The Encounter Sometimes God Has to Intervene

By Steve Arterburn
Published by Thomas Nelson 

Book Description

A wealthy businessman travels to Fairbanks, Alaska, to learn why his mother abandoned him when he was a child, and in the process learns that not everything is as it appears to be.
The Encounter, the unique new book from best-selling author and counselor Stephen Arterburn, is a moving parable involving Jonathan Rush, a wealthy and famous entrepreneur, who is tortured by bitterness toward his mother who abandoned him when he was four. He travels to Alaska to find her but instead meets an enigmatic old woman known only as Mercy. Mercy has the information he needs but is strangely reluctant to talk to him. Somehow Jonathan must find a way to persuade a frightened woman to unlock the secrets of his past.
The book includes an invitation to the readers to verify the facts of their own stories, to accept the reality of their existence, especially the most painful ones, and to live in forgiveness. The end result is a healthy new way to look at life with an ability to share hope with others for the future. Healing is possible but requires truth, acceptance, and forgiveness, including of oneself.

MY REVIEW:
This was the first time I have read a fiction book by Steve Arterburn. I have read several of his non-fiction books that his ministry puts out. This is a little book, not even 200 pages.This book is basically a self-help book with a different format by using it as a fictional story. The book was okay. Does provides some helpful information at the end of the book. This book is not for everyone. If you have forgiveness issues of being abandoned as a child it might be useful for you. Some people might not agree with the authors theology of dealing with life's issues.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Christmas Singing: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country

By: Cindy Woodsmall

WaterBrook Press / 2011 / Hardcover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Description

Christmas Eve has always been special to cake decorator Mattie Eash, who was born on the wondrous holiday. Yet the season lost its appeal three years ago, when her childhood sweetheart abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas. Mattie moved to Ohio, pursued her dreams of running a cake shop, and gave her heart to someone new. Someone who wouldn't break her heart.But an unforeseen setback forces her home and into painful proximity to Gideon. Will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy-or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

My Review:
I must be honest and say I was disappointed in this book. I have read several of the authors books and I could hardly believe this book was written by the same person. Maybe it was because it was a shorter story. I just didn't find the story line all that interesting and it was so predictable. I have greatly enjoyed this authors other books but would not recommend this book to my friends.

I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers for this review.

Abundant Life Day Book
Author Nancy Guthrie 

Ultimately, to be blessed is to have the full, abundant, and ongoing life that only comes from God. The Abundant Life Day Book contains a year’s worth of daily reminders of what it means to live in the abundance of God’s blessing through Christ. When we begin to see how much God has given to us in Christ, and how much he is worth, we realize that all the things we were hoping to get from God—good health, loving relationships, protection from harm, material provision—are only temporary, tangible reminders of and pointers to all we have in Christ. God wants you to enjoy the assurance of his intention to bless you! The Abundant Life Day Book invites you to celebrate God’s blessings day after day.




MY REVIEW:


This full year devotional is full of encouragement and biblical sound. Nancy Guthrie goal is for us to see the Abundant Life God desires for us.The author wants us to see that God wants to bless us not condemn us.
Here is an example of one of the days post in the devotional.

I Find Joy in Doing Good For You
They will be my people, and I will be their God. and I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them.  Jeremiah 32:38-40

"I find joy in doing good for you, my child. Will you trust me to determine what is good and to provide it for you in my timing, on my terms? While I welcome you to pour out your wants before me, how I long for you to become so confident in my good purposes toward you that you will no longer beg me to accomplish your predetermined positive outcomes."
"As you become more convinced of my goodness and my commitment to your good, worship will move from a determined discipline to a natural outflow and expression of our love relationship.
You are a God who does not withhold from me. You have put a desire in my heart to worship you, which is your greatest good toward me..."


I use this devotional and would recommend it for everyone.



Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for this review.

Softly and Tenderly

By Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck
Published by Thomas Nelson 

Maybe out there in the country she could catch her breath, learn to breathe again.
Happily married and owner of two successful boutiques, Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But when she discovers that Max has an illegitimate son—who he wants her to help raise—Jade’s life is turned upside down.
She flees to her childhood home, a rambling Iowa farmhouse, with enough room to breathe. There—while her mother’s health grows fragile, and the tug of her first love grows stronger—Jade begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, love, and motherhood. In the wide-open landscape, Jade begins to see a future that doesn’t rest on the power of her past but in the goodness of God's tender mercies.
My Review:
This was the first time I had ever read a book by these authors. The story line was okay but it lack in its writing style.While the book is published by a Christian publishers there isn't much of a spiritual influence given in this book. This is the 2nd story in a series. I didn't read the first book but might be interested in reading the next to find out what happens with the characters, that is if I still  remember the book and author by then.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Mercy, Rose Trilogy Series #3

By: Beverly Lewis

More in Rose Trilogy Series

Bethany House / 2011 / Paperback

Product Description

Rose Kauffman pines for prodigal Nick Franco, the Bishop's foster son who left the Amish under a cloud of suspicion after his foster brother's death. His rebellion led to the "silencing" of their beloved Bishop. But is Nick really the rebel he appears to be? Rose's lingering feelings for her wayward friend refuse to fade, but she is frustrated that Nick won't return and make things right with the People.

Nick avowed his love for Rose--but will he ever be willing to sacrifice modern life for her Meanwhile, Rose's older sister, Hen, is living in her parents' Dawdi Haus. Her estranged "English" husband, injured and helpless after a car accident, has reluctantly come to live with her and their young daughter during his recovery. Can their marriage recover, as well? Is there any possible middle ground between a woman reclaiming her old-fashioned Amish lifestyle and a thoroughly modern man?

My Review: Outstanding! This is one of Beverly Lewis' best books yet. It was hard to put this book down but I found myself wanting the story to go on and on.I just loved the story line and its characters. I felt like I was right there watching every scene play out. What is great about Ms. Lewis' books is that the story lines always draw you closer to the Lord as you read how the characters in the book handle their lives with the Lords help.

In this book you see the wayward Hen finds peace in her life and marriage.God works it out in such a surprising way. We see Rose standing firm in her beliefs, dealing with disappointments and hardships but in the end is blessed for her faithfulness.

I would highly recommend this book. The hardest part is waiting for her next book to come out!


I received this book free from Bethany House for this review. 

Forever Faithful

Forever Faithful: The Complete Trilogy

By: Karen Kingsbury

More in Forever Faithful Series

Multnomah Publishers, Inc. / 2011 / Paperback

Product Description

In the midst of pain and sorrow, two couples discover God's faithfulness. In Waiting for Morning, Hannah loses her husband and daughter to a drunk driver. In A Moment of Weakness, a fateful decision tears Jade and Tanner apart. And in Halfway to Forever, Matt and Hannah and Jade and Tanner face tragic situations. 1136 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

My Review:
True to Kingsbury form, this 3 in 1 book is outstanding! All three deals with tragedy, forgiveness and grace.In the first book Waiting for Tomorrow, Hannah must get over her hate and revenge to find peace in her life again. In Book 2, A Moment of Weakness, we discover how the decisions we make today can effect our future. And in Halfway to Forever, it all comes together as we find out what the character of the first two books future holds for them. How will they deal with some major struggles that they must face? God's grace and love is always there when we need Him.
I would recommend this book to all Kingsbury's fans.

I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers for this review.