The Road Trip

I recently received a copy of The Road Trip by Jo Lynn Crozier from Net Galley for an honest review. Liz goes on a road trip with God. He takes her to many fantastical locations where she interacts with a variety of whimsical characters. Upon departure of each location, she realizes she is receiving a treasure chest of valuable and practical spiritual life lessons.

Have you read passages in the Bible but not really understood what they meant? I know I have. This book helps you to see by the way of short stories what God wants you to know. Liz learns many life lessons via a sidecar to help us from having to learn them the hard way. This is a funny easy to relate to book that I highly recommend.

Love Lifted Me

I received a copy of Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck from NetGalley for an honest review. When I picked this book I thought it was an autobiography of Sara Evans, but come to find out it's written by the singer. Come to find out Sara has written a few books with Rachel Hauck. It's very well written and an easy read that keep me wanting to find out what happens next. Reading this makes me wonder if I could be as strong as Jade and if I could handle as much as she does in a single year.

Jade never knew happily-ever-after would be this messy, loud...delicious.

Jade Benson embraces unexpected motherhood when her husband Max gains custody of his young son. As she and Max work out their newly formed family, an invitation to coach Texas high school football sends them on a journey. Then a stranger reveals a painful secret, and Jade faces her hardest challenge yet. When she surrenders her heart to God and to her husband, Jade descovers the joy of love lifting her above her fears.

The Puppy That Came for Christmas

I received a copy of The Puppy That Came for Christmas by Megan Rix from Net Galley for an honest review.

All Megan Rix wanted was a baby. Yet month after month, Megan's dreams were dashed. Would her life ever feel complete? Megan and her husband, Ian, found a surprising answer when they began training golden retriever pups to become service dogs for people with disabilities.

Meg and her husband Ian desperately wanted to have children, but after undergoing many tests and trials decided to be foster parents to puppies for Helper Dogs. Helper Dogs trains dogs to be helpers for people with physical problems who have trouble taking care of themselves. The dogs are taken care of as puppies by foster parents who start the training and are then moved on to advanced training. Meg and Ian foster 2 puppies (Emma and Freddy) before realizing they'd love to have their own forever puppy. They make several lasting friendships with other foster parents with Helper Dogs.
This is a wonderful book for anyone who has longed for a child or any animal lover.

George Washington Carver

I received a copy of George Washington Carver Christian Encounters Series by John Perry from Booksneeze for an honest review. A generation of 20th century Americans knew him as a gentle, stoop-shouldered old black man who loved plants and discovered more than a hundred uses for the humble peanut. George Washington Carver goes beyond the public image to chronicle the adventures of one of history's most inspiring and remarkable men.

George Washington Carver was born a slave. After his mother was kidnapped during the Civil War, his former owners raised him as their own child. He was the first black graduate of Iowa State, and turned down a salary from Thomas Edison higher than the U.S. President to stay at the struggling Tuskegee Institute, where he taught and encouraged poor black students for nearly half a century.

Carver was an award-winning painter and acclaimed botanist who saw God the Creator in all of nature. The more he learned about the world, the more convinced he was that everything in it was a gift from the Almighty, that all people were equal in His sight, and that the way to gain respect from his fellow man was not to demand it, but earn it.

I've heard a little about George Washington Carver but didn't really know very much about this amazing man. He seemed to be one of the smartest people of his time but also was very demanding of his school. I'm amazed by how many applications he found for the peanut and sweet potatoe and how easy he was dismissed by those around him.

A Marriage Carol

I received a copy of A Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman from Net Galley for an honest review. Jake and Marlee, a typical couple, are about to call it quits. Over time they have drifted apart; the sparks are dead. Marlee is convinced she married the wrong man and Jake feels tied down to the wrong woman. Jake is distant and tired of being controlled while Marlee is tired of being the only one trying to save their marriage.

They go to bed Christmas Eve, in seperate rooms, each rationalizing...life is too short to be miserable...love shouldn't hurt like this...their marriage must end for the happiness to return.

