To Have and To Hold

I read this book as it was the first that was offered to me through a book reviewer program. It's not exactly my style, so I likely won't offer as favorable a review as some others.

I didn't like: The plot was about as predictable as a Hardy Boys novel, with a smattering of romance thrown in. I had the story line predicted and key characters pegged correctly from about the third chapter.

I liked: The authors obviously did their research. Real people and places are woven in nicely with the fictional.

Overall, I'd recommend this book for a young teen audience. It's a decent, wholesome read, and it could potentially be a springboard for discussion.

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. They didn't require a positive review, so everything I've said here is my own opinion.

Sherman

This is one book in a series of six, called "The Generals." It's a series about leaders who stood out in history. What I found interesting is that the author wrote very objectively - painting a complete picture of the good, the bad, and the ugly - while highlighting the traits that made the man a great leader.

The book design is stunning - absolutely gorgeous. I don't usually make note of that, but the books in this series are just beautifully done.

This book is a brief (yet fairly comprehensive) look at the life of a great leader, and a brilliant, yet tortured soul.

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

As Silver Refined

The message of this book is an important one: God can use the tragedies and disappointments in life to refine us, to make us better, and to draw us closer to Him - if we allow Him to. It's a message about God's sovereignty and His trustworthiness, no matter what we may be facing.

I agree with the message, and it's something I try to live. When we can reach the point where Jesus is enough, then all else falls into its proper perspective. Difficulty, and loss - while painful - become bearable, because we can trust that they come from a loving Hand.

Unfortunately, I had a tough time reading this book. It's long on instruction and short on examples. Kay is a good teacher and she consistently points readers to supporting scripture; however, it would have been nice to read more personal accounts.

The last 80 pages of the book is a study guide.

Granted, I'm at a peaceful point in my life right now. I'm not facing any great difficulties. I do think that this is a book I will come back to in the future, as some books only really speak to you when you're in a certain place spiritually or emotionally.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

The Bone House

Hurrah! Part two!!

IMPORTANT: The Bone House is the second book of the Bright Empire series by Stephen Lawhead. It's important to read the first (The Skin Map) before going on to this one. It's a somewhat complex plot and the foundation is laid out in the first book. So if you haven't read The Skin Map, you'll likely be confused by the story.

The Bone House is another success for Stephen Lawhead. This author manages to weave science and history into fantasy, and create a plot that's altogether fascinating.

I highly recommend this book - but make sure you read The Skin Map first.

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

The Canary List

This is the first I’ve read of Sigmund Brouwer, and I did enjoy it. Brouwer is a good writer, and I’d consider reading some of his other work. This book though, seemed a little overly simplified at times – perhaps as if it was written for a teen audience? - but it kept a decent pace for the most part, and it kept me interested. The main characters were enjoyable and realistic, and the dialog (for the most part) flowed well.

The plot line at first glance seems to be another “Evil Catholic Church Conspiracy;” however, while it does involve a conspiracy that does go all the way to the Pope, this book isn’t another “DaVinci Code.”

Unfortunately, this book (to me) presents the Catholic Church in a negative light. It seemed every Catholic (and the Church as a whole) in this story was cast in a negative way.

I am not Catholic, but I don’t agree with the current trend of using the Catholic Church as fodder for sensationalistic plots. Many (dare I say, most) in the Catholic Church are well-meaning, upstanding people trying to do their best for God. Yes, there are some messed up folks. Yes, some wrongs have been covered up – and I don’t agree with that. But I think authors ought to start picking other villains.

Last comment: it’s important for people to realize that this is Religious Fiction, so while it’s not overly religious, it does deal with the questions of good and evil, God and the Devil. As Christian fiction though, “The Canary List” does provide some good, thought-provoking reading and an enjoyable plot.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Love You More

A candid and beautiful look into the life of an adopting parent. I really enjoyed this book, and it confirmed more than ever my desire to adopt.

Jennifer Grant courageously tackles the huge variety of problems, emotions, sorrows and joys that come with adopting a child. She speaks openly of the opposition and criticism she faced at times - not only from strangers, but from family and friends.

But more than anything, what shines through in this book is her deep love for all her children - both her natural children, and Mia - her adopted Guatemalan daughter. This is a book not only on adoption, but on what it means to be a parent.

I really do recommend this book to anyone considering becoming a parent either through traditional means, or through adoption.

Water's Edge

I got this book because the author was compared to John Grisham and the book touted as a fast paced legal thriller. Honestly, it was ok, but really slow-paced. It wasn't the kind of book that kept me coming back to read.

It tells the story of a young up-and-coming lawyer who loses his father, his job and his girlfriend all in the space of a few weeks. As his life falls apart he discovers a faith and connection with God that carries him through and sets his life on a new path.

He returns to his home town to shut down his father's practice, but ends up tangled in a mess of theft, lies, and intrigue.

It's interesting enough, and it has a good message, so if you're a fan it's worth the read.

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.