Illegals

I was given a free copy of this book for me to read and then write a review for Thomas Nelson Publishing Company.  Which is what I am doing now.

As the old saying goes, "America's Melting Pot Is Boiling Over."  Millions of illegals strain an overburdened system.  Crime rates skyrocket.  From the Valley of the Sun to the halls of Congres, debate rages.  All the while, murder and mayhem reign along the U.S.-Mexico border.  Speaking into the fray at a timely juncture, radio talk-show host Darrell Ankarlo delivers a gripping beyong-the-headlines look at illegal immigration: its victims, its perpetrators, and its toll on the heart of a nation and the will of her law-abiding citizens.  From the hot-button state of Arizona, Ankarlo dared venture to the epicenter of the battle for America's southern border.  Now he dares you to absorb the heartbreaking stories and eye-opening discoveries he brought back from his undercover journey without finding yourself shaken, inspired...and compelled to act.

Glenn Beck says--Instead of complaining about the border problem, Darrel Ankarlo set out to do something about it--He went there and lived it!!  In Illegals, Darrell provides a real and raw 'boots on the ground' look at our increasingly lawless southern border.  This edition will make you shake you head and say 'no way' as you're presented with true stories and experiences about life along the border.  This book will enlighten you and at times frighten you, but in the end you'll know better that most politicians what's really happening at the border.

Questions from Christians?

This book was sent to me by Tyndale Publishers and they wanted me to review it for them.  I have not been compensated in any way for this publication.

Every so often a book comes by that answers the question; Why? The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask is such a book. This book is written by Mark Mittelberg and he covers many, many of the questions that I have asked myself when it comes to the Bible and the scriptures.

As a Sunday school teacher, I am asked questions many times that I stumble through trying to give a positive answer. But many times I have also questioned my own answers. This book covered a lot of the most common questions of WHY. Mr Mittelberg handles the subject well and shows you how he comes up with his answers. He even tackles those taboo questions that a novice teacher fears like:


1) Why should I believe in something I can’t see or touch?
2) Why would a loving and caring God allow so much suffering in the world?
3) What does God really think about Homosexuality?
4) Why should I even believe in Heaven and Hell?
5) And many more, chapter after chapter.


These and many more doubts and questions are covered in a plain, down-to-earth way that not only explains the whys but also leaves you with a sense of renewed spiritual security when teaching … or just learning for your own sense of understanding.

This book is a must-read. It is a much waited for book that we have needed for a long time. I have read many books on this same subject but this one fills the void that others fell short on. The subject matters are handled and explained well.

With discussion questions at the end of each chapter, The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask is a great book to help pastors, Sunday school teachers and individuals learn to handle those questions and at the same time teach one to be more secure in ones own belief.


I highly recommend this book!

WINNER****WINNER*****WINNER

Okay, drum roll please, Ta  Da,  Ta  Da,  Ta  Da.  The winner is  "Niki," and the second winner is Barb.  Now if both of you will send me your mailing address I will get this in the mail to you both.  Congrats to both of you and I am so glad 25 people didn't enter,  geesh !!

Love and Respect

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson/BookSneeze company to review for them.  The book is Love and Respect for a Lifetime by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, 151 pages hardback book.

There are lots of books that tell men they should love their wives, and a few that deal with the issue of a woman's respect for a man.  For every chapter on respect, there is a chapter on love. For every comment on respect, there is a comment on love.
Dr. Eggerichs talks a lot about spouses being people of good will. When a husband and wife are both people of good will, there is no desire to be hurtful.  The concept of unconditional respect is new for women to think about. Not that women will necessarily be opposed to respecting their husbands, just that it has not often been talked about.

This is an area that simply must be looked at. I believe women who felt the book is unbalanced simply did not like having to read the message of respect. After hearing about it once or twice, perhaps they wanted to move on into "what's wrong with HIM."

The bottom line is Dr. Eggerichs has found a simple and elegant concept that can make a huge difference in relationships. I recommend the book very highly to couples who are both willing to learn how they are contributing to the cycle of dysfunction in their marriage.

Women who don't like the respect thing can actually try it out for a few weeks and see if it doesn't make a huge difference in the love they are getting from their husbands. Husbands who think the way to get respect from a woman is to withhold love from her need to try a few weeks of unconditional love and see what happens. We're not talking about something that can't be tested. And if you test it, and it works in your life and in your relationship, then who cares what is written here or in any other review?

GIVEAWAY--GIVEAWAY-GIVEAWAY

Okay get the popcorn and drinks ready because we are having a movie giveaway.  Did you read my last review about "The Least Among You" ?  Well, I received another copy for me to use as a giveaway prize-----SO that's what we are going to do!!  This is going to be run just like most of these are,  you get a chance if you:

1.  Are a Follower or become a new Follower and leave a comment now---1 chance
2.  Blog about this on your blog and come back and give me a link to it--1 chance
3.  Place my button on your blog and come back and give me a link to it--1chance

So there are 3 ways that you can get 3 chances, how's that for a Giveaway??? This will start right now, September 20, 2010 and will end at midnight on October 10, 2010, so make sure I have a way to reach you or the prize will go to the next chosen person.  You will have 48 hours after your name is chosen to  check back in with me.  So let's begin,  OKAY !!  Start your engines people and let them  ROAR!!

