His Love Endures Forever - a BookSneeze review

His Love Endures Forever, is the third novel in the Land of Canaan series by Beth Wiseman. This is an Amish novel.

Danielle Kent is an English woman who falls in love with an Amish man, and soon is carrying his child. With hopes of his leaving the Amish faith like he promised and starting a life with her, Danielle is soon disappointed to learn that not only does the father of her child plan on most assuredly leaving the Amish faith, but he plans on leaving her and his child high and dry as well.

Amish friend Levi brings her comfort during the interim, and he strives to show her his faith in the hope that she'll grasp that faith as well.

This novel will show you Danielle's hurt, her frustration, her fears, and her struggle with faith in God. Beth does a nice job in portraying the characters' feelings. If you love Amish fiction, this is another novel (as well as series) that I believe you will enjoy adding to your repertoire!

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Faithful to Laura - a BookSneeze Review

Faithful to Laura, an Amish fiction novel by Kathleen Fuller, is a well-paced novel with solid characters and an intriguing story.

Laura Stutzman, whose face is forever scarred after an attempt on her life by a man who also stole her family's life savings, has decided to pay back her family. Taking on a job away from home for another Amish family, Laura is determined to no only repay her debt but to find some answers and put the man who nearly killed her behind bars.

Sawyer Thompson was adopted by an Amish family when he was an adolescent. Now as an adult, he rides the fence on whether to remain Amish or to go back to his Yankee roots. When Laura Stutzman works in his parents' shop, his head turns. In spite of the scars on her face, he finds himself drawn to her. But when his rich grandmother from New York finds him and demands that he return with her, he finds himself at a crossroads that he doesn't like.

This is a story that I found myself wanting to finish once I started. A touching story! If you enjoy Amish fiction, this one is a keeper!

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

This Scarlet Cord - a Booksneeze Review

This Scarlet Cord, written by Joan Wolf, is a story about the young Canaanite girl Rahab as told in the book of Joshua in the Bible. When the Israelites were preparing to take the land of Jericho, Rahab turned to the God of Israel and hatched a plan to save her family from certain destruction.

Since Rahab's story in the book of Joshua only encompasses a small portion of her story (her and her family's escape from death), Joan has decided to fictionalize Rahab's story. Through what she imagines may possibly have been her life, Joan weaves an interesting story based on historical research that will leave you interested to continue reading.

This Scarlet Cord is a story that weaves the story of Rahab, a Canaanite girl, and Sala, a young Israelite. Torn by different religions, the two must either face their differences and go their separate ways or come to a compromise. When Rahab finds herself forced into a pagan ritual that will defile her, she turns to the God of Israel for help. Knowing that her family will possibly reject her for disobeying their god Baal, and that Sala's family will reject her for having a pagan background, Rahab must hope that God will make things right.


This was a really good story. If you enjoy reading Christian historical fiction, I think you'll really like this.

I enjoyed another Biblical fiction story of Joan's called The Reluctant Queen.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Through Rushing Water - a Booksneeze Review

Through Rushing Water, by Catherine Richmond, is a great novel. I'd already read Spring for Susannah, Catherine's first novel, and I'll say that Through Rushing Water is not a disappointment!

When Sophia Makinoff, teacher at a girl's college, was disappointed to learn that she would not be the wife of a future Congressman, she decided to become a missionary to China. When the Board of Missions sent her to minister to the Ponca Indians in the Dakota Territory instead, she was quite disappointed.

However, Sophia was world-traveled and understood cultural differences, so she had no trouble adjusting to the Ponca ways. Quite quickly, she began to love the children she taught there and felt protective of them due to their horrific treatment by the US government.

Willoughby Dunn was a carpenter hired by the Ponca Agency to build homes, barns, and other buildings for the Poncas so they could learn how to provide for themselves. He had worked for them for a few years and taught them how to build. He learned their language, their customs, and became close friends with them. When the new teacher arrived, he determined to be her protector.

When Sophia learned the plight of the Poncas--their lack of money, food, clothes, and other essentials--she and Will determine to help get them through the winter.

When the government decided to move the Poncas to the southwestern territory, Will and Sophia are unable to stop it.

