Enlightening but not Easy

The Founders’ Key written by Larry P. Arnn is an enlightening read but not an easy read. Dr. Arnn emphasizes the unity and importance of both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. These are the pillars of our country on which our liberties hang. Both of these documents have guided our nation to become the first self-governing nation. These two documents made our nation great; however, not everyone thinks so. Many politicians think these documents are outdated, and some would like to redesign the Declaration of Independence to suit their agendas today. Dr. Arnn shows how each document combines together to uphold our nation’s freedoms and rights. He reveals how the Constitution and Declaration of Independence emphasizes less government control. Both documents are needed to prevent us from losing more and more of our liberties. This book provides the information necessary to understand the debate on the constitution and to defend our liberties. It is not an “easy” read, but it is full of information about the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. It includes some of the federalist letters by James Madison , also. It is very enlightening although discouraging when one considers the direction our country is going.

I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Publishing Group. 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.

Then Sings My Soul

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan---I have read several hymn story books but this one is my favorite. This book is not just about individual hymn stories, but it gives a brief look into the history of where the hymn began. Mr. Morgan makes each story flow into the next by keeping them in order by time beginning with the Bible references to hymns and progressing to present day hymn and worship music. I reminisced with hymns I was familiar, and became acquainted with some for the first time. Even the stories that I had heard before were filled with extra information. Like the story of “It Is Well With My Soul” I had heard numerous times, but Mr. Morgan included several facts about Horatio Spafford’s life that I was unaware. I also was introduced to some new song writers and singers like Stuart Townend and Keith Getty who wrote “In Christ Alone.” What a beautiful “modern day” hymn. I loved learning the rules for congregational singing written by John Wesley in 1761. Our choirs still need to be reminded today to “Have an ear to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself…” I was excited to learn that Warren Wiersbe taught that music began with the Trinity, and according to scripture, every member of the Trinity sings. There was so much to learn and enjoy from this book. I found myself reading with a highlighter in hand so I could easily reference the “great parts” in the future. This was my first book by Robert J. Morgan; it made me want to read more by him. Great, enjoyable read! Music lovers, do not miss it!

I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Publishing Group. 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.

Smitten!

If you are looking for an enjoyable lighthearted read, then try Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. I loved the idea of four authors working together. The story is about a small town called Smitten which has fallen on hard economic times. To avoid total collapse of the town four ladies pull together to save it. They decide to capitalize on the town name by making it a get away for couples. Of course, most of the “manly” men of the town thought this was ridiculous. Join each author as they each take one of the ladies and share her story of making their idea a reality and along the way fall in love themselves. Kristin Billerbeck and Colleen Coble are two of my favorite authors who have proven time again that they are great writers. I was not as familiar with the other two authors but their stories were just as entertaining. This book is like reading four books in the same series. Even though each story is by a different author, it read like it was by the same person. Fun read. Give it a try only 345 pages.

I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Publishing Group. 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.

Living Close to God When You’re Not Good At It by Gene Edwards is a book that gives you a step by step process teaching you how to fellowship with God. It is not about praying but actual communion with God. This book is so easy to understand, but yet some people will not “get it.” Mr. Edwards begins by confessing that he is spiritually handicapped. He desired to know God in reality; thus he began a search which inspired this book. He learned along the way that fellowshipping with the Lord must be simple. He emphasizes in the book that “god makes himself known in simple ways.” He read a sentence one day which gave him his first breakthrough on his quest for a spiritual walk. The sentence said that “ a person might not be able to read but he could memorize a psalm and offer it to the Lord.” This showed him how to fellowship. What better way then to use the Lord’s own book to fellowship with Him. He also shows in his book that this is not a new revelation. “Praying the word” has been used for centuries by earlier Christians such as Jeanne Guyon and Miguel de Molinos. Gene Edwards has only rediscovered it and is sharing his experience with us.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not everyone will understand it. It is only for those who are truly wanting to really know God personally, everyday. I have prayed the scriptures many times myself before reading this book, and I know it works if you sincerely mean what you say. I would encourage all young Christians especially to read this book. This book will teach you how to grow in God. I have been saved for 30 plus years but I still found this book enlightening and refreshing. Gene Edwards is a superb writer. Read his other books, especially The Divine Romance, Prisoner in the Third Cell and Three Kings. Wow! Loved them all!