The Least Among You

I was sent this DVD by Thomas Nelson to review for them and to post an honest account of what I thought, I am in no way compensated for this review.

The Least Among You is a movie based on a true story about how a young black man's life is altered by a wrongful deed.  During the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly was convicted of assaulting a policeman, which he claims did not happen.  Rather than go to jail, he agrees to become a pawn by an administrator of an all-white seminary.  The school presidents purpose is to introduce a black into the school and break the racial boundaries of the school.  But things do not go as he planned.  Kelly becomes a leader and pusher for reform.  Facing an over-whelming amount of prejudice he steps forward to take a leadership role against the advice of his professor and of course the school administrator.  Guided by a wise male gardener, Kelly struggles to make his stand even though his probation condition might be revoked.  Conform or prison is the choice, but his choice must be chosen by his own convictions.

This movie is not the  'run of the mill'  movie about blacks overcoming their trials and tribulations.  It is a deep character study.  This story is one worth telling and definitely worth watching.  Cedric Sanders (Kelly) does a good job of portraying the distraught student.  William Devane (school president) is very convincing and Louis Gossett, Jr. (the gardener)  brings the all-wise mentor alive.

The DVD has as part of the  'Special Features' a commentary by the actual Rev. Charles Murks of whom the story is based upon.

The Boy Who Changed The World

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is a great book for kids. It is the true story of four individuals who impacted each others lives and resulted in a great event that changed the world. It is a story that points out the fact that everything we do no matter how small can have a positive impact on someone else. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with kids, or anyone looking to buy a present for a child.

 It is great to come across a book like this that has a purpose. It is a great story, but more than that the story should encourage kids to do the same thing. Another important aspect of this story is that it includes God. It is not a religious book, but it remembers our lives only have purpose because God created them. The great thing about this book is that it will not only inspire children, but adults as well. Which is good, because once you buy it for your child you will probably find yourself reading it over and over again.


I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Butterfly Effect

I was given The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews to read and write a review for Thomas Nelson publishers.

I want to say up front, some people are going to be disappointed by this book, because they are going to measure it by volume, not by content. THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT by Andy Andrews can be read cover to cover in fifteen minutes, but I have read many pages that did not contain a fraction of the message and meaning of this tiny book.



This is the message Andy presents regarding the butterfly effect, specifically where he talks about the actions of Col. Chamberlin and Norman Borlaug. These are both incredible stories that everyone should hear. I have used both of these stories in meetings and they are always met with tremendous emotion.


For just a moment I would like to place my own little spin on the butterfly effect. Things happen for a reason. God has a Divine plan that is beyond our comprehension. Have you ever known exactly where you were going but for some reason took a wrong turn? You've made this same journey 1,000 times but for some reason today, you weren't paying attention and turned left instead of right. What were you thinking?


Some people might slough this off as nothing, but I don't believe that. What if you had turned right as you always do? Perhaps by turning left, you avoided an accident and in that accident a young girl might have been injured or killed. Whose to say that young girl might have one day given birth to the person who someday cures cancer? By making a wrong turn, that tragedy was avoided.


Now Andy's message here is much more deliberate and is more centered on the importance of every action we take, or don't, but the concept is the same. Actions matter. Actions make a difference and sometimes a much greater difference than we will ever be aware of. The 2 minute conversation you have the annoying neighbor kid may be of greater importance than the speech you give in front of a room full of people.

The Falling Away

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Booksneeze to read and write a review for them.

T. L. Hines is known for his novels of supernatural suspense. If you are looking for demonic influence,  possession and the rescuing from those conditions, this book is for you. You have the spiritual disease, demonic influence, which humans can spread to others. The demonic possession can be transferred to another human through a blood transfusion. Then there are the rescuers, the Falling Away, who they try to channel demonic influence (spiritual disease) out of those infected. The Falling Away are people trying to handle the evil they channel. Quinn, the Falling Away heroine who helps the diseased Dylan, has "vacant eyes," she tells lies, steals cars, and so on. She is hardly a model for a Christian person. 



If you are looking for theological accuracy with respect to the Christian faith you will be very disappointed. It is difficult to write a spiritual allegory and get most of it right. Hines doesn't get much right. Demons are tied to the heart and transferred by a blood transfusion (where donor and recipient are not typed for compatibility!)  Demon possession does not happen at once as it takes from hours to weeks. Even though Dylan becomes demon possessed himself, he can "put" the demon in a "kill box" in his mind and overcome its influence. This "kill box" is described as God inside of me. 


 Two positive aspects of the book might make it appropriate to give to another with the view of discussing it. Quinn is willing to give her life to save Dylan and there is a discussion of the problem of evil in the world.


This would have been a great book if he had been more consistent with representing the Christian viewpoint of demons and how we can be confront them.