This story is engaging. Catherine effectively weaved the emotional trauma of the Ponca in a way that will make you angry and sad. If you like historical fiction, or specifically fiction centered around the 1870s and American Indians, I think this is one you'll enjoy reading.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Brush of Angel's Wings - a BookSneeze review

Brush of Angel's Wings is the first book I've read by Ruth Reid. Ruth did a wonderful job in capturing the qualities of the characters in this novel, and at times had me chuckling, feeling frustrated, and even in tears. This is a novel that will evoke emotion, and that tells me that the writing is good--and unique!

Rachel Hartzler is a 20-year old Amish girl who has decided that she will be an old  maid. She's never selected at the Amish youth singings, and so she's decided that she will never be a wife. She's content with that idea and, as a result, is a regular farm hand for her father (and, as a result, gives her less time to learn to cook, sew, etc.). Her only brother had died, and so Rachel felt needed by her father.

But when Jordan Engles, son of a shunned woman, showed up in the Amish community needing work, Micah Hartzler gratefully accepts him as an extra set of strong farm hands. Rachel becomes jealous of her father's relationship with Jordan and resentment rears its ugly head, leading to cruel treatment of Jordan. Jordan and Rachel eventually learn to work together, and its through learning of their losses that they determine to work together.

Interspersed into the story is a battle between two angels--Nathaniel and fallen angel Tangus. While the battle between good and evil does indeed exist, the writing of these two left me disappointed. It felt as if Nathaniel was acting as the Holy Spirit, whispering into Jordan's and Rachel's consciences, and that I didn't like. Parts also felt unreal, and honestly the angel parts could have been left completely out and the story wouldn't have been harmed in anyway. I just felt like the angels were thrown in there for a bonus that really wasn't needed. The storyline had enough excitement in it that the angels weren't necessary, in my opinion.

Overall, the story was very well written and gripping. I was very pleased with the way Ruth Reid weaved the characters' personalities and made everything come together.


I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Need You Now Part 2 - a BookSneeze review

This is Part Two of my reviewing of Need You Now, a novel by Beth Wiseman. If you've not read my review of Part One, you can do so here.

The first half of Need You Now left me feeling as if the storyline hadn't been set in stone yet. In some ways, that's off-putting to me, but in some ways I guess one could consider it good because of the "what's-going-to-happen-next" thoughts. However, the story felt too up in the air for me at the halfway mark, so I was a bit concerned for the second half of the book.

The second half continued to develop, though, and during the last 20 percent or so a climax quickly resulted. (I think the climax was a little too fast-paced.) The story included a struggle with Layla that I hadn't anticipated, and I felt that Beth did a great job with that portion of the story. (I like surprises.)

Darlene, stay-at-home-mom and her husband Brad continued with their marital struggle. Darlene misunderstood a phone conversation Brad had with another woman which caused her to act on an emotion that she shouldn't have. Feelings of guilt resulted, which compounded all of the other things going on in her life at that time. Her oldest daughter Grace was recovering from her issues with cutting, and her husband worked long hours. But it took an unfortunate accident to right the family's situation.

I've been an avid reader of Beth's Amish fiction, and Beth's breakaway from that mold to write a more contemporary novel was a fair transition, I feel. However, at times the conversations felt unreal or forced. I also felt that there were a whole lot of large issues that didn't get good fleshing. Grace's cutting problems seemed too easily resolved, as did the kissing episode with Dave. Ansley's character, I felt, could have easily been left out because she had little part in the story. I didn't feel a connection with the characters like I normally do, and when I saw I was at the last page of the book, I didn't have a feeling of "resolution". As beautifully as the last page was written, it felt disjointed.

I will praise Beth, though, on her writing of Darlene's job with Cara, the autistic child. I felt that that was well-written and Cara's character was sufficiently captured. Beth captured some very interesting ideals though (teen issues such as cutting, issues with infidelity, childhood and spousal loss, etc.), and I wish that these things would have been more developed. She could have easily made this one book into three or four or perhaps into a much larger series, encapsulating Layla's story, Dave's story and Darlene's. Perhaps Beth can still do that. I would enjoy a more developed story of these characters--I really think they've got super duper potential!! Flesh them out some more, Beth--I'd like to see these people in the future. ;)

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Heaven in Her Arms - a BookSneeze review

Heaven in Her Arms: Why God Chose Mary to Raise His Son and What it Means for You is a new non-fiction book by Catherine Hickem, who (from her website) is a "speaker, author, coach, and relationship expert." I've reviewed another of her books--Regret Free Parenting--so when I saw she had another one out with emphasis on Mary, my curiosity was piqued.

