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  He covered the subject of myths, out-of-date science, and new science and how they contradict what it is that it is said that God is doing when we pray.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.

Oswald: Return of the King by Edoardo Albert (Book Review!)

Oswald: Return of the King (Book 2 of The Northumbrian Thrones)

By Edoardo Albert

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Historical

Published by- Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 448

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-116-2

Cadwallon is now the king of Northumbria, but Oswald is the rightful king.  He has been exiled for many years on the island of Iona with monks and his brother, Oswiu.  He has learned to fight with courage, but he would much rather just be a monk.  The abbot would like him to be the person he is supposed to be.  The abbot needs a king who will help spread the faith. 

Will Oswald fight Cadwallon and win?  What will Penda, the pagan king do if Oswald becomes king?

This book also contains a synopsis for Edwin: High King of Britain, a list of characters, glossary, and a historical note.

About the Author-

Edoardo Albert has written for Time Out, History Today, and Minerva.  He is also a historian.

My thoughts-

One of my favorite time periods to read and learn about is the 1800’s and the American West.  My other favorite time period to read and learn about is the time when King Arthur could have lived. 

Oswald: Return of the King, was interesting.  I enjoyed learning more about one of my favorite time periods.  I did think that this book was a bit too long.  If around a 100 pages were eliminated, I think the book would have been a perfect length.  It is possible however that by doing that it would ruin the storyline. 

I enjoyed the historical note at the end of the book.  It was fun learning about the history that this novel was based on.  Since there were so many characters, I found the character list to be of great use.  The map and pronunciation guide were helpful as well.  I often referred to the glossary, because of the word, “wyrd.”  I kept thinking it meant word, but it means fate or destiny.  I was grateful for the synopsis of Edwin: High King of Britain.  I appreciate it when authors put them in their book series. 

My favorite character was Brother Aidan, because he was the most most likeable character.  He was also mentally and spiritually strong.  Oswald was not.  He needed to be a much stronger king.  He never should have been a king.  He was a good person though, because of all of the time he spent with the monks.

Albert did a wonderful job of writing this book from a historical point-of-view.  I highly recommend it.

Here is my review of Edwin: High King of Britain.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Oswald: Return of the King, by Edoardo Albert, 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.

Heartbreak Trail: An Andrea Carter Book by Susan K. Marlow (Book Review!)

Heartbreak Trail: An Andrea Carter Book (Circle C Milestones 2)

by Susan K. Marlow

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Historical / Christian / Young Adult

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 168

Age Group- Young Adult (12+)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $9.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4368-8

Andrea’s fifteenth birthday is coming up and she really wants to show her family that she can help drive the cattle to market.  Her mother does not want her to go, but she allows it after Andrea show her articles about other women who do not conform to what everybody expects of them.  Andrea can only be the cook’s helper.

Along the two week journey there are ornery horses and cows, a dangerous river crossing, and the chance to really help her brothers.  Will she be able to help them or will she give up?  Will the cowhands accept her?

About the Author-

Susan K. Marlow currently lives in Washington.  She is a writes, teaches writing workshops, and shares information about being a homeschooling parent.

My thoughts-

Right after the title page of this book there is a page with the word endurance, it’s definition, and a verse, Philippians 4:13.

Endurance certainly is the theme for this book.  Andrea decides that for her fifteenth birthday, she would like to go on the two-week cattle drive to Los Angeles.  She discovers that it is much more difficult than she thought it would be.  She has early mornings, mosquitoes, and a river, which is very difficult to get the cattle through.  I really admired how well she stuck with her brothers and did not give up.  I am sure there are many young adults her age today that would give up and demand to go back home.  Andrea sets a good example for all young ladies.  They must not give up, they can work hard with young men, and they can still be young ladies.

Heartbreak Trail was an excellent book.  I highly recommend it to everyone.  I cannot wait for the next book. 

P.S.  Even though it is the second book in the series, it is not necessary to read the other one first.  You will want to read all of the books about Andrea after reading this one.

My review of Thick as Thieves.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Heartbreak Trail: An Andrea Carter Book, by Susan K. Marlow, for free from 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.