General Robert E. Lee

I was given a complimentary copy of Lee (The Generals) by John Perry to review for Thomas Nelson Publishers.
There is surely no surprise that Robert E. Lee spent 4 years at West Point and during this time he did not receive a single demeret and his time was marked with exemplary conduct.  General Lee went on to become one of the most successful Generals of the Confederacy.  He used his own unselfish character and his devotion to duty to inspire his troops. 

He was admired for his battle successes and was admired and praised from both sides of the Mason-Dixon line.  Even after he surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomatox his example of conduct made him a legend for thousands of ex-Confederates.

When the war was over he became the President of Washington College and spent the rest of his life setting an example of good conduct, and because of these things he remains one of the most distinguished military heroes of all time.

Still House Pond

I was sent a complimentary copy of Still House Pond by Jan Watson from Tynsdale Publishers to review for them.

Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured . . . or even alive.



I ended up really liking this book. It took me a while to get into it, but by page 100 I didn't want to put it down. I thought in the first half of the book, the character development was also a little slow. I didn't feel like I was getting to know anyone. In the second half it totally turned around and once I got to know the characters I loved them! There are really 3 main characters -



Copper - She is the town Midwife (or baby catcher). She is a strong and smart woman. She takes sick, pregnant women into their home against her husbands better judgment. She nurses them back to health and teaches them how to care for their babies.


Lilly - An 11 yr. old girl who is carefree and a little mischievous. She intends on being a mature young lady but something is always tempting her away, puppies, people, listening and watching things she shouldn't, all these things are far more interesting than watching her siblings and doing chores. She is scheduled to visit her Aunt for a spell, which she is very excited about and feels very grown-up taking the train alone.


Manda - She is the 18 yr. old hired help. She has big dreams of falling in love. With stars always in her eyes, her mind is always wandering to a certain stranger, while at the same time her heart is wondering if her friend, Gurney could be "the one". I loved Manda, she was my favorite!

Not Exactly For Reading

This isn't a book review but I thought it was a very good idea that would go along with a book.  It is a book bag but is being used as the wrapping of the gift and then you can use it to carry the book and your other stuff around with you.  So go take a look and see what you think about it.  Have fun!!

http://ajpadilla.com/patterns/quick-gifts-small-quilted-projects/bags-accessories/book-gift-bag

Same Kind Of Different

I received a free copy of Same Kind Of Different As Me from Thomas Nelson publishers to read and write a review for them.  This is a facvtual book but while reading it you get the feeling that it could easily be fiction.  It is about two friends and each person takes turns telling their part, Ron tells his part and then Denver takes over and tells his part.

Now Ron Hall is an Art Dealer that travels all over the world to buy and to sell his expensive pieces of art.  In living in this manner he has become very wealthy and very self-centered.  He is growing away from his family and his wife thought it might help him to do some volunteer work at a homeless shelter so he could see how others have to live.

Now while  working there he meets a man, Denver Moore, that grew up in Louisiana as a sharecropper, which as it turns out is not much different than the way his older relatives had lived.  But he decided to leave Fort Worth, Texas as perhaps life would be easier for him.  The two men meet as one is serving food and the other is there to receive it.

It is hard for Ron to get Denver's personality to break but they finally do make friends even though they are two men from two different worlds.  They go through a tragedy together and as it ends up each man ends up teaching the other man about his own life. 

This books ends up making you feel like it is a novel because it ends up being just too good to be true.  Everything the men write let you know that their worlds are almost completely opposite and this shows what can happen if we all open our minds and our hearts and just give each other a chance.

Lead Like Ike

I was given a copy of Lead Like Ike by Geoff Loftus by Thomas Nelson to review for them.  Mr. Loftus gives us a look at how Dwight D. Eisenhower would lead the military forces of several nations that woud defeat Hitler and Germany in this book.  His intent was for the leaders of today to learn by observing from the CEO of D-Day, he takes us from the organization  of his men to the actual D-Day.


When you read through this book you will find yourself in the command post of the Allied Forces. You will see how fascinating it is to see the interaction between the different personalities of WWII.  I enjoy reading History and therefore I enjoyed reading this book, but if you happen to be a leader you will learn many things from this book.


Mr. Loftus not only shows us Eisenhowers fine strength but he also shows us leadership strategies while he interjects applications of these strategies throughout the narrative.  Plus at the end of each chapter he also provides notes which focus on the lessons inthis fine story.


Dwight D. Eisenhower successfully fulfilled his missions and the reader gets to see how many times he failed.  You are also able to learn from these failures as well as from the successes.


I think any person that reads this book will come away with more understanding of Ike than they had before.  Plus I think you will understand the strategies that go into military manuvers or practices, and will have a more positive feeling for them than you did before.


.

Do Your Teenagers Like Mysteries?

This book by G.P. Taylor of The Dopple Ganger Series is The Secret Of The Indigo Moon, and was given to me to review for the Tynsdale Company.  This review is of my our words and I am not paid to do this.