Heaven in Her Arms uses Mary as an example for all of the fears and emotions that we as mothers go through. Chapter focuses include (but are not limited to): God looks at the heart, embracing fears, coming to God during times of need, reaching out for help and encouragement, having faith, praise, letting go, and trusting.

Catherine states in the prologue that God could have chosen anyone to carry and give birth to His Son, but He chose Mary. Why Mary? She was from the contemptible Galilean town called Nazareth, you know. God saw something uniquely special about her. Her faith must have been strong, she obviously must have trusted the Lord with her heart and leaned on Him for understanding. And just as God chose Mary to carry and nurture His Son, He also chooses us to carry our own and love them into His kingdom.

We as mothers struggle with a lot during our parenting years. Catherine reaches out to mothers who face insecurities, fears, and trust issues.

The book concludes with a study guide that you can use with your church women's group or in a book discussion setting.

If you're a mom, or striving to be a mom someday, this book will encourage your heart.

This book is due for release on April 17.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Need You Now Part 1 - a BookSneeze review

Beth Wiseman is an author I've been reading for a while. I've really enjoyed her Amish books, and so when I was given an opportunity to review Part One of Need You Now, a non-Amish novel of hers, I was a willing participant! However, there's just something missing. The characters seem a little forced, and with every press of the button on my e-reader, I kept thinking that I'd find climax of the story or some kind of development in the characters' lives. Halfway through the book's finish (i.e. Finished reading Part 1), I'm curious to find out what happens to the characters. So far it seems that there are too many puzzle pieces that are left cluttering the table.

Darlene is a mother of three, has been a stay-at-home mom for many years. Now that her children are adolescents and are able to be fairly self-sufficient, she feels the desire to branch out. Her husband, a staunch provider, doesn't like the idea of Darlene getting a job outside the home, but supports her anyway. After Darlene gets a job as a teacher's aid at a school for special students, things start to fall apart in her family.

There are several other characters thrown into the story--the mysterious lady neighbor next door who has her own ranch but looks like a supermodel, the father of her student who develops feelings for Darlene, and friends of her children.

The story feels like it's coming together, but like I've said, it's just missing some "oomph." I'm excited to read the second half of the story to see what happens!

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Heart of Gold - a BookSneeze Review

Heart of Gold, written by Robin Lee Hatcher, stole my heart! At 294 pages, this historical fiction book is an enjoyable read.

Shannon Adair grew up in Virginia and loved the life that she and her parents had. But when her mother died and Virginia was torn by war and death, Shannon's minister father Delaney decided that it was time to go elsewhere. When Shannon and her father arrived in Idaho territory, it was not with excitement. Grand Coeur was a mining town, and there were very few women. Shannon held bitterness in her heart that her wonderful life had changed.

Matthew Dubois was a stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo, and when his sister and her son moved in harboring a heart-wrenching secret, Matthew ends his driving days in exchange for working in the office. Once Matthew realizes that his sister is dying, his goal is to find someone who can be a mother to his nephew, and Shannon Adair seems to be the perfect fit.

Shannon, holding on to her pride, has to decide where her feelings lie--with her own pride or with the man who has stolen her heart.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I read a lot of books, and not all books leave a big impression on me, but this one has. There is a portion of the book that I want to share that really touched my heart. The way Robin wrote this part was truly beautiful and poetic. It's a portion where Matthew's sister Alice is lying on her bed, thinking about leaving this world and her son Todd behind. (Chapter 15, page 135)

     Her eyes closed, she pressed the side of  her face against Todd's thick, unruly hair and breathed in. He smelled of little-boy sweat and puppy-dog slobber, of pinecones and wood smoke. And suddenly she felt like crying, for she was certain she would miss these smells, even in heaven.
     Forgive me, Father. I don't mean to cling to this world. It's only-
     Her breath caught in her chest as the strangest of sensations swept over her. She would almost swear that someone had touched her hair, had breathed deeply of her scent. And an instant later an overwhelming sense of being loved swirled around her, a love so big it encompassed her son as well.
     "Ma? You all right?"
     She opened her eyes. "Yes, I'm all right, darling. I really am all right."

If you enjoy Christian historical romance, this one will be right up your alley. If you'd like to read an excerpt, Robin has a portion of it on her website. You can go {here} to read.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

First Date - a BookSneeze Review

First Date, written by Krista McGee, was a sweet story that is perfect for teenage girls. Addy Davidson is a high school student in her senior year. When the principal of her Christian school suggests that she take part in a reality show called The Book of Love where the President's son chooses someone to be his prom date, the last thing Addy wants to do is be a part of it. A shy girl who prefers to stay out of the limelight and enjoy her quiet life, Addy finds herself being adamant when the cameras are thrust in her face.

