Book Review : The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo

I joined a blogger program to receive, read and review books. Great. Free books.

I began to read Robert Liparulo's book, "The 13th Tribe".  Great.  Christian Fiction. Suspense. Page turning adventure.

Then I moved and began a season of extreme busyness by taking care of many children.  Great.

But...not so productive when it comes to following through on an agreement to finish a book and review it.

Now I've moved again. Now I can review again.  Now I will review a book I finished months ago.

Book Review : The Love & Respect Experience : A Husband-Friendly Devotional that Wives Truly Love

A generally good book for spouses willing to work on and improve their marriage.

Emerson Eggerichs best-selling and life changing book “Love & Respect” has been followed by the book “The Language of Love and Respect: Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate” and now a Love & Respect devotional tailored to be enjoyable for both husbands and wives.  This lovely imitation-leather bound book is a great addition and can be beneficial in keeping the concepts learned from the book and / or seminars alive and worked out in marriage.  

Book Review : When the Hurt Runs Deep - Healing and Hope for Life's Desperate Moments by Kay Arthur

When the Hurt Runs Deep: Healing and Hope for Life’s Desperate Moments
by Kay Arthur

    When I think of someone trying to bring hope during times of another’s great distress, I tend to anticipate trite words and an inability to connect with the sufferer and understand real deep pain and heartache.  Maybe it’s because I’ve seen several well-meaning people say things to hurting friends or acquaintances that don’t bring any real hope or healing to a situation.   Because of this, when I speak to others to encourage them in tough situations I am conscientious to consider their pain as very real and something I may or may not be able to relate to.  I don’t always know what to say either, but when I can relate to the person and/or to the situation, it makes the conversation much more meaningful.  In addition, it brings about great opportunities to share how Christ has worked in my heart to heal me and how He continues to be my source of peace and strength during challenging times.   In this book, readers get a glimpse of Kay Arthur’s personal life and the pains she has experienced.   She connects with the reader and you get the sense that she shares from the heart.        

Book Review : Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

     In Outlive Your Life Max Lucado sends a message that underscores vital aspects of living as a follower of Christ and remains Biblical and purposeful in his approach.  His message draws frequently upon the book of Acts and relates the lives and work of those in the early church to our lives today.  Throughout the book the reader is encouraged and challenged to recognize their opportunity to make a difference in the world we live in and the need to keep Christ at the center of what we do.

Book Review : same kind of different As me. / Ron Hall & Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent

WOW!  Seriously, wow!  I must begin by telling you that as much as I love to read, few books have truly captured my attention that were not fantasy, mystery or suspense of some kind.  A few historical fiction novels have been delights over the years, but I cannot recall one non-fiction book that captured my heart and moved me to laugh and cry and pursue others to join me in appreciation.  There are books that are interesting to read, books that are well done, books that keep you up late and night and books like this one, that are all of these and also tug at your heart.   I laughed (out loud), I cried (tears streaming down my face) and I smiled.

This true-life story centers around two men from two different worlds, the woman who made a difference and a God who works in mysterious and gracious ways.  One man a wealthy art dealer and another who grew up the poorest of the poor in America, their lives collide. Their lives were vastly opposed and only God could have woven the tapestry that unfolds in this story.  

Book Review : Never Let You Go by Erin Healy

If you like fiction, if you like mystery, if you have enjoyed fictional stories based on spiritual battles then a special welcome to Erin Healy’s first solo authored book, NEVER LET GO. Erin Healy has co-written two other books with my favorite author Ted Dekker. Her style is her own yet the suspense and twists will feel familiar to Dekker fans.

Lexi Solomon is a single mom struggling to make ends meet and is faced with tough decisions that could seriously affect her life and that of her daughter. Her troubles are familiar to many who have fought the road of parenting alone and to many who have fought demons of the past. Yet, there is an element that most of us don’t see as clearly as it is presented to Lexi. How will she handle it? Who will help her?