You know when you read a quote that says this author is the new such and such author you aren't quite sure whether to listen to this recommendation or not.  Well G.P. Taylor was compared to C.S. Lewis, and sometimes you should just read on and not try to think so much first.  This book The Secret Moon is the second in the Doppler Ganger series, and if you will just give it an honest try I think yu will be very surprised.

One of the things that I found most interesting was the manner in which the book is printed.  You feel like you are reading a comic strip book.  The drawings allow you to see what perhaps your mind needs a little help in developing.  This is a great mystery for the middle age school children, it is a normal style of young fiction. 

It evolves around a young male student who lives at a school for homeless children, there he becomes great friends with two other students.  Now these three run across a mystery and they decide they will have to check it out and see what has really happened.  Now we also have some people from the first book that decide to make an appearance here in this one, some are good additions and some are bad additions.

One of the things that interested me was the interaction the reader must get into to enjoy the book.  You go from page 2 to try to understand a clock, then on to page 4, then back to the comics on pages 5 and 6.  The movement of the story really keeps you involved and very interested, you really don't want to stop reading it until you are completely finished.  I really loved this technique of interaction.

I'm sure there are many books for the middle age to teen readers but this one is a big plus on being different and holding the persons attention.  I would recommend this to any teenager, and be prepared not to hear from them for the rest of the day.

Love On A Dime

Love On A Dime by Cara Lynn James is her first novel, I was given a complimentary copy to review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.  As the title suggests this is a love story, about Lilly Westbrook that although she is a socialite she writes her novels under the name of Fannie Cole.  Since Lilly doesn't want to be considered badly, she uses her penname, her novels are very popular and they are written with good moral statute, and she does not want anyone to know her true identity.

As I said it is a love story, that you can tell from the title, and it is very typical in the way it is written about a long lost love and a new love.  It is somewhat easy to guess which one she will end up with but I still found it very nice and clean love story style of reading.

The book also centers on other things not just her love problems.  It shows that she is a very giving and charitable person that is not just concerned about herself and her position in society.  Her giving to others makes you sit and think a little about yourself, are you doing enough?  It really made you stop and count your own blessings and think about if there was any other ways you could help someone.

This book is such an easy read that I finished it in one day, you find yourself saying, "Just one more page."  Of course first thing you know you  are completely finished with it.  It is a very enjoyable book to read but it is also one that will make you stop and think about your life.  Do we do enough for others?

Happpily Ever Laughter

Now who could refuse a title like that?  I was given this book by Tynsdale Network to read and write a review for them, the book was a complimentary issue.

Happily Ever Laughter by Ken Davis helps you to see the lighter side of Marriage. While most books on marriage are mostly very serious this book helps you to see and enjoy the lighter side of things.  While things that did not seem funny at the time they were happening, just a little while later and given some thinking time you finally get to see the funny side...finally.  We either laugh at them or we let them build up inside ourselves which  as you  know is not good at all.

 This was a great read. The chapters are short - just a quick laugh and short thought will add humor to your marriage. I tried reading one of the stories out loud and couldn't finish because I was crying and laughing so hard. I actually read a few chapters while I was making supper and finished it off when it was bedtime.

This book would be a great addition to any family library but I really think it would be a great bride and bridegroom present.  It just might help a new marriage become  an old one.

Winner ! Winner ! Winner !

The day is here to announce the winner.  I want to Thank everyone that has entered, this has been a fun thing to win a very good book.  I will try to have another giveaway in about 2 months.  Enough chit chat on to the important stuff.....the winner is--drum roll please

         Diva Kreszl and Congrats to you!

You have 48 hours to let me know where to mail it or we choose another name.

Thanks everybody!

An Easy Mystery

I was given a copy of A Summer Secret by Kathleen Fuller to review for Thomas Nelson Publishing.  It is about a thirteen year old Amish girl that would like some privacy from her three brothers that are always pestering her. So she decides to create her own little world inside an old barn, she has a journal some food and no brothers in her secret place.  But then she runs into some problems. First off,  her Father has forbidden her to go to the barn anymore, plus she realizes that someone else has found her secret hideaway and therefore she's not as alone as she thought she was.

One day Mary's twin brother followers her to the barn and that is when they discover that someone else is hiding there also.  Now this creates a problem for the two of them as how to handle this situation.  Should they tell their Father about this ?  If they do will they get into trouble because they were doing something he had forbidden them to do?

This book is written for young readers but I think many adults would enjoy it, I know I did.  It is a clean Christian story and although there isn't much of a mystery going on, it is still very much worth reading.  Ms. Fuller really helps the reader by giving an insight into the Amish lifestyle that perhaps otherwise you would not have access to.  This is a easy read for those times when you just want to read something simple, or when you are looking for one of those Happy Ever After sort of things.  But simple as it was, I enjoyed it.  It reminds me of the Little House On The Prairie Days.

Giveaway---Giveaway---Giveaway!!!!

I was sent the book The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews, a story of second chances, by the Thomas Nelson Company to review for them and they also sent me a second copy to do with as I choose.  Naturally my first thought was  GIVEAWAY!  But first let me tell you a little bit about the book just to get you so very interested, which trust me this is an interesting book.

