Friday, November 2, 2012

Need You Now

 

By Beth Wiseman
Published by Thomas Nelson 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Need You Now

By Beth Wiseman
Published by Thomas Nelson


Book Description

When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.
Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.
Married life hasn’t always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried Brad and Darlene through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.
While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of the students starts paying more attention to Darlene than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.
If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s now.
Experience a family’s triumph over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.

My Review: 

This book is different from the other books I have read from this author. It's about a family who seems to have the ideal life but when real world experiences challenges this family we see if their faith in God is real or fake. After making some unwise decisions each family member has to see where their faith really lies.

I would recommend this book to my friends and I would give it 4 stars.

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
 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Thomas Nelson Author and Hoops of Hope founder, Austin Gutwein, to host September 6 online event to focusing on themes his latest release, Live to Give. On September 6 at 8 PM EDT, Austin Gutwein will be hosting a live Facebook web event to encourage participants to conquer their fears and use their talents to help others. The webcast will center on the themes Gutwein writes about in his latest release “Live to Give: Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles(Thomas Nelson/August, 2012). At the conclusion of the webcast, the winners of a month-long social media fueled “Get and Give” contest will be announced, including the winner of a Kindle Fire and $250 donated to the winner’s charity of choice. Join Austin on the evening of Thursday, September 6th as he shares about his own experiences and encourages others to conquers their fears and “live to give”. Austin will also be taking audience questions and interacting with participants. PLUS – there will be several “Live to Give” giveaways – books, gift certificates and much more! RSVP today and tell your friends. Based on the John 6 story of Jesus feeding the 5000, in “Live to Give” Gutwein challenges his readers that regardless of age and talent, God can use them to make a difference. Even though God could take care of everything Himself and doesn’t really need our help, He desperately WANTS us to help Him care for others. Gutwein walks young people through discovering and embracing their unique God-given strengths and abilities, then figuring out how to help others. Sometimes doing that takes a leap of faith on our part, and often becoming fearless in the process. More about Austin: At eighteen years old, Gutwein speaks with wisdom and has the experience to reinforce his message. When Austin was just nine years old, he watched a video that showed children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Gutwein realized these kids weren’t any different from him—except they were suffering. Feeling called to help, he took his love of basketball and decided to shoot free throws to raise money for orphans in Zambia. On World AIDS Day in 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school. Through sponsorship from parents and friends, Gutwein raised over $3,000 that day to give hope to eight orphans in Zambia. Over the past eight years, Gutwein’s efforts have created Hoops of Hope, the largest free throw marathon in the world. With an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating, Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5 million to build schools, medical clinics, dormitories for orphanages, and the only computer lab in Zambia. Enter to win a Kindle Fire and have $250 donated to your favorite charity. Click for the banner for details and entry or visit http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive. Learn more about Austin and Hoops of Hope at www.AustinGutwein.com and www.HoopsOfHope.org.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012


Mind Monsters: Conquering fear, worry, guilt and other negative thoughts that work against you [Paperback]

Kevin Gerald (Author)



Every day we are bombarded with negative messages—from society, the media, and even from self-talk in our own minds. Take a minute to think about these questions:
  • Do you lack peace because of your perspective?
  • Do you focus on the problems around you?
  • Do you have trouble recognizing the good things in your life?
  • Do you feel despair or depression, despite your blessings?
Answering yes to questions like these is evidence of mind monsters. Mind monsters are those negative thoughts we all battle, the creeping shadows in the corners of our minds that feed our insecurities, worries, and fears. They will steal your life…if you let them. But there is good news! You can take control. In Mind Monsters Kevin Gerald shows you how to recognize destructive thoughts, take them captive, and use biblical truths to overcome them.
Today you have a choice: Will you allow your mind monsters to take up residence, affecting who you are and God’s plan for your life, or will you conquer them and experience a life that is positive, abundant, joyful, and overflowing with peace?

Thursday, May 17, 2012

 

When It All Falls Apart: Finding Healing, Joy, and and Victory Through the Pain

Charisma House / 2012 / Paperback

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Riva Tims is the pastor of Majestic Life Ministries, a nondenominational congregation in Orlando, Florida. She has been in ministry for more than fifteen years as a pastor and speaker and is the co-host of her own TV and radio programs.

Product Description

Feeling lost? Defeated? Dishonored? If you're struggling with divorce, financial catastrophe, or heartache, Pastor Riva Tims knows your pain. After a personal betrayal, public scandal, and shattered marriage, she discovered that God had a plan for her restoration. Using Scripture and her own story, she offers you hope and a road map for recovery. 202 pages, softcover from Charisma.

Product Information

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 202
Vendor: Charisma House
Publication Date: 2012
Dimensions: 9.00 X 6.00 X 0.56 (inches)
ISBN: 1616384719
ISBN-13: 9781616384715
Availability: In Stock

Publisher's Description

"I began to question whether I would live through the pain."
It felt like her world had ended. A personal betrayal had led to a very public scandal, and when the dust cleared, Riva Tims had lost her marriage, the church she had helped found, and the life she had known for nearly fifteen years. Then she received the news that her ex-husband, Zachery Tims, had died suddenly at the age of forty-two.
There were times when she didn’t think she would make it through the grief.
When It All Falls Apart is the road map God gave her to reach a place of healing and wholeness. Using her own moving story as a backdrop, she provides answers and hope for those who are dealing with the unexpected and sometimes sudden trials in their lives.
Whether you are dealing with the unexpected death of a loved one, betrayal by someone close to you, sudden divorce, loss of a home, failure of a business or relationship, or any other serious issue, with God’s help you can turn your trial into triumph.