She was practically forced by her uncle and principal to join the reality show. The principal told her, when asked if she could think about it, that her plane took off the next day. But when she was able to spend more time with Jonathon, the President's son, she soon realized that she wanted to stick around.

This story is an innocent story, sweet and lacks the heavy lovey-dovey tones that some YA books include. However, the story felt a little unrealistic in parts. How often would an uncle and a principal not give a girl a say in whether she wanted to be part of a reality show? In spite of that, it was a nice read and reminded me of books I used to read as a teen. If you're looking for a book that is geared toward teens, sweet and has a Christian theme, this one is sure to please.

Krista has another story planned as a spinoff of this one. I'll be anxious to see if I can get my hands on a copy!

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

The Wonder of Your Love - a BookSneeze review

Beth Wiseman, author of The Wonder of Your Love, has done it again! This newest novel is the second novel of the Land of Canaan series. (The first in the series is titled Seek Me With All Your Heart, which I also recommend!)

You'll follow the story of Katie Ann from Colorado, an Amish widow whose husband had left her for another woman then tragically died in a car accident. Katie Ann, after twenty years of infertility, has carried her deceased husband's child and has given birth. Her struggle with being a single parent is portrayed beautifully and so is Katie Ann's personality.

When she meets Amish widower Eli Detweiler from Ohio, she and Eli both secretly harbor feelings for each other and struggle with the long distance relationship. Holding back because of the distance and ties holding them to their individual states, Eli and Katie Ann both face the reality that it may not be in God's plan for them to be together.

In this story, you will also read about other characters' struggles (namely Martha who you would've been introduced to in Book 1). Beth does a fabulous job with weaving these characters' personalities. Martha is a hoot!

If you enjoy Amish fiction, check out Beth's newest novel today. You won't regret it!

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Treasuring Emma - a BookSneeze review

Treasuring Emma, by Kathleen Fuller, was a nice Amish story. There were bits of romance and suspense laced throughout.

Main character, Emma, was an Amish woman who was unmarried at age 25. The young man that Emma had loved as a young girl had left the faith and gone to another state. When Adam left, Emma's heart went with him.

Having recently lost both of her parents, Emma and her grandmother Leona were forced to take care of the farm on their own. When Emma's sister Clara begins to make problems for Emma, heartache begins to ensue.

Shortly thereafter, Adam returns because of an illness that his mother seems to have, and Peter, Clara's husband, has a cousin show up at his and Clara's door. While Adam returns for a good reason, Mark King--Peter's cousin--arrives to wreak havoc.

I enjoyed this story, but there were a few things that left me a little perplexed. Mark's part in the story felt a little forced, as if the author felt like some action needed to be added to the story. His part seemed a bit jumbled to me, and I'd have been just as satisfied with his not being a part of the story at all.

Also, Clara and Emma had some issues that I felt needed to be fleshed out a bit more. There were problems between the two of them, and then the issues were resolved after Mark's situation was wrapped up. The mending of Clara's and Emma's relationship felt a little disjointed to me.

Otherwise, this is a great story to read, and if you like Amish stories, I'm sure this one will be a pleaser.

If you'd like to read other reviews I've done for Kathleen Fuller's books, check here and here.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Seek Me with all your Heart - a BookSneeze review

Seek Me with all your Heart, written by Beth Wiseman, was a fantastic book! I've had the privilege of reading and reviewing several of Beth's books, and I have to say they're just fabulous reads. Beth never lets her readers down!

Seek Me with all your Heart is book one in the Land of Canaan series. Emily Detweiler, the heroine, and her Amish family had recently uprooted from their Ohio community and settled in Canaan, Colorado, where they had hoped to start anew. Emily had faced unbelievable circumstances in Ohio, which caused her faith to be battered.

David Stoltzfus's family moved to Colorado due to financial reasons. Because of a health condition that David had suffered, his medications would be costly for the rest of his life. However, David's parents hadn't told him this, so he wasn't aware of the real reason for moving to Colorado. David was determined to save his money and eventually move back home to Paradise, Pennsylvania. David had his own burdens and reasons for remaining single. But then he met Emily and things began to change.

