Transformed by Christy Wimber (Book Review!)

Transformed

by Christy Wimber

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2017

Number of pages- 224

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $16.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-812-4

As humans we are to yield daily to God.  He has the power to renew and transform us.

This book is based around Romans 12:1-8.  Each chapter begins with a quote or Bible verse that’s relevant to the chapter.  The chapters focus on subjects such as always worshipping, renewing our minds, and what grace means in this century.

About the Author-

Christy Wimber had her husband currently live in California and have two children.  She is a pastor, author, and speaker.  In 2006 she planted a Vineyard Church.  She travels around the world teaching and equipping the Church.

My thoughts-

I felt encouraged as I read Transformed.  The chapter I liked the best dealt with what grace looks like in this century. Christy Wimber did a good job of tying biblical ideas into what happens in our world today. 

There are some thing that I would like to see added to this book

• I would like to see each chapter have a summary.  When a book is nonfiction, chapter summaries help me remember the chapter better.
• Discussion questions for each chapter would be fun and helpful too.  The questions would make this book good for group study.

This is a book that will be relevant for many years to come.  I highly recommend it to those in high school and also adults. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Transformed, by Christy Wimber, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Seven Stories that Shape Your Life: Discover Your God Given Purpose by Gerard Kelly (Book Review!)

The Seven Stories that Shape Your Life: Discover Your God Given Purpose

By Gerard Kelly

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian Living

Published by- Monarch Books and Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 336

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-85721-634-2

Do you ever wonder what your purpose is on this earth?  This book will help you begin to discover it.  Gerard Kelly has chapters about creation, vocation, limitation, formation, incarnation, and restoration.  It shows how to begin to connect with God and utilize the stories in the Bible.

About the Author-

Gerard Kelly and his wife live in France, where they are co-founders of the Bless Network.  He has written eighteen books.

My Thoughts-

This was a book that was filled with good and helpful information about learning my purpose in a life with God.  As I was reading I folded over many page corners, so I could go back and explore the given information.  I want to make sure that the information I was reading was biblically sound.  What I found was great.

I thought the chapters were really long.  I wish they were divided up into smaller chapters.  I did like the divisions in each chapter.  I think that since the chapters are more involved, that a longer summary at the end would be nice.  I did appreciate the summary that was there.  I would have also enjoyed having discussion questions.  Being able to think about and question what I read would be helpful. 

This was a good book.  I highly recommend it to everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Seven Stories that Shape Your Life, by Gerard Kelly, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Taking My God for a Walk by Tony Collins (Book Review!)

Taking My God for a Walk: A Publisher on a Pilgrimage

By Tony Collins

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian Living / Pilgrimage

Published by- Monarch Books and Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 249

Age Group- Adult (Men)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $16.99, ISBN: 978-0-85721-773-8

The Camino is 490 miles long and goes from the French border to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain.  Tony Collins decide to take a pilgrimage on that route.  It was an hard physical and spiritual journey, but it proved to be a journey filled with new friendships and spiritual examination. 

About the Author-

Tony Collins started Monarch Books and other imprints.  He has been in publishing for over forty years.

My Thoughts-

I enjoy reading travel books.  When they are based on a spiritual journey, they are even better.  I have read other books like this that weren’t spiritual journeys, think Bill Bryson, but this one was better.  There were no swear word.  I also learned about the religious culture of the area. 

The only thing I would change about this book would be the map.  I would like to see a map at the beginning of each chapter that showed the little towns that were discussed in the chapter.

This was a good book.  I highly recommend it to everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Taking My God for a Walk, by Tony Collins, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Power of Presence by Neil T. Anderson (Book Review!)

The Power of Presence

By Neil T. Anderson

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian Living / Devotional

Published by- Monarch Books and Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 144

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-85721-731-8

Neil T. Anderson’s wife has been by his side for over fifty years.  Now she has dimentia and is slowly declining at a local nursing home.  She depends on Anderson greatly for the comfort and care he gives her.  Conversation is hard these days, so Anderson spends the time in God’s presence. 