But their lives are about to take a turn. The ghosts of Marriage Past, Marriage Present, and Marriage Future reveal to Jake and Marlee how past chioces, present realities, and their potential future might look if they don't change their "stories".

Jake and Marlee experience a Christmas gift that will radically change their thinking and cause them to look at marriage not for what they can get out of it but for what God can do in and through their marriage.

This book made me think about my marriage. I'd say I have a good marriage but can it be better? This book makes me think that any marriage can be better than it is now. This is a good quick read for anyone in a relationship.

It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government is Wrong

I recieved the Kindle version of It is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government is Wrong - The Case for Personal Freedom by Andrew Napolitano from Booksneeze for an honest review. Judge Andrew P. Napolitano examines the concept the government hates and fears the most: Freedom. The United States of America was born out of a bloody revolt against tyranny. Yet almost from its inception, the government here has suppressed liberty. In his sixth book on the Constitution and human freedom, Judge Andrew P. Napolitano asks: Where does freedom come from? How can government in America exercise power that the people have not given to it? What forces have collaborated to destroy personal freedom?

In this back-to-basics on freedom, Judge Napolitano addresses hard questions:

Do we still have a Constitution?

What are the limits to government power in a free society?

Why does the government attack, rather than defend, our rights?

If our rights are inalienable, how can the government take them away?

Do we really own private property?

I picked this book because I don't consider myself to be very knowledgable when it comes to the government. I had not heard of Judge Andrew Napolitano before. He is very knowledgeable about the government and how they are trying to steal our personal freedoms without us even realizing the extent of it.

I didn't enjoy this book. Napolitano writes in a way that I don't enjoy reading. The book is full of very useful information but is a dry read.

One Click

I received a copy of One Click Jeff Bezos and the Rise of Amazon.com by Richard L. Brandt from NetGalley for an honest review. Amazon's business model is deceptively simple: Make online shopping so easy and convenient that customers won't think twice. It can almost be summed up by the button on every page: "Buy now with one click".
Why has Amazon been so successful? Much of it has to do with Jeff Bezos, the CEO and founder, whose unique combination of character traits and business strategy have driven Amazon to the top of the online retail world.
Richard Brandt charts Bezo's rise from computer nerd to world-changing entrepreneur. His success can be credited to his forward-looking insights and ruthless business sense.
I was disappointed with this book. It has more negative than positive in it. It seems that Brandt was out to show what has gone wrong for Amazon more than what they've done right to get to where they are.

Nearing Home

I received a copy of Nearing Home by Billy Graham from Book Sneeze for an honest review. In this moving narrative, Billy Graham once again takes up the pen not only to share his personal experience of growing older but also teach us some important lessons on how to view our time here on Earth. He says that the Bible makes it clear that God has a specific reason for keeping us here. So what is His purpose for these years, and how can we align our lives with it? How can we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations we face but actually grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these difficulties?

In what may be his most powerful message of the last decade, Billy Graham speaks to all on his side of Heaven as he covers the improtance of four key areas: Building strong foundations and understanding the gift of years, Facing life's transitions, including the passing of years, retirement, and when loved ones die, Making wise decisions, and Understanding our glorious hope.

Graham's sermons, books, travels, interviews, speeches, and ministry have changed the world. He speaks about influencing the younger generation and leaving a good memory and example. There is a lot of great advice within the covers of this book.

Money Secrets of the Amish

I received a copy of Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker from NetGalley for an honest review. Author and journalist Lorilee Craker was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo-family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.

Then, inspired by a news segment covering her people, the Amish, and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to get back to her roots and learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.

If you want to go on an "Amish money makeover" read Money Secrets of the Amish. Craker gives examples of how her family has changed after her visits with the Amish. She also provided steps in each chapter that will help you to change your family as well. This is a good book with many examples and real life stories that will help you change your mindset about our culture.

