Heart of Ice

Apparently, Heart of Ice is the third in a series of books by Lis Wiehl (The Triple Threat Novels). I didn't realize this when I ordered the book, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this one. I always enjoy a good thriller, and this one's definitely a page-turner. Every time I had a free moment, I'd sneak back and read a couple pages. This is the first of Lis Wiehl's books I've read, and I'm glad to say I was not disappointed.

The story follows Elizabeth Avery (gorgeous gym instructor and manipulative psychopath), as she wedges her way into the "Triple Threat Club" - Cassidy Shaw (crime reporter), Nicole Hedges (FBI agent), and Allison Pierce (federal prosecutor). This book starts off at a fast pace and doesn't let up.

This book is well researched and well written. I'm definitely gonna have to get the first two if they're anything like this one.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Love & Respect

This book by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs puts forth the one major concept that I feel is lacking in many marriages today. It's a conclusion that my husband and I had finally come to - though not in these exact terms - so reading it so clearly put really helped solidify and strengthen things in our marriage.

I feel that every married couple would benefit from reading and applying these principles. If husbands reached out in unconditional love, speaking and acting in love, wives would respond with greater respect. If wives gave unconditional respect, speaking and acting in respectful ways, husbands would respond with greater love. It's a cycle that actually works and that I have seen first hand in my own marriage.

This isn't about "submission" or about anyone being "in control" in a marriage. It is simply about the built-in needs of a man and a woman, and how to best meet those needs.

To anyone who is hesitant about trying these ideas, or who feels that there's a great risk involved, I would say TRY IT. I promise that you will see and feel the good results.

Reading Goals for 2011

My reading goals for 2011 are as follows:

- Thinking With Type, by Ellen Lupton
- The Elements of Typographic Style, by Robert Bringhurst
- Good to Great, by Jim Collins
- Logo Design Workbook, by Adams Morioka
- Design Elements, by Timothy Samara

If I can fully grasp the principles presented in these books by the end of the year, I'll be one happy camper. If I can take those principles and properly apply them to my design, I'll be absolutely giddy.

Wish me luck!

Love on Assignment

I often enjoy historical romance, and that's what I assumed I was getting with this book. The story is set in 1900 Rhode Island. Charlotte Hale, an aspiring reporter is sent to investigate Daniel Wilmont - a professor, and more importantly, a columnist for a local paper. Daniel's column directly attacks many business practices of the day, and the big businessmen aren't happy about it.

Charlotte goes undercover as a nanny for Daniel's children, as she tries to dig up some dirt on him. Instead, she ends up finding God.

It's a sweet story, and mildly amusing, but poorly written. Much of the language - as well as other aspects of the story - don't accurately reflect the time period. This made it hard for me to read. I didn't particularly enjoy this book, I'm sorry to say.

However, it seems that it could be a good book to use with young teenagers, as it does pose some interesting discussion topics on choices, moral standards, and integrity. In this respect, I would recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Voices of the Faithful, Book 2

After my husband requested the first volume of The Voices of the Faithful, and I found it so inspiring, I decided to get the second one as well. What you're getting here is a daily devotional based on the lives of missionaries around the world. What I found so fascinating about these books is that they're not focused on the lives of the "Heroes of the faith" type missionaries - the David Livingstones and C.T. Studds - but rather on people today who have answered the call and have given their lives to spreading the good news.

These are real people, who face real, down-to-earth difficulties on a daily basis. They're modern and relatable, and their lessons are easily applied to our lives.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Heaven is for Real

"Heaven is for Real will forever change the way you think of eternity, offering the chance to see, and believe, like a child." - Book Jacket

That is exactly what this book will do for you if you read it with an open heart and mind. It details the story of Colton Burpo, a four-year-old boy who visited Heaven and was sent back to tell us about it.

I've read several books along these lines - Intra Muros, Embraced by the Light, and others - but none from a child's perspective. The simplicity of this story, explained in the words of a four-year-old, are beautiful and touching.

With the outspoken boldness of a small child, Colton tells of how "really, really big" God is, and how Jesus had to die so that we could all go "live with His Dad." He talks about how "You can't belieeeeve how much He (God) loves us," and how "Jesus really loves the children." He tells of meeting John the Baptist, Jesus' "rainbow horse," and Pop - his own great grandfather.

His candid accounts can leave no doubt in anyone's mind that Heaven is, indeed, for real. This book would make a beautiful and encouraging bereavement gift.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze.com - their book review bloggers program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

"Big Red" Holy Bible

I requested this Bible from Book Sneeze initially because I thought it was a picture Bible for real little kids. The description said that it was a Bible with comic book style art, which i thought was pretty cool.

Unfortunately, when it arrived, I found that it was simply a children's translation of the Bible with a few pictures interspersed. It also has a simple paperback binding, which I don't feel would hold up well under the use that a Bible would receive - especially since it's meant for children. This wasn't what I was looking for.

I would recommend this book for kids between 8 and 12, who already have a good reading comprehension level. The translation is quite good, and the pictures are lively and interesting, done in a 3D style which would be appealing for children of that age.

If you're looking for a conventional "picture Bible," then don't go with this one. However, if you're looking for a good children's translation of the Bible to use in a Sunday school, or for reading with your children, this could be just what you're looking for.