This book is about a lady whose name is Helen that is now a widow after losing her husband to the Germans.  Her faith and everything she believes in is tested when an officer from a German U-boat washes up on the shore near her home.  She now realizes that his life depends on her and she can't stop thinking about her own husband.  Now can she overcome her anger and help this person whose life actually is in her hands?  Helen Mason can barely exist in her life in 1942, she lives in Alabama, but is constantly living with anger and resentment that her husband was killed by Germans during this awful war.  She has no way of knowing that the man that has just washed up on her shore is also living a broken life.  He was on a German U-boat that was in the Gulf of Mexico, and yet he so wanted to be home with his wife and daughter.

The photographs that are in this book of the artifacts that were found in the author's backyard let you know that this is factual, and yet while you are reading it you think that this must be fiction because of the way things turn out or rather are turned around.

When I finished this book I was stunned.  I wanted to so believe that it was true, and yet Mr. Andrews says "it is mostly fact."   First you have a wounded German found by a woman in Alabama, she cannot tolerate Germans, or does she find it in her heart to just help another human being.  You then discover that each has a past that will require them to make choices.

I will not say much more but will add this one bit.  You know how when you finish a book you think to yourself, "I wonder what happened after that?"  Mr. Andrews tells us what happened to Helen and Josef, and you find yourself thinking that you have finally come to the end of the story.  But guess what, I found myself thinking about going into my back yard and digging a hole to see what I might find.  I didn't mention that part did I?  I can't tell everything I know.


Now, on to the Giveaway from May 8, 2010 until May 31, 2010
1. Leave a comment on this blog equals one chance
2.  Being a Follower equals one chance
3.  List my giveaway on your blog with a link back here to me equals one chance.
4.  Drawing will be done on May 31 and the winner posted on June 1.
5.  Make sure I have a way to email you or else you will have to come back to see if you've won.
6.  If I'm not contacted with 48 hours another name will be drawn.
.

Want something to grab onto?

Never let you go by Erin Healy is a book I received from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review for them, it is 344 pages long and it keeps your interest going the whole time, as I finished it in one afternoon and night.  It is truly a story that will keep you hanging in there until you finish it also. The main characters in this book are Lexi Solomon and her daughter Molly. There is even a murderer in this book that you will find yourself sympathizing with.  Each person brings their own outlook into this story and each is right to some extent in their belief.

To me the book did start off a little slow to my liking but it wasn't long before it seemed to be going along just right.  The characters are very strong people and help point out some of the great points in the story. Healy took Lexi's self pity and made her take the responsibility for the part she played in the disasters that had happened during her life.  The impact of the story did not leave out hope, love or forgiveness,  there were so very many good points in this story.

The author did a great job of creating the plot without blood and guts, yes it is a dark story but that is because of certain actions. The characters find themselves in a real mess and they are the only ones that can get theirselves out of it.

As I said, this one will grab onto you and you'd better hang on for this ride, it's one you will not soon forget.

Could You Have Done This?

I received the book the secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister from Tyndale Publishers to review for them.  I wasn't so sure I wanted to read about all the terrible things that happened but then I decided if I wanted to help make sure nothing like this ever happened again I needed to see it through her eyes.  Nonna Bannister kept a large trunk that held a portion of her life that she so wanted to forget, so she locked them all away in that trunk and that is where they stayed for half a century.  She was given a diary when she was 9 years old and that is what started her writing, after that she would write on any little scrap piece of paper she could find and also yellow pads when she could get them.  She wore a pillow tied around her stomach and that is where she hid all of her writing.  She kept them hidden for so many years and then she finally decided to tell her husband about her tortured life.  She was born into a wealthy Ukrainian family but then when World War II started her life started to change in ways she couldn't understand.

This book is about everything that happened to her and her family, the death of her Mother, about a young boy that gave his life so she would be saved.  It is not a pleasant book to read but it certainly will make you open your eyes and realize what all these people went through.  Then I wonder if I could have made it even one week, would I have had the strength and the faith to carry on?  Everyone should read this, it will make you think of our way of life now compared to what they had.  This would be an eye opener for anybody plus perhaps a book that will make us all stop and think before something happens again.

Walk Like You Have Somewhere To Go

Walk Like You Have Somewhere To Go by Lucille O'Neal with Allison Samuels. Lucille O'Neal is the mother of basketball great Shaquille O'Neal and in here she shares her life in a very simple way. The book will grab your attention quickly, and will hold onto it.  I enjoyed the style of the writing and the length of the chapters, it is just perfect. The book is only 225 pages and since it holds your attention so well you will discover you have read the whole book very quickly. I received this copy from Thomas Nelson to review for them, and I am so glad I did.

Lucille O'Neal tells her story and the process she went through to change "From Mental Welfare to Mental Health". Most everyone can relate to her because she shares the facts of her life and also opens her heart in a very sincere and meaningful way. Her story is very inspiring and gives all of us an insight into social and moral issues that she had to deal with. She shares a story about the Reverend Hartsfield, in Chapter 6, and how he has impressed and improved her life until present day. As you read this book take special note of that Chapter and you will understand how much help he was for her. 