Start Something That Matters

I recently received a copy of Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie from NetGalley for an honest review. Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world - all at the same time. This sentence sums up the book.
In Start Something That Matters, Blake Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS, one of the fastest-growing shoe companies in the world, and combines it with lessons learned from such other innovative organizations as method, charity: water, FEED projects, and TerraCycle. Blake presents the six simple keys for creating or transforming your own life and business, from discovering your core story to being resourceful without resources; from overcoming fear and doubt to incorporating giving into every aspect of your life. No matter what kind of change you're considering, Start Something That Matters gives you the stories, ideas, and practical tips that can help you get started.
This is a great book that shows you how an idea was transformed into a national brand. And that giving is the bases for what we all should be doing.

Heaven is for Real

I recently read Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. I received the book from Booksneeze for an honest book review. Heaven is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters Heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.
Colton said he met his miscarried sister whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.
The story is amazing to say the least. I'm amazed by how much Colton said he saw and happened in the short time he said he was there. I just can't get over Colton saying he saw Satan while he was in heaven. That's not one of the people I'd expect to see there. This is a great book.

Why Men Hate Going to Church

I received Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow by mistake from Booksneeze. They were nice enough to let me keep this book and send me the correct book I requested. The book is written in a way to help men realize the excuses they're making for not attending church, while helping women realize they contribute to the shortage of men in churches. Murrow goes on to explain how the churches have become 'feminized' and tailored towards women. He goes as far as to say churches have been 'softened'.

Murrow explores why men make up less than 40% of those who attend church and what it is that drives men away from attending. He brings up many issues that churches of all denominations face, including failed leadership, churches that place themselves up on pillars and become ignorant of today's culture and lack of opportunities for male fellowshipwithin the church community.

This was an interesting book on an interesting topic.

Night with a Perfect Stranger

I received a copy of Night with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory from Net Galley for an honest review. Six years ago, businessman Nick Cominsky encountered Jesus the old-fashion way - in a face-to-face meeting. And the Christian life seemed a breeze...for a while. But now, having done everything he knows how to grow spiritually, he wonders his closeness with Jesus has gone. Burned out and hopeless, Nick wails his complaints to God during a late-night interstate trip. Then suddenly he runs out of gas - and finds Jesus along the roadside carrying a gas can. Jesus hops in the truck and offers answers Nick never heard in church....and a nighttime of adventures ensues beyond anything Nick could have imagined.

This is an easy read that keeps you hooked until the last page. It makes you think about what you've learned about Jesus and what you haven't.

Life In Spite of Me

I recently read Life In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After A Fatal Choice by Kristen Jane Anderson. She wanted to die. God had other plans. Overwhelmed by wave after wave of emotional trauma, Kristen Anderson no longer wanted to live. One January night, determined to end her pain once and for all, the seventeen-year-old lay across train tracks not far from her home and waited to die.
Instead of peace, she found herself immersed in a whole new nightmare.
Before the engineer could bring the train to a stop, thirty-three freight cars passed over her at fifty-five miles per hour. After the train stopped and Kristen realized she was still alive, she looked around and saw her legs ten feet away.
Surviving her suicide attempt but losing her legs launched Kristen into an even deeper battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, as well as unrelenting physical pain all from the seat of a wheelchair. But in the midst of her darkest days, Kristen discovered the way to real life and a purpose for living.
If you think your problems are bad this book will help put things into prospective. Nothing is so bad that it can't be worked through. I think Kristen shows this well in her book.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books.

Work Love Pray

I recently received a copy of Work Love Pray by Diane Paddison from Net Galley for an honest book review. The number of Christian women in todays professional workforce is increasing, and they are hungry for practical mentoring. They yearn to learn from someone who has climbed the ladder of success without sacrificing family or faith - something author Diane Paddison has done with excellence and grace.

The stories Paddison shares about her corporate, personal, and spiritual life, as well as the lives of other women like her, are both insiring and instructive, providing on-target advice and concrete examples of how to succed without feeling overwhelmed or compromised.

