"Bearing Witness" Book Review and Giveaway

"Bearing Witness" isn't the kind of book you read before bed to have sweet dreams. About 50 pages in I thought, "I don't know if I can handle this book." Nothing is more violent than true accounts of history. And the human ability, propensity even, for untold cruelty constantly astounds me.

"Bearing Witness" tells the stories of 36 Anabaptists and the hard path they took to stand up for what they believed. It begins in the time of the early church and continues to present age. While the content was hard to swallow given its violent nature, the writing was smooth and succinct. If the theme had been lighter I would have breezed through it quickly but found myself only able to bear one or two life stories at a time. In the end though I'm glad I read it. To see people holding fast to Jesus throughout the worst man can throw at them is inspiring. Plus it is encouraging to know that in the moment of testing, there is grace. May the lives of those who have gone before us remind us that no matter the cost, Christ is worth it.

There were a few times while reading "Bearing Witness" that I thought to myself, "Would I be able to stand strong in my belief? Even if my children's well being was threatened?" Hard question. Jesus told us not to worry about the needs of tomorrow but I don't think it was all wrong to ask myself that question because if I am willing to put anything before Jesus, I've an idol.

In North America, the worst 'persecution' I've had to deal with are unkind words so it's easy to forget that there truly is a battle going on. I should think that believers in Muslim countries are in no need of a reminder. Therefore, as a way of pointing us to pray for those who are suffering because of the cross of Christ, I recommend you read "Bearing Witness". Plus, even though I am not an Anabaptist, I worship the same Lord and can see the winds changing even in Canada. We are warned that it is going to get worse before it gets better. But, Jesus has overcome and therefore so have I because my life is in Him. Praise the Lord.

On May 26th I will be drawing for a free copy.  Comment below to have your name entered. Good Luck.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"Think and Eat Yourself Smart" Book Review

Oh for the means and energy to do all you know you ought to do. The "Little House on the Prairie" lifestyle is such a romantic notion. Wouldn't it be lovely to raise your own chickens and grow your own vegetables? How delightful it would be to have children who, with a grateful gleam in their eyes, say, "Oh Mom! Thank you so much for this delicious vegetable stir fry you made for us!"

Sigh.

I KNOW our diet leaves much to be desired. I hate every sip of pop my family drinks. I makes me cringe to see them scope the measly minimum required helping of peas instead of gobbling up the two or three green varieties laid out before them on the table. But when do I fight and when do I give in?

It would be nothing short of hypocrisy to pretend that my own diet is pristine. Krispy Kreme donuts are my kryptonite. A few years ago, I did the "Whole 30". This is where for a minimum of 30 days, you eat nothing but vegetables, some fruit and lean meat. Zero cheating! Not even so much as a drop of bbq sauce. Then at the end of those 30 days you start reintroducing other foods. The reason I did it was to try and find out what was giving me digestion and inflammation issues.  The "Whole 30" serve its purpose; the offending foods became known. And what were they? A number of vegetables. Go figure. Goodbye onions, red, green and yellow peppers, tomatoes and celery. I will miss you but you caused me physical grief. (though you made my food delicious)

Given this bit of background, it makes me feel tired all over when someone, with the science to back it, says, "You must eat more vegetables and less everything else." In theory, yes - I wholeheartedly agree. In reality, it's hard to cook a variety of healthy dishes when so many of the ingredients you'd normally think of as vegetable staples are on my 'I can't eat that' list.

The author, Dr. Caroline Leaf, is a very decorated scientist and I believe everything she wrote. Plus, the notes at the back of the book referencing different scientific studies and publishings is 73 pages long. 73 pages! This points to a great/not so great aspect of "Think and Eat Yourself Smart". The great part is that Dr. Leaf backs up every point she makes and explains the science with science-y words. The not so great part  is that Dr. Leaf backs up every point she makes and explains the science with science-y words. About 1/3 of the way in I started reading the opening sentences of each paragraph instead of the entire paragraph.

  On the other hand, "Think and Eat Yourself Smart" has renewed my sense of necessity when it comes to my role as grocery buyer and cook. And I can say that since reading it my fridge is much more colorful. I'm still putting sugar in my coffee and  and intend to eat the bacon, mmm bacon, in my freezer but overall, Dr. Leaf as caused me to re-evaluate the family diet.

I may not plant an apple tree or raise a cow but Dr. Leaf has convinced me to stop and question my outlook on food and slowly make changes to what goes into family's mouths.

Because I've read books on this topic before, I wasn't surprised by much of what Dr. Leaf presented. If, however, you haven't read a recent book on the often under-talked about necessity for an overhaul in your eating patterns, I would recommend Dr. Leaf's book. We do need to make changes - even if it's just one little one at a time.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

"The League and the Lantern" Book Review and Giveaway

If "National Treasure" and "Spy Kids" got married, their offspring would be "The League and the Lantern" by Brian Wells. Intended for 9-14 year olds, this novel has everything a middle schooler could want. Action, bad guys, clues hidden through history. And, of course, kids kickin' butt.

There are three main characters - each extremely gifted. Jake is a genius wrestling champion, TJ a hyper-memory fencing champion, and Lucy who speaks 5 languages and is a bit of a ninja. Together, after accidentally becoming entangled in the fight of the ages between The League and The Lantern, they use their strengths to overcome the schemes of those who would cause them harm. Three youths against a gang of men with advanced tech gadgets.

Oh, did I mention they were only 11?