This book has six chapters:

• The Absence of Presence
• Suffering in His Presence
• Coming into His Presence
• Ministering in His Presence
• Resting in His Presence
• Fully in His Presence

About the Author-

Dr. Neil T. Anderson founded Freedom in Christ Ministries and been the President Emeritus.  He has written many books, like The Bondage Breaker.

My Thoughts-

I thought this book was an interesting read.  I liked how Neil T. Anderson made this book about his current life as a caretaker for his wife and his growing closeness with God.  I like being able to have a story that mirrors the rest of the text.  It makes it easier to understand.

I appreciated the list of Bible verses about being accepted, being secure, and being significant for God.  The list of resources was helpful.  It would have been nice if there had been resources that weren’t written by or with him, but that’s okay.

I would recommend The Power of Presence to those who feel a desire to grow closer to God.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Power of Presence, by Neil T. Anderson, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

God's Unwelcome Recovery by Dr. Sean Oliver Dee (Book Review!)

God’s Unwelcome Recovery: Why the New Establishment Wants to Proclaim the Death of Faith

By Dr. Sean Oliver-Dee

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian

Published by- Monarch Books (Lion Hudson)

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 191

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-630-4

There is a difference between the official numbers of church attendance from the church and from the government and media.  Why is that?  Dr. Oliver-Dee says that the “new establishment” wants to ignore the views of of Christians and that the death of faith will be caused by the progress of science.
About the Author-
Dr. Sean Oliver-Dee currently works as a Interreligious Advisor for his local Anglican diocese.  He is a religious affairs consultant to different organizations.
My thoughts-
I thought this was an interesting book.  I live in the United States, so the statistics from the UK didn’t apply to me.  The thoughts behind the statistics and the statistics from the U.S. did apply to me.  We need to be aware of what the media is saying compared to what is really happening with the Christian churches.  In Britain it seems as if Christianity isn’t as popular as it was in the past, but it is not true.
To me it seemed like chapter 8 was really the beginning of the book.  I know the reader needed to know all of the different statistics that are out there, but I found the most useful chapters were at the end.  That is probably because they were the most practical ones.  They discussed how to change the perceptions that are out there.
I would recommend this book to anyone in any country.  We need to know what is truly happening to Christian statistics throughout the world.
Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God’s Unwelcome Recovery, by Dr. Sean Oliver-Dee, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

52 Original Wisdom Stories by Penelope Wilcock (Book Review!)

 

52 Original Wisdom Stories

Short lively pieces for the Christian year

By Penelope Wilcock

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $19.99, ISBN: 978-0-85721-602-1

52 Original Wisdom Stories is 52 short stories about a married couple, Sid and Rosie.  In this book we learn about their faith, hopes, and perspectives about God.

Each of these stories can be used on its own.  Topics included are:

• marriage.
• education.
• the beginning.
• death. 

About the Author-

Penelope Wilcock currently lives in England with her family.  She is a writer and is a former Methodist minister.  Her blog is Kindred of the Quiet Way.

My Thoughts-

I thought this book was inspiring.  I plan on keeping it on my bedside table, so I can read it weekly.

I liked that it was based on a married couple, Sid and Rosie.  Their stories and beliefs made it a lot more personal.  I thought they had interesting views, because Sid was Catholic and but was now Quaker, and Rosie went to many different churches of different beliefs.  It was Sid’s Catholic beliefs that were the strongest. 

My favorite week was 29, because it was about abiding joy.  I have been trying to declutter my life.  I have noticed more joy, since my house and life are cleaner.

I do not follow the church’s year, so it would have been helpful for me to know what week of the year it was.  I was able to guess for a lot of it, because the stories would hint at the right time of year.

