Friday, May 19, 2017

Transformed by Christy Wimber (Book Review!)

Transformed
by Christy Wimber
(received in exchange for an honest review)
Transformed by Christy Wimber
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.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Too Deep for Words by Andrea Boeshaar (Book Review)

Too Deep for Words
(Book 2 of Shenandoah Valley Saga)
by Andrea Boeshaar
(received in exchange for an honest review)
Too Deep for Words
Genre- Fiction / Christian / Romance
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2017
Number of pages- 299
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4419-7

Carrie Ann Collier has been happily married to her husband, Peyton for nineteen days when he goes missing in a battle.  She’s determine that he’s still alive, but the rest of the family thinks he died in the battle. 

Not only does Carrie have to find a way to cope with her husband missing, but her sister who she never got along with is now living at the house with her and Aunt Ruth.  The situation becomes even more complicated when an injured Elijah Kent arrives.  He’s Peyton’s best friend and a Confederate.

Will Carrie be able to get along with a sister she’s never been able to?  Will Elijah believe her that her husband is still alive?  

About the Author-

Andrea Boeshaar has written thirty published works.  She is a cofounder of American Christian Fiction Writers.  Her website is www.andreaboesharr.com.

My thoughts-

When I was in high school I was really interested in the Civil War, so I enjoyed Andrea Boeshaar’s attention to historical detail.  Some of the best parts of the book was the “Author’s Note” at the beginning of the book and the quotes taken from various Civil War documents.  I appreciate learning about the historical context behind the book.

As with A Thousand Shall Fall, I thought that the characters were authentic and memorable.  The addition of Margaret, Carrie’s sister, showed me a more authentic view of Carrie.  Carrie certainly had some growing to do when it came to accepting her.

It would have been nice if there had been more about Peyton.  I’m interested in learning where he had been and what he had been doing while Carrie was trying to find him.  As each chapter began I hoped that it would have something about him.

Since the first book came from the North’s point-of-view it was interesting to learn more about what life was like for the people in the South.  I knew life was hard for them, but Too Deep for Words told how hard it truly was.  

I would recommend this book.  I liked this book a lot.  It ended with a lot of questions remaining.  I hope there will be at least one more book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Too Deep for Words, by Andrea Boeshaar, 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.

Friday, May 5, 2017

Local Poet by Paul Trembling (Book Review

Local Poet

By Paul Trembling

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Suspense / Mystery

Published by- Lion Fiction

Copyrighted- 2016

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN: 978-1-78264-230-5

Local Poet Paul Trembling

Laney Grey walked out in front of Rob Seaton’s van.  He isn’t able to stop, and she dies on impact.  He wants to learn more about her and what made her do it.  To learn more about her he needs to understand her poetry and learn about her past.

Will he be able to understand her poetry?  Why is his life now in danger?

About the Author-

Paul Trembling has always been telling stories.  He has been a missionary, janitor, seaman, and a crime scene investigator. 

My Thoughts-

Paul Trembling has written a spellbinding book, bound to capture your attention to the end.  You will learn more and more about Rob and Laney. because of Trembling’s storytelling ability. 

When I write poetry it’s straight forward, but I’ve read poetry like Laney’s, so I knew what Rob was going through.  It can be hard to read something, then try to get the true meaning of it.  I was impressed that Rob was able to keep going and learn more and more about her work. 

My favorite part of the book happened during day five when he had to escape from his house by going through his neighbors backyards.  It was funny when he was walking on the garden wall in the dark and trying not to slip, but he does.  He also has to go through a neighbors house to get away from the reporters.

I liked having the table of contents, so I could find the chapter I was looking for.  I enjoyed reading the first chapter of the next book, Local Artist.  It looks like a very interesting book. 

I recommend it!  Since the main character is a man, I think men will especially appreciate it.    

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Local Poet, by Paul Trembling, 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.