If you're an avid reader of Amish fiction, you'll love this book! I highly recommend it and I have to say that this is definitely:

Beth has available a sample of the first few pages of this book that you can listen to on her website.

Please visit Beth today!
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I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Regret Free Parenting - A BookSneeze Review

Regret Free Parenting, by Catherine Hickem, is a faith-based parenting book. Catherine has about 30 years' experience as a psychotherapist, speaker, and mom, and she is also the founder of Intentional Moms.

At 214 pages, Regret Free Parenting has chapters that focus on building fellowship with our children and trust, being a parent/authority figure, building emotional intelligence, learning the difference between control and intention, and living peacefully during those crazy teen years. At the end of each chapter are questions for you to reflect about your motherhood and some exercises that you can do to develop your role as an intentional mother. Also in the back of the book is a parenting plan that you can work on.

Regret Free Parenting revolves around listening to your kids, watching your kids, and learning about them. Too often we moms get distracted by our busy lives and don't take the time to truly learn our children's hearts.

I loved the tip that she gave on page 91 regarding teens and the curfew problem often faced:

When your teens get older, set the alarm for the agreed-upon curfew. They have to get in and turn off the clock before it goes off. If they don't succeed, they have to pay you a dollar for every minute they're late or lose a night out per minute. Curfew will be a nonissue with this tactic.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I highly recommend this for parents who've struggled with parenting.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

An Amish Love - BookSneeze Review

An Amish Love is a series of three novellas written by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long. The book is 400 pages in length, only divided into three stories.

The stories' main characters are linked in all of the stories, which is nice. This is a nice book for individuals who love Amish romance.

In the first story, "A Marriage of the Heart," Abigail Kauffman finds herself suddenly married to Joseph Lambert (as a result of a bit of deceit on her part), a man who had recently come back to his Amish faith after spending time in the Englisch world. They struggle to make their marriage into a lasting one as they both battle their own skeletons in the closet.

In "What the Heart Sees," Ellie Chupp is on her own, as a result of a tragic car accident that left her best friend dead and left Ellie blind. When Christopher Miller returns to the Amish community, he's torn with his own anxiety over his fiancee's death in that car accident but finds Ellie intriguing. He admires her drive for independence, and he wants to capture her heart.

In "Healing Hearts," Naaman Lapp has been away from his family for nearly a year, as a result of his desire to be alone. However, Levina, his wife of 31 years, finds it difficult to forgive and forget. When a lawman comes looking for Naaman, his family and the community wonders what exactly Naaman did during the eleven months that he was gone from their community.


I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

Fasting: The Ancient Practices - a BookSneeze Review

Fasting: The Ancient Practices is written by Scot McKnight and Phyllis Tickle. At 185 pages, this book is pretty easy to read.

This book encompasses many questions that many believers deal with. Is the body evil and keep us from God or can it be used in pursuit of God's blessing? McKnight firmly presses that fasting should not be used to manipulate God, nor should it be used solely to get a result. Instead, fasting is a response to a grief, sin, etc.

Also included in this book are scriptural accounts of fasting and accounts of individuals throughout the centuries who've had lots of experience with fasting. McKnight makes suggestions for how to fast appropriately (and healthily). He discourages the casual faster, and sets straight the pitfalls of fasting like cheating and manipulating and those looking for merit.

The idea of fasting is a response to a sacred moment or a yearning for God's presence in one's life.

As someone already familiar with fasting, I found this an informative reference book. One unfamiliar with fasting would greatly benefit from such a book as this.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

The Secrets Beneath - a BookSneeze Review

The Secrets Beneath, written by Kathleen Fuller, is the second book in The Mysteries of Middlefield series. At 271 pages, this YA novel is a good read. The setting is in the town of Middlefield, and young Amish girl Rebekah Yoder finds herself plunged into a mystery that would rival the stories from her Nancy Drew books that she enjoys. When Bekah discovers an old man mysteriously searching on the property of an empty home, her curiosity is piqued.

Bekah's family has their own mystery to solve when Bekah's cousin Amanda moves in. Amanda's father brought her to the Yoder house, but no one had told Bekah why. All she knew was that Amanda was going to live in her house for a year. Just like in her Nancy Drew books, Bekah is determined to solve the mysteries!

This is a delightful book that I would highly recommend for a YA or for anyone who loves Amish-related fiction.

Here's the run-down of what I think of the book:

Ease of reading ..................... 5/5
Supporting Details ................ 5/5
Sufficient Length ................... 5/5
Ability to hold my interest ... 5/5
Overall Impression ........ 5/5

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

When you see this image, it represents books that I highly recommend!