If you get the chance to read this, take it.  It is not a 'basketball' story, it is a simple but hard story of a woman with a great deal of courage.  She knew what she wanted and she was going to get it, although she knew the road would be a tough one.....but not tougher than Lucille O'Neal..

Hand Of Fate

The book Hand Of Fate by Lis Wiehl was given to me by Thomas Nelson as a complimentary copy to read and write a review for them. As I have not read any of her work before I was going in not really knowing what to expect of her writing style.

The series, A Triple Threat Novel, features three major characters: Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce, FBI special agent Nicole Hedges and TV crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, all friends from high school who have reconnected as adults. The background stories of these main characters provide depth and interest to the series as they work together to solve the murders.

A radio talk show host is a rude person, he states his mind no matter what and if you don't like it well that's just too bad. But then....there's a poisonous gas and he is the only one that dies from it. Was it meant for him? Who sent him this envelope and how did they know he would be the one to open it?

The story makes you feel like you are right in there with everybody trying to escape the lethal gas. But somehow things don't connect like they should, people are getting sick and then they aren't sick. Sounds interesting doesn't it? Then you have the personal connection that nobody knew about, was she in on his murder? Or was it actually one of his radio listeners that had just gotten fed up with him and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Naturally I won't tell the end as that would spoil it for you, but I will say this. You'd better pack a suitcase because you are going on one heck of a trip with this novel.

Good Love Story

An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller was given to me by Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Group as a complimentary issue to read and post a review.  The story starts out with us in Ohio where we have an Amish woman who was engaged to be married in three days finds out the man she had been engaged to for three years says he does not want to marry her. Not only was this just such a blow to her that she couldn't believe it her man ups and marries another woman from another district very soon after their separation.  But she knows her life must go on but to where?  Fate steps in and she and her Mother move to help out an uncle who had a bad fall and was to injured to take care of himself.  Anna has always wanted a business of her own so she and her Mother buy this little gift shop in the small town that gets a lot of tourists that are curious about the Amish and want to purchase handmade items.  Now Anna is certainly not looking for a male interest after her last problem but then she happens upon Lukas.  Suddenly her whole world becomes problem after problem and dream after dream.  This is such a simple look at love and a simple way of life that you wish you could just step right into the book and into their world.  This is a well written love story and you will not want to put it down when you start it.  I would recommend this to any of my friends, even teenage girls, definitely one you should pick up.  It is 296 pages and is easily finished in a day but you will find yourself wanting to go back and read it a couple of days later.

Why Do We Say Certain Things?

Why You Say It by Webb Garrison, the fascinating stories behind over 600 everyday words and phrases.  I rceived this complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Booksneeze project to review for them.  This book is such a delight to read through that you will be amazed at how much you will find yourself actually laughing out loud.  In case you don't understand what it is really about let me explain it a little better. You will find yourself making statements that then you will stop and wonder, "Where did that phrase really come from?"  Basically it is about the evolution of words, like where did "Make ends meet" come from, or how about, "Loophole", "Face Off",  "Fall Guy."  Do you know where all these terms originated?  Until I picked this book up I can say that I hadn't a clue.  But as I said before there are over 600 everyday words and phrases that will be explained and the answers will surprise you.  Plus it talks about how some "older" words have changed into the now generation phrases.  So the next time we think the younger generation is talking in strange words, you might want to check out this book first.

Pretty On The Outside As Well As On The Inside

I received the girls application Study Bible from Tyndale Network to read and look over then write a review about it.  I can tell you this 1505 page Bible is like non other.  Now first off it is a grape color with a butterfly on the cover that wraps from the front around the spine and then onto the back, just gorgeous.  But is that why you buy this book, because it is pretty?  No, that is why you buy those shoes.  This Bible says it is for the girls from 11 years old and up, well let me tell you this.  The way this study Bible is written it really explains in more simple terms what is really going on.  It gives you examples in modern terms so we all can relate to what they are saying.  I guess what I'm saying is they have changed the wording around in the passages into more simple terms that I can understand much better.  There is no way you can get lost or confused, they have it very well organized.  Also it is broken down into sections like the lives of the Famous Women, good and bad, in the Bible. There are also actual survivor stories from girls that made it through situations that you might find yourself in some time, it tells you in what part of the Bible they found their strength and answers.  Actually, this entire book is such a delight to just open anywhere and start reading because it is explained so well you will automatically know where you are and be hooked on their style of explaining it.  I would recommend this to any young girl that is full of questions and needs some help finding the answers, or even to anyone like me, 60 years old and enjoys a great book......and still needs some answers.

Do You Ever Tell A Lie?