I think this is a book that many people will enjoy.  I recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 52 Original Wisdom Stories, by Penelope Wilcock, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist by Andy Bannister (Book Review!)

The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist Or: the Dreadful Consequences of Bad Arguments

By Andy Bannister

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- nonfiction / Christian

Published by- Monarch Books (Lion Hudson)

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 238

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-610-6

Dr. Andy Bannister uses humor and thought provoking statements to unravel many arguments that atheists say.

Atheism is becoming more popular these days with movies, best-selling books, and other forms of advertisements. 

This book along with careful study will help readers to learn more about atheism.

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

Andy Bannister currently lives in Toronto with his family.  He enjoys mountain climbing, hiking, and taking photos.  He is the Director of RZIM Canada.  He speaks all over the world to people about faith, culture, society, and politics.  He has a PhD in Islamic Studies.

My thoughts-

I liked how Dr. Bannister used humor in The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist to get his point across.  I feel that the use of humor will help draw skeptics in, because there will be more for them to relate to.  The title of the book and the different chapter titles, like “Aim for That Haystack,”  help draw people in as well.  They will want to know what haystacks have to do with “Why Psychological Arguments Against Religion Fails.”

He uses a lot of different quotes from different well-known atheists, such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.  He takes those quotes and proceeds to deconstruct them to show how they cannot be true.

There are great lists of books for further reading at the end of each chapter.  I think it would have been nice if there was a master list at the end of the book.  I also would have liked to have been able to read a brief summary at the end of each chapter.  I would have enjoyed learning what Dr. Bannister felt were his main points.

This book can be used as a tool to help talk with atheists.  I recommend that no matter what you believe that you should read this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist, by Andy Bannister, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

When I Pray What Does God Do? by David Wilkinson (Book Review!)

When I Pray What Does God Do?

By David Wilkinson

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- nonfiction / Christian / Prayer

Published by- Monarch Books (Lion Hudson)

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 222

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-85721-604-5

Professor David Wilkinson has written this book to explain the different myths and scientific explanations, which are used to explain what happens when prayers are not answered. 

Wilkinson uses scientific reasoning, answers from the Bible, and his own experiences to answer the questions.

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

Professor David Wilkinson has doctorates in astrophysics and theology.  He is Principal of St. John’s College, Durham.

My thoughts-

I thought When I Pray What Does God Do? was interesting.

I could tell Wilkinson was very interested in his subject matter both from a scientific point-of-view and a biblical point-of-view.  He covered the subject of myths, out-of-date science, and new science and how they contradict what it is that it is said that God is doing when we pray. 

The best chapters were the two that discussed what God taught us about prayer and how God does or does not respond to prayer.

I think this book could have had shorter chapters, summaries at then end of each chapter, and discussion questions to help tie everything together.

I think that with a little bit more work this book could be great.  I recommend that people read it to see what they think.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received When I Pray What Does God Do?, by David Wilkinson, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Too Many to Jail by Mark Bradley (Book Review!)

Too Many to Jail: The Story of Iran's New Christians

By Mark Bradley

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 302

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $16.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-596-3

Are there a lot of Christians in Iran?  There are more than you might think in a Muslim country.  Today in Iran there are at least 100,000, some people say there are up to a million.  In 1979, there were fewer than 500.  Iran is now one of the fastest growing areas for Christianity in the world.  Why?

Is it because of politics, religion, or more?  There is still a lot of persecution of Christians, but there are new Christians every day.  How are they able to grow?  House churches. 

Learn more about this growing church in this book.

Read an excerpt.

About the Author-

Mark Bradley is a researcher with a charity.

My thoughts-

When I saw the cover of this book, I immediately became interested in it, because I did not know anything about the Christians in Iran.  After reading it, I feel that I am a lot more informed and amazed at the dedication of the Iranian Christians. 