Full of practical, proven guidance that is both professionally viable and bibically sound, each chapter includes sidebars featuring pertinent facts from current research, resources relevant to the chapters topic, action-oriented "to do" lists, and other interactive material. Chapters also include questions suitable for discussion, making it an excellent resource for use in small groups.

This book gives great advice from someone who has 'been there done that'. She gives examples from her life and how she handled the situation - even when she didn't handle it the way she should. Paddison hopes that you can learn from her mistakes like she has. There are many stories of other women who have made it to the top while never compromising the values they hold dear. This is a great read for any women who works outside the home.

Heroes and Villains of the Bilbe

Heroes and Villains of the Bible: Real Stories, acutal Bible Text compiled by Tama Fortner is a collection of well-known Biblical events. The majority of the text is tacken directly from The International Children's Bible. This is a different kind of book than I was expecting. There are 50 well known figures presented by a short selection of Bible text to read, followed by a short lesson from the story. This book has great illustrations for young readers. Included in the book are 16 Old Testament heroes, 9 Old Testament villains, 17 New Testament heroes and 8 New Testament villains. Overall the book is a good choice for use at home.

Lead...For God's Sake!

I received a copy of Lead...For God's Sake! by Todd Gongwer via Net Galley. Steve Rocker, one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in Kentucky's history, is about to enter into the most difficult season of his career. With expectations at an all-time high, his players have lost their will to win and their passion for the game; none of Coach Rocker's tried and true motivational methods are working, and he doesn't know why.

As the season continues to spiral downward and his home life begins to mirror the problems he's facing on the court, Coach Rocker stumbles upon a most unlikely mentor - Joe Taylor, the school's janitor, who seems to have the answers to all of Coach's problems.

Joe helps the Coach turn his season around and reconnect not only with his players, but his wife and children as well. He ultimately helps him realize that his true purpose in life is not to win games, set records, or achieve personal acclaim, but rather to influence others by leading from the heart.

This is a wonderful book that opened my eyes to what it truely means to live. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered why an I doing what I'm doing?

Game on

Game On: Find Your Purpose - Pursue Your Dream by Emmitt Smith is a great book! Emmitt is a true person of inspiration. If only we could all be as goal focused as he is. He is living proof that if you set your mind to something you can accomplish anything. His story is a rags to riches in true form. In his book he gives examples of how he made his dreams come true and you can too. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs some inspiration to get going. You don't have to be a football fan to enjoy the book by the way. I know very little about football and still enjoyed the book. I received this book from Tyndale Publishers for an honest review.

Ascent from Darkness

In Ascent from Darkness How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior by Michael Leehan the author tells about his twenty years of service to Satan. As a young adult, feeling abandoned by God and people, he turned to Satan for power and fulfillment. God was able to intervene and provide Michael the hope and light he needed in his darkest hours. Since the book is about a true story it makes it that much more intense. This is a book every Christian should read.

Hook, Line & Sinker

I received an electronic copy of Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review. In Hook, Line & Sinker, the annual Deep Haven fishing contest draws professional and amateur anglers from across the country, but this year, Ross Springer is determined to win the top cash prize. In fact, he has no choice. It's his last chance to leave a lasting legacy at Bethel College. He just never imagined his fundraising scheme would hook Abigail Cushman, the grad student who reminds him of all they'd had - and lost - every time she glances his way. Abigail Cushman may not know the difference between a bass and a trout, but how hard can it be to catch a fish? She's a quick learner, and she's certain her smarts can net her a win over Ross, the handsome charmer she's tried to forget since grief tore them apart. This book is very easy to get into and relate to. And it has the desired outcome I was looking for.