I received this book free from the publisher through Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. 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.

Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

Jenny B. Jones delivers another hit in There You’ll Find Me! The main character, Finely, sets out on a journey to get some answers. Her brother has recently died which has left her with a broken heart. To heal, she journeys to her brother’s favorite country, Ireland. She uses his journey from his time there as her guidebook; however, her journey does not begin or end as she planned. She begins on a plane sitting next ot teenage heartthrob and supposed party boy--Beckett Rush. Chaos erupts. While friendship develops she finds out things about Beckett and herself that she did not realize. Her life begins to unravel, and she has to learn how to trust God with everything.

Wow! Beautiful story. I laughed, I cried and rejoiced with Finley as she journeys through her struggles. Jenny B. Jones is one of my teenage daughters favorite authors, and she has become one of mine as well. Her talent is showcased in this book by how it pulls you into the story. I felt like I knew these people. I wanted to sit down with Finley and have a heart to heart. Loved it! I love humor, and I do not really like the “tear jerker” stories. This book did make me cry but I still loved it. Way to go Jenny B. Jones. Five star performance. My only complaint was the portrayal of your male character being a Hollywood heartthrob who played in vampire movies. Not sure vampire movies and Christian go together. Nevertheless, Beckett does admit in the end that he pretended to be a party guy just to create an image that would help sell movies. He really is a very decent, caring person who even decides he would like to do other characters beside vampires. Overall, wonderful read! Entertaining!

I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Publishing Group. 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.

New Favorite Author Kathleen Y'Barboo

In The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck, Kathleen Y’Barboo delivers a delightful, entertaining story about the uncontrollable willful character of Charlotte Beck. Charlotte is determined to be taken seriously as an adult at 18 years of age, but finds that she continuously gets involved in one hilarious raucous after another which portrays her as anything but mature. With her independent spirit, she is determined to make it on her own and go to college to obtain her degree to help work in her father’s business. Her father is determined that she marry like any other respectable young lady should; however, this does not sit well with Charlotte. Through several mishaps they finally come to somewhat of an agreement. Charlotte has to agree to marry Viscount Alex Hambly, and her father agrees to put her through college. Viscount Hambly needed the financial help that her father can give, reluctantly agrees; however, they both come up with a plan of their own to have the marriage annulled. Their relationship sets off a serious of accidents and mishaps that will leave you laughing and wanting more. From blackeyes to horse rides while being chased by Indians with Buffalo Bill this book is a great read. I absolutely loved this book full of humor and romance. Y’Barboo has definitely become one of my favorite authors. Looking forward to reading more of her books.

I received this book free from the publisher through Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. 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.

The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead is about alternate realities; however, before you let that disuade you from trying this book, think again. I am not a fan of time travel books, but Lawhead delivers an intriguing story. The story begins in the first book (which you must read to understand this book) with Kit Livingstone meeting his great grandfather who introduces him to ley travel and the mystery of the skin map. Having a map made from tattooed skin is intriguing in itself. Yes, the story jumps from one place to another rather frequently, but do not worry you can handle it! Lawhead is a gifted story teller, and he keeps you entertained from page one. Kit faces death in an Egyptian tomb, lives with cavemen during the Stone Age, runs for his life in Prague, as well as many other interesting places. Lawhead also introduces us to several historical figures which leaves you wanted to know more about them such as the intelligent Thomas Young and Roger Bacon with his language of angels. Several other characters are involved with the actual hunt of the skin map including a group of bad guys called the Burley men with a giant cat. Mina, Kit’s modern day girlfriend, is also drug into the hunt. Mina proves to be very resourceful and useful in the ley travel. She also saves Kit from facing death in two different instances. Read book one entitled The Skin Map, and you will have to have this one. Stephen R. Lawhead is a favorite author; he never disappoints.

I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Publishing Group. 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.