Lies The Government Told You by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano is 349 pages of extremely interesting facts that we don't know about...but we should.  I was given a complimentary copy by Thomas Nielson Booksneeze group to review for them.  The forward is written byCongressman Ron Paul and one of his favorite chapters in here deals with monetary policy.  You feel like you know what is going on and fully understand the reasoning behind some strange decisions.  But trust me, until you read this book you are not aware enough of all the facts and manipulations that goes on in our government.  They try to make us believe that what they do is for our own good, and they are only doing this to help the common person.  Then you find out the true meaning behind some of their ideas and you realize that it was right in front of you the whole time, but someone had put some dark shades over your eyes and you just could not see it.  Some of you may watch Judge Napolitano on his show "Freedom Watch" on the Fox network or perhaps you have seen him fill in as guest host for Glen Beck, he has also written 4 other books and they all are fantastic at opening your eyes and your ears.  He is considered an expert on our Constitition, and don't we need someone to back up the common people in that area?  I guess the bottom line is this book, as it says on the cover, is about Myth, Power, and Deception in American History, and he goes all the way back to George Washington.  So if you are into politics, history, government issues, or just your own freedoms, than this book is for you.  Think about when you finish reading it, pass it along to someone else, maybe there is hope for us yet if we learn the truth.

Want To Read About Strong Women?

True Women by Janice Woods Windle is a 451 page novel that James Michener called a "miracle".  It is a story about the early days when Texas was a Republic before being admitted into the Union.  Even the Governor of Texas promises it will "capture your imagination and your heart."   It is like the book Roots in the fact that it takes you through the lives of this family from 1831-1946.  Now my favorite time frame is from 1800 forward, so this book really fits right in my area.  But what has captured me on it really is all the description of how they lived and how they felt.  Whenever I read something like this I find myself right there in the room with them, and I want to feel and understand them.  This author has me doing that.  The story is told from the perspective of a five year old little girl named Euphemia Texas Ashby, you go through all the good times and all the bad times with her.  You are traveling with her to escape the Mexican Army and there are only women and children to make the trek because the men have all gone with Sam Houston to fight against Santa Anna.  This is a very important time in Texas history and if you love history of any type this book will fascinate you also.

A Chilling True Story

Buried Alive by Roy Hallums is a 248 page book that will keep your attention glued to it from the moment you start reading. Mr. Hallums is a retired Naval commander that was working as a civilian food contractor in Baghdad where he provided food for our Army. He was taken by terrorists that did seek ransom, and meanwhile during his 311 days held there he was forced to endure inhumane treatment and horrible living conditions. He was taken hostage in 2004 and rescued in 2005. I was very interested in this account as my husband is former military and my son is presently serving, my curiosity grew as I continued reading. Although I must admit I did not care for the description we were given of his family here in the states, I'm sure there are others that would disagree with me, but I was just not interested in the entries into his daughter's journal.

I think this would be a very good book for anyone in our country to read so maybe they would understand a little more about what is really going on over there. Can you imagine being kept in a room that is underground, a hood over your head, there is no one to talk to and you have no reason to believe you will be rescued? I think most of us would not be able to handle this very well but Mr. Hallums responds as if he is no hero for surviving, he just did whatever had to be done each day and there was no way he was giving up.

It is difficult to say that I enjoyed reading this book about someones pain and suffering....but I did. It really made me stop and think about what we are asking others to do and could we do the same if we were in their shoes. This is a must read for some truth seeking scary events, and I assure you that once you start it you won't be able to put it down. I read this whole book in one day, and will probably read it again after I take some time to think about it.

This complimentary copy was given to me by Booksneeze to review for them.

What Can You Do In 24 Hours?

24-Hour Crochet Projects by Rita Weiss is 128 pages of 23 projects that can each be made in 24 hours or less. Now who could ask for more than that? Granted the odds of us being able to sit down and finish the project all at once are probably not good, the fact still remains that these are quick to make items. They range from baby onesies to ladies sweaters, so we run the full range of ideas in here. They have included excellent photographs and from different angles, the instructions are written out very clearly and not in itsy bitsy print either. Another tip that caught my eye was the fact that they give you the approximate time it took them to make it. So if you are looking for something pretty but you've only got 3 partial days you can work on it, this would come in handy because all you'd have to do is check the time frame to make your decision on what to choose. Now if you'll excuse me I have an extra 45 minutes and a project waiting on me.

Am I A Pennypincher???

This book is one of those that you can just pick up, open it to any page and start reading. Yes it has categories but it is just as interesting to start reading anywhere in it. It is 393 pages full of recycling and redoing and reusing everything you can possibly think of. You know some people think that recycling is a new subject and we should all get behind this idea. Well, if you grew up in a house with siblings you already know what recycling is about. Those shorts, that skirt, those shoes, everything was passed from one child to another until there was no more wear left in them. Then we had garage sales or yard sales pop up, suddenly it is fashionable to wear jeans full of holes. You know when I was in school my Mother would have had a fit if anybody would have seen me in pants like that. But things have changed and we must change with them. Some changes are good like recycling and some .....maybe not so good. I am one of those that thinks if the jeans have holes in them cut them off for shorts, or make a tote bag out of them. But then I am tote bag nuts so what can I say. So I will end this post by saying that if you get the chance to pick up any of the Tightwad Gazette books, you really should. It is just chock full of letters and notes about any topic you could possibly think of that might make your little world easier to handle. Take care and go clean out your closet. That dress could be cut up and a couple of cute pillows made from the fabric, add some colorful buttons and.....

