10/14/14 - Tyndale House Publishers book review - Abraham by Charles Swindoll

Abraham, one nomad’s amazing journey of faith by Charles Swindoll offers more than just Abraham’s journey, it offers ways to stay in tune to God’s timing.

I found this book to be very interesting even though I was familiar with Abraham’s journey.  Pastor Swindoll adds life to the story.  He includes timelines and tells us the present day area that Abraham and Sarah traveled.  He shows us the bald truth about Abraham’s journey, warts and all.  Abraham, like many of us, gets impatient; at times wanting to run ahead of God.  But one thing for certain, God will do what He says and He will do it when He does.  We can’t rush Him nor can we hide from Him.  Abraham found out that God even hears our subtle untruths, Sarah was kinda Abraham’s sister but utmost, she was his bride.  Pastor Swindoll lays out the ungodliness of Sodom and Gomorrah and their destruction, and why.  We see the looking for a bride for Isaac and the way Ishmael was blessed.  We follow from the time he was Abram to the end of Abraham’s life.

This is a wonderful book that would be interesting for any reader, believer or nonbeliever.

I received this complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers.

10/14/14 - Tyndale House Publishers book review - A Robertson Family Christmas By Miss Kay Robertson

A Robertson Family Christmas is a warm, fiction book by Miss Kay.  If you are familiar with the Robertson’s, Duck Dynasty and Duck Commander; you will enjoy this book.

This novella is based on real Robertson family Christmas traditions.  Hunter Clark misses being with his Dad and brother.  He lives with his mother who has entered him into a contest to spend Christmas with the Robertson’s; and he won.  He doesn't even know these people and had to read about them before he leaves Chicago to head to the deep-south of Louisiana.  Korie Robertson opens her home and her heart to this young man that at first doesn't fit in.  Miss Kay teaches him to cook, “The” Duck Commander takes him on a duck hunt and Hunter finds love and the true meaning of Christmas spending time with this crazy bunch.

This is a heart-warming novella that will put you in the Christmas spirit.  Any age will enjoy this story and be blessed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

10/14/14 - BookLook Bloggers book review - The Southern Foodie's Guide to the Pig By Chris Chamberlain

Chris Chamberlain has written a masterpiece of pig.  Chris writes for many southern newsletters or blogs from his Nashville, TN base.  He has hit a home run with this cookbook.

This is not only a cookbook; it is a lesson about the hog and also reviews of southern restaurants where you can get some good pig.  The pictures are so tasty looking you can almost smell the aroma.  I grew up on a farm until I was 8 and went to a few “hog killings” myself but I sure learned a lot more from this book.  The Southern Foodie’s Guide to the Pig not only showcases the pig; it showcases the good things that go with the pig.  You’ll see recipes for hush puppies, corn bread, cinnamon pull-apart bread and he even has a recipe of the rub to use on a whole hog.  You will find recipes for drinks, breakfast, bread, soups and salads, side dishes and desserts.

If you like pork, here is your recipe book.  Calling it a cookbook or recipe book seems so cheap compared to what is in this book.  I highly recommend this book to any cook of pork.  Go pig!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers.

10/13/14 - Bethany House book review - Look and Live: Behold the Soul-Thrilling, Sin-Destroying Glory of Christ by Matt Papa

Look and Live is a very honest, soul-searching book.  Matt Papa has a way of writing that takes you to where he was/is.

Look and Live will bring you back to looking at Jesus and living.  What you spend the most time thinking and worrying about is what you are worshiping.  We've taken our eyes away from God.  Gaze upon the glory of God; He wants to spend time with you.  Look and Live will guide you into the how.  Our lives are so busy, we need to take time out of our busy schedule and Look and Live.

I’d recommend this book to everyone that can read.  We all need to spend more time with God.  Matt Papa is a blessing and he has blessed us with this wonderful book.

I received this book from Bethany House, a part of Baker Publishing Group.