Book Review : Thomas Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd Edition

•    Colorful maps and charts
•    Chronological representation of all books of the Bible
•    Short yet concise overview for each book of the Bible
•    Easy to use reference book for individual or small group study
•    Reproducible maps and charts available for sharing in a large group study

Thomas Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts, 3rd edition, met and exceeded my expectations as a handy resource book and possibly a text for a basic Bible Survey course.  This book could assist my children, my husband and me in personal study Bible study by providing additional insights and information to go along with the reading of the text.

The layout for each chapter is easy to read and covers information on the following components for each book of the Bible;  introduction, authorship, dates, themes and literature structure, the book at a glance (via a chart) and an outline.  If the authorship or dating of the book has more than one commonly held school of thought, different views are explained in brief.  

Following these consistent points of coverage, each chapter highlights various points for further study.  For example, Genesis includes subsections such as;  “The Six Days of Creation”, “God’s Creative Work”, “The Garden of Eden”, “Two Adams Contrasted” (Adam of Genesis and Jesus in the New Testament) and “Ages of the Patriarchs”.  Ruth includes subtopics called, “From Outsider to Royal Ancestress”, “Ruth-A Foreshadow of Redemption and “A Distinguished Descendant”. 

Numerous charts and maps are included throughout the book.   You will find maps on the patriarch’s journeys, Jacob’s life, David’s life, David’s kingdom, the return of the Jews from exile and so many more.  As far as the charts go, in the book of Hosea there is a chart showing Israel’s relationship with God as depicted in prophecies from Jeremiah and Ezekiel and the similarities with Hosea’s relationship with Gomer.  Psalms includes a chart on the images of God referenced.  Prior to the coverage for each gospel there is a detailed harmonization of the gospels that covers multiple pages.

Finally, Thomas Nelson also provides free content for some of their books when you purchase them.  Apparently this sometimes includes an eBook copy.  In the case of this book, ll the maps are provided as free downloads.  This free content can be used by your eBook reader (Kindle or Sony Reader) or just downloaded to your computer. 

One thing that I really wish was included but  wasn’t, however I don’t know of any reference book that does include this, is an alternate possible (and probable) location for Mt. Sinai (search for the movie “Search for the Real Mt. Sinai” to find out what I am referring to).   Regardless, this book serves its purpose well.  If you are looking for in-depth study, this is not it. If you are looking for a starting point for further study on any book of the Bible, this is a great option. I love how easy it is to use and the fact that introductory coverage is provided for every book of the Bible.  The price is right too!  Unlike many other reference books found in the Christian bookstores, you probably won’t see this title in the bargain bins anytime soon.

At the time of this review Amazon does not have sample pages posted. If you want to see sample pages you will need to search for the title at Christianbook.com. 

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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

Book Review : Living Life in the Zone : A 40-Day Spiritual Game Plan by Kyle Rote Jr. & Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Buy or Preview Living Life in the Zone

Living Life in the Zone is an easy to read book that provides short snippets of encouragement and challenges to men in a number of aspects of daily living. These are provided as short chapters utilizing various sports analogies and terms that should make the information easily relatable and readable for many men. For those who are put off by the thought of a heavy study in theology, yet recognize their need for personal spiritual growth, this book may fit their needs and may even provide a spring board for further study, prayer and growth.

Though I am not a sports fan, or male, I find that the regular format used for each chapter will really help to draw in many men who otherwise would not pick up a non-fiction book. Most chapters are about 6-8 pages in length and provide an appropriate introduction to each topic followed by scripture to support the message, examples from other lives (mostly prominent sports figures) and personal challenges for further introspection.

When first provided with the opportunity to read this book, courtesy of Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze review program, my initial reaction was that it would be a book filled with little more than words on paper. However, I have come to find great value in this book and believe it has a purpose that could serve to minister to the hearts of many men. My prayer is that it would speak to men in such a way as to inspire them towards further study and growth with their Lord. In fact, I hope that it will be made available in an affordable audio CD solution so that those who are resistant to reading or strained for time will be able to benefit from the guidance and direction offered by Mr. Rote and Dr. Pettigrew.