New Hopes, New Fears

A Century Turns by William J. Bennett is my latest book from Booksneeze to review for them. This book asks the question where is America going in the time from 1988 to 2008. Do you know? It puts things in their correct perspective about how the world really is doing politically, as well as on the home front. What new ideas have become the everyday items. Like computers, they have become the normal way of life. Then we discuss the wars and what they will lead to or what will they destroy. We saw the fall of the Berlin Wall all the way to the election of our present President. This book really opens your eyes and your memory and gets you to remembering what it was like before these things happened or maybe you weren't interested in what was going on and now you are. This is a great book but it is also a great history lesson, this is a thinking book not a book that is a piece of entertainment fluff. What you decide about our world will depend on what you grasp from reading this. I promise it will be one interesting ride.

365 Items

Gifts to Make: 365 Beautifully Easy Ideas by Better Homes and Gardens is 216 pages of really good ideas of things for gifts. Needless to say there are 365 ideas in here but, it also makes you think about other ways that this same project could be changed just a little bit to make it into something else. It is a nice hardback book and has great photos showing you what your item "should" look like and how to get it there. This would be a great Valentine's gift for a dear friend or even for yourself. After all, you have 365 items and you are a few days behind so don't wait much longer. Enjoy

The Cake Mix Bible, okay who doesn't love cake? Well, you are in for a big surprise with this cookbook. In here they have you take a cake mix and make all sorts of great things with it. One of the things that my grandkids love are the cookies that I make with the mixes. Now you have to hear one of the recipes that I use all the time. Are you ready for the ingredients list? Got your paper and pencil ready? Okay, here goes: 1 cake mix your choice of flavor, 2 eggs, 1/2 c. oil, and 3/4 cup of oatmeal. That's it. How difficult is that? This book is 319 pages of changing the attitude that most people have about cake mixes. Personally I have no problem just using them as a cake, but some people feel that if you don't make the cake from scratch you aren't really a cook. I guess they've never seen that little face, with chocolate icing all over it, just smiling from ear to ear. When it comes to my family I just want to make them love what they are eating even if it did start out as a frozen bag of vegetables. Now how in the world did I get from cake to vegetables? It must have been the carrots. Did I save myself, huh?

Fix It, Clean It, and Make It Last is a great 385 pages of information. Not only does it tell you how to clean everything under the sun but it is so full of other information you just won't believe it. This isn't just a book about how to run a household or how to take care of it before it falls apart, but it takes an item and with a little bit of wit turns it into something else equally useful. Actually I feel that this would be an excellent wedding gift.....for the bride.






Loose Change Quilts from Nickels, Dimes and Fat Quarters by Claudia Plett and Le Ann Weaver is a 78 page book that would be a great beginner quilting choice. It explains all you need to know about making your color work for you and not against you. It explains how just the simple change of color dramatically changes the look of your finished project. In one combination it is a darling baby quilt then change the color around and you can have a great wedding gift. It starts you out with the very basic of things and by the time you are finished you will have such confidence in yourself it will amaze you. So dig through your stash and get started on something we call Patchwork but you will call it Fun. Enjoy.

Sewing To Quilts To Crying--I Loved It

As we all know Nancy Zieman is one talented lady, she can sew anything and she also explains things to the TV World while she is looking at it upside down. I have enough problems with my projects when they are right side up. This book, Sewing With Nancy, is 144 pages of pure information and how to's. She goes all the way from getting the project materials together, sewing basics, assembling the fabric pieces and even sewing your own lingerie. Now this may sound like a fancy book but trust me Nancy explains it and makes it sounds so simple. The good thing is that if this book lives at your house you can read it over and over, no more library fees....how cool is that?

A Victorian Christmas Quilt is one book with 4 different stories inside written by the following 4 ladies and they took 386 pages to do it in. Lone Star by Catherine Palmer, The Wedding Ring by Debra White Smith, Log Cabin Patch by Ginny Aiken, and Crosses and Losses by Peggy Stoks, each story naturally has the title quilt in the direction it will take. Yes, this is a feel good nice romantic book but there are also recipes and notes about the quilts included. Hey, it doesn't get any better than this....unless I had a chocolate bar too.

Where The Heart Is by Billie Letts, was one of the books chosen for Oprah's Book Club. I loved this one so much that Jay also bought it for me on tape so I could crash at night listening to it. This irresistible story won the Walker Percy Award and after you read it, it will win your heart also. It starts out with a 17 year old single pregnant girl that finds herself alone in a strange town. She has no idea how to take care of herself much less her unborn child, but she starts learning fast. You will find yourself trying to help her along her journey and crying when she does. But that is all I am going to tell you. This 376 page book can tell you in its own way.

My Comfy Place

I decided to create a place where I could tell everybody what I thought about all the books I deal with. Now be prepared because my subjects are going to run the complete spectrum of issues. So I hope you will decide to join me and give me your thoughts on what I have opened my big mouth and said. Actually, I think this will be fun so come along for the ride, please. After all, it's no fun riding alone.