10/12/14 - Blogging for Books book review of Meat and Potatoes by Rahm Fama

Meat and ‘taters is right up my alley.  Rahm Fama cooks up a wonderful cookbook specifically with Meat and Potatoes.

When I saw this book to review I jumped on it.  My husband, David, is a meat and ‘taters kind of guy.  The pictures in this book are mouthwatering.  As Fama says, “Simple recipes that sizzle and sear”.  He was the host of Food Network’s show Meat & Potatoes.  The book is laid out in complete meals; a meat and at least one side dish.  Even the side dishes look great.  In the introduction to the book you will learn about the cuts of meat and also how to prepare them.  It will make you look in the pantry or go to the store to get started on tonight’s dinner.

This is a beautiful cookbook with beautiful, mouthwatering pictures. You’ll find yourself wanting to lick the pages, no seriously, you will.

I received this cookbook from Blogging for Books. 

10/12/14 - BakerBooks book review - Next by William Vanderbloemen and Warren Bird

Next, by William Vanderbloemen is about Pastoral succession that works.  Vanderbloemen served for fifteen years as a pastor and thus has a great amount of background experience to write about.

Every pastor is an interim pastor.  It is not a subject to be taken lightly; however, is usually a subject that isn’t discussed in the open.  Church leaders should be looking at the onset of a new pastor for their next pastor.  This book will guide you step-by-step on ways to accomplish this task.  Next should be a book that all pastors should read as well as the laypeople that hire them.  What if something catastrophic happens to your pastor, are you ready?  This book and Vanderbloemen’s Search Group can help you.  Don’t be left unprepared.

I suggest this book for all pastors, church laypeople and any in the church that looks for their new pastor.  I may give this copy to my church.

I received this book from Baker Books a division of Baker Publishing Group.

10/12/14 - Revell books book review - Deceived by Irene Hannon

Deceived is one of many books Irene Hannon has written.  This one is the one you should pick up.

Kate has been mourning the loss of her husband and son from a boating accident; that is until she has a close encounter with a boy that looks like what Kevin would look like.  Is she crazy or just hoping against hope that it could be him?  Whomever she told would think that she was going back to her old habit of tranquilizers.  In a new city in a new state, how could it be?  They never found Kevin’s body.  She went to a Private Investigator, Connor Sullivan for help.  At their first meeting there were sparks, to say the least.  All along this boy-hunt Kate and Connor keep it professional.  An age-progression artist is called to make of picture of Kevin as he would look at this age.  Then as twists and turns will have it, the picture is found and it is brought to the attention of the man that has the Kevin look-a-like. 

I loved this book.  It has many twists and turns and the characters are described.  The whole book flows well; it was really an up late at night page-turner.

I received this book from Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

10/11/14 - book review for Revell books - Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Thunder is book one of the Stone Braide Chronicles by Bonnie S. Calhoun.  This is a young adult dystopian novel.  Even though it was written towards young adults, it is well worth an adult eye.

Selah is a young woman coming of age, nearing her eighteenth birth remembrance.  She waits and watches as a Lander boat is coming ashore at her beach.  This handsome Lander, Bodhi will change the way she looks and feels about things during their journey to find Selah’s father.  Selah’s brothers try to get to her before she reaches her destination but Selah recaptures her prisoner, the Lander Bodhi.  Evil forces run amuck in the Mountain where Lander’s bring a high price.  Selah comes upon a dirty girl that has been living by herself since her mother dies, Selah can’t leave her behind.  Selah feels things for Bodhi and he teaches her to communicate other than speaking.  This helps along the way and when they reach their destination.

This futuristic novel of 150 years after the Sorrows, or nuclear war, will take you to places that may seem familiar; or may seem prophetic to today’s time.  Bonnie Calhoun’s characters are well introduced and the plot is in-depth.  This book is worth the read, for any age.

I received this book from Revell books.

9/16/14 - Book review - A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley

A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley is a wonderful work of fiction.

Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn't been able to get Leigh Somerall out of his head for 10 years.  She contacts him with a strange request, to protect her brother, Tony Jackson.  When Ben catches up with Tony, he as well has an odd request, to protect his sister Leigh.  Leigh has a son, TJ that oddly looks like Ben and even more oddly, at least to Ben, has the same unique blood type.  Leigh has something that someone devious wants; a flash-drive.  They will go to any lengths to get it, putting TJ and Leigh in danger.  Gun-runners, dog-fighters, dreams of Johns Hopkins all things that Ben and Leigh face.  In the end, after God has worked miracles throughout, love wins out.

This is a wonderful book.  I've never read this author before but I will seek out more of her books.

I received this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and 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 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

9/16/14 - Book review - Stolen: The true story of a sex-trafficking survivor by Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD with Cecil Murphey

Stolen is a look into the sex-trafficking trade by a survivor, Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD.  This is a true story, in harrowing detail, of the life of a child that is abused by those closest to her and “friends”.

Kat is a lonely, depressed girl that is seeking love.  She doesn’t find much love at home, neglected by her mother, abused by her father and with an older brother that really don’t care.  There is one that does care, God.  She learns of His love from the hand of Billy Graham.  Graham pointed right at her and said:  “Remember this: God will never leave you or forsake you.”  She remembered all through her bad times.  He even would tell her that He had a plan for her.  She is abducted, mislead and sold by “friends” through her childhood.  

Unfortunately, the sex-trafficking trade is alive and well in our country; and yes, it can be in our small towns.

This is a powerful and heartbreaking book.  There is a rainbows end; Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD founded a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to freeing other victims of human trafficking.

I received this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and 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 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

9/16/14 - Book review - When the Past Came Calling by Larry S. Kaplan

When the Past Came Calling by Larry S. Kaplan is a mystery thriller that will keep you turning the pages.

David Miller is a personal injury lawyer that the FBI recruits to help with a missing person’s case. Do you take the call from your past?  David Miller did.  David Miller’s past came to haunt him and he had to forgive an old friend to help with the mystery.  A mysterious girl from his past haunts him, in his dreams and also in real time. The story jumps from the past (1960’s) to the present (late ‘80’s) as it unfolds to show that his friend Benny really isn't crazy.  Miller is drawn in by a seductress, Sandra Newton and strong-armed by a past member of the KGB, Alexander Kostay.  David Miller travels to Mexico City, Mexico and to Omsk, in Russian Siberia.  From Darwinism to the JFK assassination are weaved into the book.

You’ll find twists and turns throughout the book.  The chapters are headed nicely with dates so you won’t be wondering what decade you are in.  Kaplan does a wonderful job of character building.  This is a page turner that you won’t be disappointed in.  If you like mysteries or thrillers or conspiracy theories, you will enjoy this book.  I thoroughly enjoyed When the Past Came Calling.  It has been quite a while since a read a mystery such as this.  I will not hesitate to seek out other books by Larry S. Kaplan.

I received this book from Readers’ Favorite for a book review.

9/11/14 - Book review - The Homesick Texan's Family Table by Lisa Fain

Lisa Fain’s The Homesick Texan is a blog I have enjoyed for quite some time.  When I was given the opportunity to review her second book, 

The Homesick Texan’s Family Table, I jumped on it.

Love, love, love this cookbook!  It has beautiful photos of the dishes and what’s not to love about slow, southern cooking?  I love Texas and I love Texas cooking.  Even though I’m stuck here in the mid-Atlantic I can still enjoy some good ole Texas dishes.  Lisa Fain has given me more ideas to spice up an existing recipe or capture something new to add to a potluck or family dinner.  I can’t wait to try some of these family recipes.  Chipotle-cheddar scalloped potatoes…can you just imagine that melt in your mouth, subtle heat of this side dish?  Come on fall, I’m looking forward to trying some of her chili’s and soups like black-eyed pea and Mexican chorizo soup or pork chili verde.  She has shared her thoughts on her recipes as well.

This cookbook is awesome – 5 stars from me!

I received this book from BloggingforBooks.