Waiting for Dawn

I received an electronic copy of Waiting for Dawn by Susan May Warren from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review. The book is about Lacey Galloway, a contractor for the Department of Defense, who leads a rather predictable life. But news that Sergeant Frist Class Jim Micah is missing in action leads her on a dangerous trek overseas to rescue the man who secretly captured her heart. Although her DOD connections quickly cut through the red tape, she also enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend and Micah's bestfriend, Lieutenant John Montgomery. As they hatch a covert plan to find and rescue Micah, Lacey's feelings are once again torn between the two me. This book is filled with romance, adventure and is a page turner from the start. I enoyed the book all except for the way it ended. Ms. Warren said this book is a prequel to her Team Hope series. I just hope the story continues in her next book.

The Grace of God

I received a copy of Andy Stanley's The Grace of God from Booksneeze. Andy Stanley explores grace shown in the Old and New Testaments. He looks at grace by explaining the story of Grace: being Chosen by Grace, Surprised by Grace, Redeemed by Grace, Ruled by Grace, Rescued by Grace, Sustained by Grace, Puzzled by Grace, Accepted by Grace, Reborn by Grace, Filled by Grace, Saved by Grace and Commissioned by Grace. This book delivers great insight, inspiration, and simple truths in a memorable way. With grace comes faith. Such a strong statement in such an uncertain world.

Fresh-Brewed Life

I recently received a copy of Fresh-Brewed Life A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul by Nicole Johnson from Booksneeze. I really enjoyed reading the book because it was written by a woman for women. She gives examples from her life and other women she knows to help back up and reinforce her teachings. Nicole comares fresh brewed java to how our life can be brewed as well. She describes the fresh brewed life as a journey of awakenings to God, to ourselves and to others. So grab a cup of joe and savor this book. You won't regret it for sure.

The Little Red Book of Wisdom

Mark DeMoss has a great way of giving wisdom from his and others lives. The chapters are short and to the point but are loaded with information and real life examples. I think it's wonderful to be able to get advice like this from a business owner and leader who does the right thing even if it means not doing big money deals. How many businesses look past the money to stick with their mission statements? Not many. The wisdom DeMoss gives in this book is not just for businesses.

The Blessing

I recently recieved a complimentary copy of the book "The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance" by John Trent, Ph.D. and Gary Smalley from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review team. Little did I realize that this book is actually a reprint of a 25 year old book. The subject matter is as applicable today as it was then. The blessing enlightens the reader into the importance of giving and receiving a blessing. It offers explanations, illustrations, benefits, consequences, advice, and challenges to parents and children of all ages. This concept of giving "The Blessing" is easy, but it's missed in today's society. If I could I'd put this on the 'must read' list of every potential parent.

Be the people

A Call to Reclaim Americas Faith and Promise by Carol Swain. This book talks about many areas including but not limited to AIDS, illegal immigration, racism, and relations in America. Describing the problems that our government and we are facing and how we got to this point. We as a people need to change the way these things are going or else. She really raises an awareness in the reader and keeps it informative yet simple and easy to understand. This is a book every American should read.

The Final Summit

Recently I read The Final Summit by Andy Andrews. The book takes up with David Ponder from The Traveler's Gift many years later. This is a hard to put down book like many of Andrew's other books. Andrews has a way of creating a picture for the reader and allows you to go inside the story. David Ponder is summoned, with 5 other travelers, to provide a two word answer to explain how humanity can get back on the right course. I highly recommend this book.

Jolt!

I recently had the opportunity to read Jolt! by Phil Cooke. I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze. It tells you how to change not just why you should do it. Phil Cooke talks about 5 different sections in your life that you should Jolt!. Among them are your direction, what matters, your potential, your heart and your future. This book is adapting to the changing world. The information in the book can be applied to your personal and professional life. This is a good book if you need help making changes in your life to keep up with the ever chaning world you live and work in.

The Ledgend of the Monk and the Merchant: Principles for Successful Living

I've been a Dave Ramsey fan for a while and have been reading books on his recommended list lately. This book embodies his principles in a short fable format. The fable itself is well written and enjoyable..a grandfather passing on his knowledge of scripture and business sense on to his grandson. It's common sense advice anyone could use and apply to his/her life. A worthwile, quick read.