Saturday, September 29, 2012

Darkness Rising

Darkness Rising, the second book in The East Salem Trilogy, is the newest book by Lis Wiehl, and it was as just as much of a page-turner as the other books she has written in the past. Dani Harris, a forensic psychiatrist, and Tommy Gunderson, a previous football player,  are the main characters in this story, who were also in the original East Salem book. They are at St. Adrian’s Academy investigating the strange events that occurred, including a mysterious death.

 

Unfortunately, the book ended with a cliffhanger, and I’ll have to wait until the last book in the series comes out! Lis Wiehl’s books always keep me interested, and I really enjoyed this book and the focus on angels and demons. I cannot wait to see how the series will end!!      

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Booksneeze.com. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Men of Sunday: How Faith Guides the Players, Coaches, and Wives of the NFL

Men of Sunday: How Faith Guides the Players, Coaches, and Wives of the NFL by Curtis Eichelberger is just what the name suggests, a book about the faith of individuals whose life somehow intertwines with the NFL. The book doesn’t necessarily follow the life of one individual player, rather it shows how the NFL handles Christianity and how it is much more prevalent to be an outspoken Christian athlete in this day-and-age. I thought this book was really interesting in light of all the attention certain players have been receiving for their Christian faith, specifically Tim Tebow who has definitely caused me to become more interested in the relationship between sports and Christianity.

As other have pointed out, I think this book is specifically geared toward men and would be a great read for my brother, father, and even grandfather. This would definitely make them look at some of their favorite players in a different light.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
    

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Starring Me


Since I really like watching reality tv shows, I knew I would like the newest book by Krista McGee, Starring Me. The book is about Kara McKormick who decides to be in a new teen variety show which causes her to move to Florida for a month-long audition process. Her co-star will be Chad Beacon, a winner of a singing competition, who uses the audition as a chance to decide who will be his newest co-star in the variety show he will be starring in.  

This book is very relevant, since there are always new reality shows on tv right now, and there are many young celebrities who everyone from the ages 4 to 24 recognizes. In addition to the celebrity theme, I also liked that the book showed the strong Christian commitment of Chad’s family. Their faith was something they took very seriously, and I liked how they felt it was important to have a Christian co-star. It was also good to see Kara’s new  

This book was a continuation of the book First Date. Although I did not read that book, I did not find myself lost while reading about Kara’s attempts to enter into show business. This was a cute book for young teenagers, and I cannot wait to share this book with my cousins.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

By Faith, Not By Sight

So I’m going to admit it. I might be one of the only people who does not watch American Idol. With that said, although I didn’t watch the season that Scott Macintyre performed on, I did hear of his story on the multiple news stations covering the show. I’m glad I decided to read By Faith, Not by Sight: The Inspirational Story of a Blind Prodigy, a Life-Threatening Illness, and an Unexpected Gift because it allowed me to learn more about Scott Macintyre’s struggles and difficulties he faced and overcame in his life.

This book tells the story of Scott’s life. From his childhood all the way through his time spent on the American Idol Stage. Scott was born with tunnel vision, which severely limited his eyesight, causing his almost total blindness. Throughout this and other health scares, he continued to pursue his musical passion as well as his educational goals, obtaining his Master’s Degree from the University of London and the Royal College of Music. In addition to his strong desire to further himself intellectually, the book also focused on his commitment to God. Many people would become bitter after facing struggles such as blindness and stage 4 renal failure, but he continues to be an example of living a Godly life to all of those around him.  

I think anyone would enjoy this book who was an American Idol fan, but more than that, this book will be enjoyed by anyone who likes to read about perseverance and dedication to achieving ones’ goals in life. I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this book, and I can’t wait to share it with others.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Here's Lily!


Here’s Lily! Is the first book in The Lily Series by Nancy Rue, and I thought the book was a very cute read, and I would see elementary school to middle school aged girls really enjoying this book. Lily decides that she is ready to grow up and enter the fashion industry, but it seems as if she is growing up too fast as she becomes singularly focused on a local fashion show after she was chosen to take part in modeling lessons. This was especially exciting to her as she was often teased about her looks because of her red hair. The night before the fashion show there is an accident which makes Lily re-evaluate her feelings on beauty.


This book was very cute, and it is very relevant with kids in middle school and high school facing bullying. My younger sister has red hair, and she is constantly hearing comments about the color of her hair. Luckily, she does not let this get to her, and she is able to turn others’ comments into jokes. Unfortunately, not all people are able to do this, and there is a large increase in the amount of children who are being teased in school. Lily’s story shows that it is possible to stand up for yourself while still maintaining your morals.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Books. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, October 21, 2011

50 Things Every Young Lady Should Know: What to Do, What to Say, & How to Behave


50 Things Every Young Lady Should Know: What to Do, What to Say, & How to Behave is a Thomas Nelson book I recently read written by Kay West with John Bridges and Bryan Curtis. The book gives young girls practical advice for things like being a dinner guest, expressing sympathy, asking permission, borrowing clothes, saying “excuse me”, and cosmetics. There book is broken into 50 chapters, and each chapters look at a different concept. Each chapter then gives examples of “You Do” and “You Don’t”. The chapters also end with quotes of what a lady does.

I thought this book was cute, and it is a good reference for an adult to use when their child asks them questions or when they are going to be spending time with another family for the first time. I really enjoyed reading through this book. It was a quick read, and it will be a perfect gift for a young family member.  

I received this book free of charge from the Booksneeze Bloggers Program. I was not required to write a positive review of this book.
 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Promise of an Angel

Promise of an Angel by Ruth Reid tells the story of Judith Fischer, who must deal with the guilt she feels after her brother fell from a barn roof and became paralyzed. As Judith attempts to deal with the guilt she feels for the accident, she meets an angel whose words make her believe her brother will walk again. She shared this belief with her community, and her faith causes her strict Amish community to decide she was “telling stories” in order to ease her guilt. As the community begins to shun Judith, the most unlikely person comes to her aid and forges a deep friendship with her.

I really enjoyed this book, and liked that the focuses was on not only the relationship between Judith and Andrew but on the healing of Judith’s brother. Throughout the entire book, Judith remains strong in her faith; although her faith caused her friendships to be tested, Judith continued to believe the words of God sent to her through the appearance of an angel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."