I learned about the history of Christianity in Iran, how and why the government has become so hostile, and the importance of house churches.  What really surprised me was how many Christians there are and how much the religion is growing. It is growing more quickly than in many other parts of the world.  God is certainly working in this part of the world.  It is interesting how quickly the number of Christians can grow when there is need and desire.  It is too bad that many people in other parts of the world become so complacent. 

I really enjoyed reading and learning from the three sections in the "Appendix."  I was able to learn about the history of Christianity in Iran, different aggressive acts towards Christians, and a testament from Mehdi Dijab.

I learned a lot about Iran and Christianity when I read this book.  I highly recommend Too Many to Jail, by Mark Bradley, to you.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Too Many to Jail, by Mark Bradley, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Citizen by Rob Peabody (Book Review)

Citizen: Your Role in the Alternative Kingdom

By Rob Peabody

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian Life / Religious

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 192

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-85721-542-0

Rob Peabody, says in Citizen, that we are part of a new group.  We are citizens of Heaven when we follow Jesus.    This book describes many ways we are to do that.

• We are part of a new community.
• We are all citizens even though we are from different groups.
• We need to pay attention to where we have our allegiance.
• We need to pay attention to the choices that we are making.

Excerpt from Citizen.

About the Author-

Rob Peabody and his family currently live in London.  He is the director of the Awaken Movement.  He used to be a lead campus pastor at a mega-church in Texas.

My thoughts-

I had a hard time getting into Citizen, by Rob Peabody, because of the cover and the title.  Those two things reminded me of a science fiction book that I would probably not read.

Once I started to read Citizen, I forgot all about the title and cover.  I became in the message Peabody was sharing.  I learned about my role as a citizen in God’s Kingdom, while still living on this earth. 

I really enjoyed reading the endorsements by Revd. Dr. Michael Moynagh, Randy Elrod, Sheridan Voysey, and more.  I chose to read them after I read the book.  I felt they would have more meaning to me and that I would understand what they were say.  I agreed with everything they said.  This is a perfect book for a new citizen or as a refresher course for experienced citizens.  Sometimes we get caught in ruts and we need to have a fresh perspective, so that we can get back to what was and should be important to us.

One of my favorite parts of the book was all of the personal stories from Peabody.  I liked that on pages 82-84 he talked about how important it was that he could not go into his new life and job looking like a know-it-all.  He was willing to humble himself in his new situation, so that he could build stronger relationships with the people he met.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone.  It should be past along to everyone, so that they know the best ways to be good citizens in God’s Kingdom.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Citizen, by Rob Peabody, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Being Church, Doing Life by Michael Moynagh

Being Church, Doing Life: Creating gospel communities where life happens

By Matt Roper

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 252

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $18.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-493-5

There is a movement in the UK called Fresh Expressions and Being Church, Doing Life, by Michael Moynagh, describes what that organization is doing to build gospel communities around the UK.  These communities are happening in schools, cafes, homes, parks, and more. 

This book contains over 120 examples along with different ways you can begin a community, help it succeed, and gently step away so it can grow on its own and multiply.  There is also a section on how church leaders can help members of their congregations with their communities.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Revd. Dr. Michael Moynagh currently conducts research for Fresh Expressions UK at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.  He has written or helped to write more than fifteen books.  Link for: www.freshexpressionsus.org/

My thoughts-

Lately I have been thinking about what I would like to do when my children are older or even perhaps at the age they are now.  I keep thinking about community and trying to reach those who have left the church or have never believed.  Those are the people I would like to help and reach.  I keep getting nudges, like a day planner where I needed to write my purpose in life and Michael Moynagh’s book, Being Church, Doing Life.

I live in the United States and this book is based on the organization, Fresh Expressions, in the UK, but there were examples from the United States, which showed me that it can be done here as well.  When I was reading the book, I read the statics and stories that showed how well gospel communities are working in the UK.  I’m really glad that they are.  Those types of communities are needed all over the world. 