Heaven is for Real - a BookSneeze Review

Heaven is for Real, written by Todd Burpo, was a really nice read. The book is about Burpo's son Colton, who had a near-death experience while having an emergency appendectomy.

Colton was able to describe heaven. He described God's throne and how truly BIG God was and, even more, how big God's love is for His children. He described how Jesus looked, down to what He was wearing and his facial description. He told his parents about who he saw in heaven: Jesus' cousin John who baptized Jesus, the angel Gabriel, his great-grandfather (whom he'd never met), angels, and other people.

He was able to describe in such detail that his parents simply felt that what four-year-old Colton described was indeed true.

Parts of the account drew my skepticism (such as people in heaven with wings), but overall it's a nice story. It would be fitting for those who like to read accounts of visions or near-death experiences. It is not a difficult read; I was able to read it in a 2-hour sitting. It was gripping and entertaining at the same time.

Here's the run-down of what I think of the book:

Ease of reading ..................... 5/5
Supporting Details ................ 4/5
Sufficient Length ................... 4/5
Ability to hold my interest ... 4/5
*Organization of material ..... 4/5
Overall Impression ........ 4/5

*Specific to non-fiction reviews.

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

The Gospel According to Jesus - A BookSneeze Review

I received this book as a BookSneeze member to read and review.

I'll say that when I received The Gospel According to Jesus, I expected to read accounts from Jesus' perspective, from the title of the book. When I opened the book to start reading, I felt like the title didn't seem to fit.Chris Seay, the author, right away went into the topic of righteousness. He expounds on what righteousness is NOT for several pages, and then at the end of the chapter, has a few paragraphs explaining what he feels righteousness means.

I was disappointed at this book. As I said, I feel that Seay's title doesn't quite fit with the direction of his book. At times, I felt like the direction was going a bit off. It wasn't an easy book to follow. At times, I was somewhat confused by what he was trying to say. For example, in discussion of the gospel and what it means, Seay seemed like he was going to hit the nail on the head so to speak, but there were several areas I felt he should've hit on: namely, the cross. The cross was not avoided being mentioned, nor His death and resurrection, but I felt that Seay could've expounded on this more. After all, the title of the book is "The Gospel According to Jesus".

I wish I could rate this book a bit higher, but I'm afraid that I cannot highly recommend it. I think there's a lot that is left out in "showing" the gospel of Christ. I think Seay should've focused on the gospel and have left it at that. There was too much confusing filler that left me disenchanted.

Here's the run-down of what I think of the book:

Ease of reading ................ 2/5
Supporting Details ............. 3/5
Sufficient Length .............. 4/5
Ability to hold my interest ... 3/5
Overall Impression ............. 3/5

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).

What in the World is Going On? - A Book Sneeze Review

I received this book as a BookSneeze member to read and review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have never read anything by Dr. David Jeremiah (yes, I've been deprived), but I love reading about prophecy. Dr. Jeremiah touched on several different aspects regarding "end times", but his biggest focus is how what's going on in our world today stacks up against the ticking clock that will mark the end of life as we know it.

This book was published in 2008, and while much of the information is reported from the year 2007, it still remains quite meaningful. If you've paid any attention at all to world events since 2007, you would realize that we're even closer to Christ's return.

In this book, Dr. Jeremiah discusses the role that Israel has played and will play in prophecy, how he feels that the nations in Europe (and probably the US too) will unite under the emblem of the EU, the ever-present situation with terrorism, whether or not America plays a role in prophecy, the Antichrist, Armageddon, and the return of the King.

This was a very interesting read, very easy to follow. Dr. Jeremiah's thoughts and speculations are backed by scripture (not the version that I read, but hey, it gives me another opportunity to flip through my Bible, doesn't it?). I enjoyed the entire book, but especially the end where he discusses the return of the King! What believer doesn't anticipate the day when Jesus will establish Himself as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Faithful and True is He!

Here's the run-down of what I think of the book:

Ease of reading ................ 5/5
Supporting Details ............. 5/5
Sufficient Length .............. 5/5
Ability to hold my interest ... 5/5
Overall Impression ............. 5/5

I am a member of BookSneeze, a fabulous program through Thomas Nelson. BookSneeze sends members free books to read and keep in exchange for written reviews on a blog and on a major retailer's website (such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble).