptional about it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: As a book reviewer I received this book free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


 

Friday, April 19, 2013

By Faith, Not By Sight- By Scott MacIntrye

The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift

Scott MacIntyre was born blind. The doctors have no explanation for his blindness. By Faith, Not by Sight is an account his inspirational personal journey through blindness, kidney failure, and a growing music career.

MacIntyre is a piano player, best known for his appearance on American Idol, as the first blind contestant to break into the top ten on the show. Prior to auditioning for Idol, Scott was a child prodigy, who graduated high school at age 14, was a Marshall scholar, and then traveled to London to pursue music, until at 20 years old, his kidneys failed.

This book is a candid account of an aspiring young musician and his faith despite hardships. MacIntyre's story gives readers a glimpse into his life, shares details about his blindness, and focuses on his experience with kidney failure and facing the possibility of a transplant. Scott McIntyre may be blind, but he is also a guy choosing to live by faith, not by sight.

Disclaimer: As a book reviewer I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for my review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

I Still Believe

A Memoir - By Jeremy Camp
I Still Believe is an inspirational memoir from well known Christian recording artist Jeremy Camp. This is his story of growing up in a Christian home, living in poverty, and his spiritual journey after loosing his first wife to cancer. Despite all his pain after Melissa's death Camp can honestly say he still believes.

Just weeks after his wife's passing Jeremy felt God calling him to pick up his guitar again. At the time, Jeremy did not necessarily feel like worshiping, but ten minutes later he had written the lyrics for the track "I Still Believe." In this song Camp calls out to God "I still believe in your faithfulness."

Through this book fans will enjoy getting a glimpse in to Camp's personal life, and discovering the inspirations for his lyrics and the stories behind these award-winning songs. I Still Believe is a story of pain, loss, and most of all hope.  For more information visit www.jeremycamp.com/IStillBelieve.

I also received a copy of Jeremy Camp's recently released CD "Reckless." This CD of 11 worship songs including the title track "Reckless" challenges listeners to be Reckless for Jesus. The lyrics are encouraging and the music is typical Jeremy Camp. Fans of his previous music will not be disappointed. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: As a book reviewer I received this book and CD free from Tyndale House Publisher for my review. The thoughts I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 




 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Our Favorite Sins: The Sins We Commit & How You Can Quit - By Todd Hunter


Our Favorite Sins, by pastor Todd Hunter, is a book about overcoming temptations and gaining victory over sin.  The book cover claims this book to be"the essential guide for beating temptation."

A recent study by the Barna Group revealed that the top five temptations are anxiety, procrastination, gluttony, media addiction, and laziness. Hunter explains how temptations and desires work to produce sin within us and claims we sin is based in our disordered desires  This book describes what "our favorite sins" are but doesn't offer much practical advice to combat them.  Instead the auhor recommends we can steer clear of temptation by reordering our thoughts, feelings,  and desires and by wanting  and becoming passionatly focused on God.

This was a boring read and ultimately not something I would recommend.  I was hoping for some useful advice or new insights about sin, but unfortunately this book did not deliver.  As a book reviewer, I felt obligated to finish this book for my review, otherwise I would not have continued reading. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

As One Devil to Another - By Richard Platt

A Fiendish Correspondence in the Tradition of C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters

As one Devil to Another is the debut work that C. S. Lewis’s biographer, and contains a series of letters from senior devil Slashreap to his new protégé Scardagger, as he mentors on how to win a soul and keep it from Heaven.  The book claims to be written as if C.S Lewis himself wrote it, and is very similar to Lewis' book the Screwtape Letters.

This book is fiction but will give you a very real glimpse at the disturbing work of the devil. It will give you something to ponder, and help you to remember that the devil is real and will use any tool possible to capture your soul.  If you are a fan of the Screwtape Letters you might enjoy this book, but it is so identical to the original work that you might feel as if you've already read it.  However, if you like this genre of diabolical correspondence, I recommend The Ishbane Conspiracy by Randy Alcorn.  Alcorn's book, which was also modeled after The Screwtape Letters, includes correspondence between demons as well as a plot woven between the letters.  The other two books are simply written as letters without much plot.

Please read either book with caution and prayer.  Do not let the devil use this genre of books to deceive you as to who the real adversary is.

As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book from the publishers.  The publisher has also given me an additional copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner.  Please comment on this post to enter a random drawing for this book. 



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, January 16, 2012

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge - By Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker

 "This year, dare to be uncommon every day."

In this one year daily devotional, Super Bowl champion coach, Tony Dungy, challenges you to be more than the world is calling you to be, to live a life of integrity by daring to be "uncommon." Each devotion includes Scripture and closes with an Uncommon Key - an application or action to implement based on what you've just read.

Insightful daily readings focus on the following themes: Core, Family, Friends, Potential, Mission, Influence, & Faith.  Coach Dungy does an excellent job speaking honestly and encouraging you to action through the uncommon keys.  Football fans and athletes alike will enjoy this book. 

I love that Coach Dungy is outspoken about his faith. That itself is an uncommon thing. Coach Dungy is the Tim Tebow of coaches. I am enjoying the devotions and look forward to becoming more "uncommon" this year. Are you ready to take the challenge, and dare to be uncommon too?

To view the author video or get more information check out the following links:
www.coachdungy.com/index.php/the-one-year-uncommon-life-daily-challenge/
www.coachdungy.com
www.tyndale.com

The publisher has given me an additional copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network book review blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."