Author Bio

Riva Tims is the pastor of Majestic Life Ministries, a nondenominational congregation in Orlando, Florida. She has been in ministry for more than fifteen years as a pastor and speaker and is the co-host of her own TV and radio programs.

My Review:
This is a much needed book written about what goes on in the lives and families of ministers that get off track. Christian often idolize their ministers which is why there is no accountability when a ministry goes awry. Riva Tims story is told in a way that shares bible truths of what do I do when my world falls apart. She shares how other Christians told her to just accept the sin and cover it up. I could just feel the pain and confusion she must of felt through this whole process. I am amazed that she can share her story with a hopeful , "you can survive", attitude. This attitude is supported with scripture. She shares through the Word of God how he lead her through the valley and is still there to be her support and guide. While I am sure there is more to this story I would encourage all in ministry and their families to read this book. Look for the danger signals and humble yourself before the Lord. It was encouraging to see at the end of the book that she plans on starting a program for ministers that fall and need to be restored while being held accountable.


Monday, May 14, 2012


Constantly Craving

By Marilyn Meberg
Published by Thomas Nelson 

 


Book Description

Our cravings are written into our DNA. They’re influenced by our childhood experiences. They’re driving the choices we make as adults. And often, they’re keeping us hungry. Never satisfied. Ever searching.
What do they mean? What are we to do with them? Should we feel guilty? Are there solutions?
Counselor and author Marilyn Meberg knows all about cravings. She also knows the One who knit us together, desires and all. With wit and compassion, Marilyn helps us understand our appetites, offers advice for managing them here on earth, and encourages us to eagerly await the day when we will find total satisfaction in heaven.
In the meantime, Constantly Craving is an excellent reminder that our desires for more can lead us to the One we really need, the only One who will quench our thirst forever. Really? Really!

My Review:
Constantly Craving was an interesting book about how we use are cravings for fill up a void in some area of our lives. The author; Marilyn Meberg, shares is a witty, humorous way that allows us to look into areas of our lives that are lacking the spiritual growth without feeling condemnation. While we look to earthly things to fill up voids in our lives or use other people to try in satisfy our cravings we know that it is only through Christ alone these cravings can be truly satisfied. We are instructed to be as Paul who stated, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.(Phil. 4:11)" This is an encouraging book that I would recommend to all my friends.


 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com &lt;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

Monday, April 30, 2012

Heart Echoes
Author Sally John - view author info
Sally John
When the going gets tough—or weird or wonderful—the daydreamer gets going on a new story. Sally John has been tweaking life's moments into fiction since she read her first Trixie Belden mystery as a child.
Now an author of more than fifteen novels, Sally writes stories that reflect contemporary life. Her passion is to create a family, turn their world inside out, and then portray how their relationships change with each other and with God. Her goal is to offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys.
Sally grew up in Moline, Illinois, graduated from Illinois State University, married Tim in 1973, and taught in middle schools. She is a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, she also teaches writing workshops. Her books include the Side Roads series, the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. Many of her stories are set in her favorite places of San Diego, Chicago, and small-town Illinois.
She and her husband currently live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.

Book Description
 In the aftermath of a massive Los Angeles earthquake, the perfect existence Teal Morgan-Adams has built begins to crumble. Teal’s daughter, Maiya, is determined to learn the identity of her biological father, despite the loving devotion of her stepdad, River Adams. But that’s a secret Teal hoped would remain buried forever. She has never shared the truth with anyone . . . not her family, not River, not even Maiya’s father.

As Maiya’s rebellion escalates, Teal receives tragic news from her sister and decides to take Maiya home to Cedar Pointe, Oregon, a place she’s avoided most of her adult life. But will her already-strained marriage survive the distance and the secrets she’ll be forced to face there? And can Teal erase the lies that echo in her heart?

My Review:
This is not the first book of Sally John I have read and was not disappointed by this book. The story gets your attention immediately with the description of the earthquake. As the story goes on it deals with secrets, relationships and God's grace. This would be a great book to share with a friend who has yet to experience the peace which only comes through God. I enjoyed the characters and the plot.I would encourage my friends to read this book.


Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

Not This Time

A Novel

Written by Vicki Hinze

About This Book

Small town scandal. International terrorist attack. Who among them is the traitor?
Sara and Beth have built a multi-million dollar business together, but their once solid friendship is now strained. Beth is leery of Sara’s husband, and when he is kidnapped, authorities consider Beth their prime suspect.

Then, their small town of Seagrove Village is rocked by an act of terrorism, and Beth doesn’t know who to trust. Someone she knows is linked to the attack, but who? Is there a connection to Crossroads Crisis Center? In the midst of the confusion and fear, Beth finds herself attracted to a man from her past. She knows she shouldn’t fall in love with him, but she can’t resist or even explain their bond. As her world unravels around her, she wonders, is it possible to be beyond redemption?

My Review: 
This is not the type of book I would usually pick to read but it looked interesting. I didn't know it was the 3rd book in a series which made it hard at times to understand what was going on and why but the author does her best to inform the reader. The book had suspense, romance and God's redemption all mixed together. If you like suspense books with a biblical theme entwined this book is for you.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my review