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.

The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen

The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen is a compilation of thoughts and experiences to encourage and lead others to a “sweeter journey on the rocky road of life.” As indicated by the title, chocolate is a main them throughout the book. Each chapter includes interesting and unique recipes to quench your chocolate cravings. Most of the chapters are even titles with chocolate references as seen in chapter one’s title “Nobody Knows the Truffles I’ve Seen.” Each chapter also includes a section called “Sweet Secrets” where selected individuals share their “secret to a sweeter journey” in just a few sentences. Also, the book includes a “Food for Thought” section which helps you reevaluate each chapter.

If you are looking for a very light-hearted read which includes somewhat encouraging messages without much Christian depth, this is your book. I was disappointed that the Bible was not referenced more. Prayer is included but definitely not emphasized as being the most important ingredient in a rocky journey. Sharing laughter and personal experiences does give momentary relief and encouragement but Jesus Christ is the only one who can give lasting peace. I wished the book had pointed more to Him. On a lighter note, since I am from Kentucky I was deeply impressed that the author’s Aunt Cora was the one who gave Harland Sanders his famous fried chicken recipe.

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.

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Water’s Edge by Robert Whitlow is Christian fiction at its best--a good story with plenty of life lessons. Tom, an up and coming attorney, has everything--great job, great girlfriend, and living in the perfect city to get even more; however, all this turns around quickly. His great job in an elite law firm where he thought to become one of the partners is gone. And in the same day he loses his girl, too. Wow, his perfect world disappears. With no job, he heads back to his small hometown to close his dad’s law practice since his dad had recently died from a boating accident. What he thought would be an easy and quick task, turns into a major investigation that becomes important for him to find the truth. While going through his dad’s papers, he discovers two million dollars in a secret bank account. Plus, his father’s accident may not have been an “accident.” Even worse, his father may have played a role in an international fraud operation. Tom begins to dig for the truth and along the way meets a beautiful, beguiling lady who is as interested and involved in the case as he is.

Robert Whitlow is a great Christian fiction writer. I have read several of his books and have loved them all. He tells a great story while interweaving many valuable lessons. His writing is like John Grisham without the language. Whitlow seems to understand what separates Christian fiction from regular fiction is not just the absence of the rough language and vulgar love scenes but it is the inclusion of God throughout the story! Many of our Christian fiction writers are basically fiction writers with no language, but this book emphasizes what is important while telling you a good story. That is Christian fiction! Don’t just entertain me but show me that God is important! Teach me a lesson to live by.

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.

Indelible by Kristen Heitzman

Indelible by Kristen Heitzman is a great read! The main character, Natalie, has an eidetic memory which enables her to transfer the faces and emotions of people she sees to a sculpture with uncanny accuracy. Then there is Fleur who is blind but is able to paint beautiful prints. Trevor was once a gold medalists skier but lost his ability to compete due to a freak accident. Now Trevor owns an outfitters store next to Natalie’s art gallery. Both Natalie and Trevor are thrown together when Trevor, ever the hero, rescues her nephew from the jaws of a cougar (literally). The author brings all these lively characters together realistically when Trevor begins receiving weird photos from a supposed stalker.

From the first few pages, I was hooked. I love a little romance mixed with suspense and drama. This book definitely has this. It is not a light read, very intense. The only disappointment I found was that it did hint to a past life of Trevor’s that was definitely not Christian. I realize that it was in his past but the author did not really portray him as being extremely sorrow for it. Sometimes as Christians we do tend to treat sin lightly but it is just the opposite.

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 Quotable Rogue by Matt Lewis

Whether you are a Sarah Palin fan or not this book is full of information that will give you a clear understanding of what Sarah Palin believes.  It is comprised of actual quotes from Sarah Palin on numerous subjects such as abortion, Obama, civil rights, faith, family, education, politicians, media, taxes, etc. 

I enjoyed reading this book, and I gathered a greater appreciation of Sarah Palin.  Her quotes are full of wit and just plain basic truth.  It was refreshing to learn her ideas from reading her exact words without worrying that some author put his own spin in the writing.  Matt Lewis did all the research and placed it neatly together for our easy reading.  Definitely a book for all conservatives and Palin fans.  If you love America, you will appreciate her obvious love for America, also.  She is very entertaining which makes reading her quotes interesting.  This is a book worth your time!

I received this book free from the plubisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program.  I wa 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.