Moynagh has given me hope that it can be done here and he has written this wonderful book that I can use to help guide me in the correct direction.  The book is divided into three section: “Why Communities in life?,” Tools for developing witnessing communities,” and “Tools for the wider church.”  It talked about why to do it, how to do it and how to teach people to be disciples, so they can do it themselves, and what the church can do to help those who want to develop their own communities.

Each chapter has its own conclusion and there is an awesome bibliography in the back of the book.  It lists many websites and books to help people reach their goals.  Moynagh did an interview for the BBC which is on YouTube.  It was very good and well worth watching. 

This book was excellent and should be read by everyone.  There are many people in this world who need to come to Jesus and we need to disciple in the way Jesus did.  This book will show you how.  Please find a copy and read it today!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Being Church, Doing Life, by Michael Moynagh, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Highway to Hell by Matt Roper (Review)

Highway to Hell:

The Road Where Childhoods are Stolen

By Matt Roper

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Nonfiction

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 224

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-254-2

Highway to Hell, by Matt Roper, is about the BR-116 and the child sexual exploitation which takes place along that highway in Brazil.

Roper is with Canadian country singer Dean Brody on this remote highway when they find a young girl selling herself to the truckers who are driving past.  They decide to travel along the 1500 miles of this highway and take action to help these young girls.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Matt Roper currently lives in Brazil and works as a freelance journalist.  He previously work for the UK’s Daily Mirror. 

My thoughts-

Although Highway to Hell, by Matt Roper, was difficult to read, because it was about child sexual exploitation, it was an important subject to learn about. 

I am not blind to the fact that there is a lot of wrong being done to the children of this world.  It was just hard to read about how young the children are and the fact that many turn a blind eye to it.  It is thanks to Roper and his friend, Canadian country singer Dean Brody, that I have been alerted to the dangers that young girls face on the BR-116 in Brazil.  The BR-116 is a highway which is over 1500 miles long and there are many young girls, which are selling their bodies to truckers and various other people.

I read about how there are officials who are there to be able to help the girl, but they often they either turn their heads or are simply unable help.  I was glad to know that Roper and Brody are working so hard to be able to help those girls.  This book spoke of some of their successes and they even have an organization which helps.  It is called Meninadança.  The website is www.meninadanca.org. 

This was a book which spoke to me.  I hope it speaks to you when you read it.  Thank you.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Highway to Hell: The Road Where Childhoods are Stolen, by Matt Roper, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

40 Days of Grace by Rich Miller (Review)

40 Days of Grace: Discovering God’s Liberating Love

By Rich Miller

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Bible Study / Nonfiction / Christian Living

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-443-0

Do you have a hard time believing the grace that God has given you?  Forty days of Bible studies are available in 40 Days of Grace, by Rich Miller.  Divided into six weeks this book contains sections on:

• “Amazing Grace”
• “Canceling the Guilt Trip”
• “From Disgrace to Grace”
• “From Fear to Faith”
• “The Power of Humility”
• ‘The “Grace-Rest” Life’

Be entertained and informed while learning how to live a grace-filled life.

About the Author-

Rich Miller currently lives with his wife in North Carolina.  They have four adult children.  He has authored and co-authored 25 books and discipleship manuals.  He has worked with Freedom in Christ Ministries since 1993.

My thoughts-

I thought this book was very engaging and a joy to read.  I learned about the grace God has given us and how we shouldn’t feel guilty about it or our past. 

I liked the titles for both the week and for the daily studies, because now I can go back to the studies when I need encouragement.  I also liked the set-up of each daily study.  I would read the study, then the extras, “A Thought to Chew On,” A Truth to Remember,” “A Question to Mull Over,” and “Talking it Over with God.” 

I plan on sharing this book with friends and family.  Rich Miller has shown us that we all need to know the grace that God has given us.  I highly recommend this book.  Pick up a copy at your favorite book provider (or store) today!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received 40 Days of Grace: Discovering God’s Liberating Love by Rich Miller for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Rainbows for Rainy Days by Catherine Campbell (Review)

Rainbows for Rainy Days: 40 devotional readings that reveal God’s Promise

by Catherine Campbell

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

 

Genre- Christian Nonfiction / Devotional

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 96

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-289-4

Are you looking for a devotional that will pick you up when you are feeling down?  Look no further than Rainbows for Rainy Days by Catherine Campbell.

This book contains 40 devotions that show God’s promises for us when life is not going as planned.  Campbell uses different Bible verses and her own thoughts and experiences to show the promises. 

About the Author-

Catherine Campbell

My thoughts-

Rainbows for Rainy Days was as inspirational to me as it was for the elderly woman mentioned in the preface.  I could and probably will read it every day.  This book will work not just for the rainy days, but all days.  I feel happier and more peaceful each day after I read one of the devotions.

I liked the good Bible verses and how Catherine Campbell added her own viewpoints and experiences.  I also enjoyed the photos.  Just looking at the book made me begin to feel happier and more at peace.  When I read the forward and preface, I knew that God was speaking through Campbell.

I highly recommend this book to all adults.  Your day will be brightened and your life will be blessed.  Please buy a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Rainbows for Rainy Days: 40 devotional readings that reveal God’s Promise by Catherine Campbell for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn

Series- The Secret of the Journal

Genre- Mystery/Suspense

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 382

Age Group- High School

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-202-3

 

A young professor, Emma, has come to the United States from England to search for a journal that has interested her for years.  She gets more than she expected.  She makes new friends, has one man interested in her, is interested in another man, and that’s not all.  There have been attacks on campus.

She finds the journal and begins to read it, but will she be able the truth of her life and what the journal may reveal.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

C.F. Dunn lives in England with her husband and daughters where she writes and runs a specialist dyslexia and autism school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts-

I have read this book twice and it gave me more to think about the second time.  I noticed more of the mystery and intrigue, especially that which surrounded Matthew.  I am very curious about him; he doesn’t eat, drink, or seem to sleep.  Emma is also an interesting character.  She becomes so dependent upon Matthew both before and after she was attacked.  All of the danger and the romantic drama made this first book in the series seem like the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.

Emma believes in Christ, but she doesn’t seem to take advantage of the comfort that Jesus could offer her.  She seems to be really focused on protecting her virtue from Matthew.  It seems normal to me, but still strange to be protecting her virtue so much as she is so dependent on him.

I thought this book was good and I am looking forward to the next one.  You will have to read the book yourself to see what you think. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted. 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.

God Knows Your Name by Catherine Campbell

Genre- Christian/Religion

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2010

Number of pages- 224

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-1-85424-983-8

Our God is a loving, personal God and he wants us to know Him as well as He knows us.  We don’t need to be perfect.

Using both stories from the Bible and stories from today the reader learns how the characters dealt with feelings such as hopelessness, worthlessness and others.  And how they learned that yes, God knows their name and cares for them.

Excerpt from the book

About the Author-

Catherine Campbell lives in Northern Ireland and is a nurse, writer and inspirational speaker.  Her website is www.catherine-campbell.com.

My thoughts-

This book captivated me from the beginning.  I enjoyed reading the Biblical account and then the account from today.  It helped me to see that the Bible stories are still relevant today and how they may relate to emotions that I may feel.  I hope that when other people read this book they see the same thing and then go read their Bible to learn more about God.

One problem I faced when beginning this book was that there were more female characters than I thought a man might be comfortable reading about.  I wasn’t sure if this book was just for women to read or if men were included in the readership.

The first time I read this book I must have been feeling hopeless, because that was the story that caught my eye.  I also enjoyed the story of Hagar.  I have never given much thought of the story from Hagar’s point-of-view.

I recommend that all should read this book and then read the different stories again when they feel the particular emotion, like powerless and loveless.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God Knows Your Name by Catherine Campbell for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. 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.