Okay, so it doesn't make for realistic reading but what kids TV show or movie doesn't have the youngsters besting the evil adults?

There was a bit of violence but it wasn't at all graphic. In fact, during the action scenes, the author kind of lost me. (Which in a way is good, no bloody mental pictures) Where the author perhaps falls short in this area, he makes up for it in the characters. Loved the character TJ! Loved what came out of his mouth - very entertaining. Also loved that there was no smut, no profanity, no occultic references etc. I would happily place this book into the hands of any child around me. Plus, as a bonus, the author had to add a number of mini history lessons throughout the book to explain the plot. (Whether these are trustworthy facts is for someone else to verify.)

My one criticism would be chapter 1. A bit confusing and frustrating. But if you keep reading, the rest is worth it.

And now for the fun part. I have a copy to giveaway. If you'd like your name put in to the May 18th, 2016 draw, comment below. Good Luck!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"None Like Him" Book Review and Giveaway

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. In this case, it's very true. What a dreadful cover. It's worse in real life. Drab colors, hard to read title; I fear no one will pick this book up because no one will even notice it on the store shelf. Sadness.

But if you can get past the cover and read the back of the book, you will likely be interested. (Provided you're interested in learning about the Great I Am.) "None Like Him" goes through 10 attributes of God that we can not obtain (such as self-existence, infinite, sovereign) and shows not only do we not appreciate these attributes in God, we seem to think we possess them. The author, Jen Wilkin, also discusses what believing that lie does to us and how to combat it.

"None Like Him" is the perfect example of what happens when a great thinker doesn't have a great editor. Ms. Wilkins has so many incredible nuggets of truth and insight but the book isn't that well written. There are  paragraphs that more resemble lists and unnecessarily explanations. I found myself going -- skim, skim, WOW!, skim, skim, WOW!  I still highly recommend this book because of the multitude of WOW! moments. And maybe I'm being too hard on the her. Now that I think about it, her writing style is quite reminiscent of Max Lucado. (whose writing I also file under "skim, skim, WOW!") If you love Mr. Lucado's writing, you'll love this book too.

In the past week, I've talked to no less than 6 people about the ideas presented in "None Like Him" and it has upped my appreciation for the One I call Lord and Savior. It has also made me pause and reevaluate a few things in my life for which I am thankful. Jen Wilkin is gifted in turning your mind to the Eternal, Incomprehensible, Omnipresent God of the Universe.

If only it didn't have that dreadful cover.

If you can look past the cover and see the worth of this book and if you'd like your name entered into a draw for a free copy, please leave a comment below. The draw will be held May 10th, 2016. Good Luck.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"Sins of the Past' Book Review

"Sins of the Past" is a collection of three short stories under one cover. All three have the same feel to them - a mystery, a handsome police officer, a woman in trouble. It's a tried and true formula that works. I mean, if the future boyfriend isn't a cop, how is he going to get behind the scenes information about the detective work going on?

My 13 year old daughter loves mysteries. She has an overflowing bookshelf in her room and every book is efficiently placed into one of two categories - daytime reading and nighttime reading. Books that freak you out? Daytime only reading. This is definitely a nighttime okay reading book. There wasn't anything horrifying or graphic. Author Dani Pettrey came the closest to getting my nerves on edge as she describes the main character realizing someone was in her home but all three novellas are more romance than mystery. There's something to be solved in each story but there's also a lot of googly eyes being made too. That's okay - I enjoy this kind of romance novel. They're light, fun but with an actual plot.

Speaking of plot...
While the authors did well to have twists and turns as much as is possible in a 100 page story, it is proper to keep in mind that these are short stories and therefore the plots don't go in as much depth as a normal novel. On the plus side, this also means the stories skip along at a fast pace. Like reading a magazine.

The first story, "Missing" by Dee Henderson, didn't do anything for me. I would read a few pages, walk away, read a few more when convenient. Not a sign of a great book. However, "Shadowed" by Dani Pettrey and "Blackout" by Lynette Eason were much better. Better written, better mystery, better romance. I finished those two stories in less time then the one by Dee Henderson. If "Missing" was a book by itself, I wouldn't recommend it. Not that it's dreadful, but it just wasn't great. However, "Shadowed" and "Blackout" more than make up for it. They might not be quite believable but who is looking for believable in a romance mystery novel?

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

"Counted WIth The Stars" Book Review

Fiction inspired by the pages of Scripture is my favorite genre so it was with great anticipation that I began to read "Counted With the Stars" by Connilyn Cossette. Happily I can report that it did not disappoint.

"Counted With the Stars" is the story of an Egyptian slave who lives through the 10 plagues and flees Egypt with the Israelites during the Great Exodus. There is very little talk of Moses (Mosheh) except as rumor. I kind of liked that because in a population as great as it would have been, it's likely how it would have happened. Certainly not everyone would have had firsthand information about what was happening.

The characters were well written and the plot moved along at a great pace. Exposition was masterfully intertwined midst the conflict. Plus, to the best of my recollection, nothing was blatantly scripturally erroneous. Always an extra bonus.

On the cover it says this is Book 1 of the "Out of Egypt" series. I truly hope Book 2 comes out soon. "Counted With the Stars" had a bit of everything - romance, action, adventure, encouragement...  The only small warning I would give is this: While no doubt it was, and is, an issue for female slaves, sexual violence was mentioned. Though not graphic and was in keeping with the story line, for this reason I wouldn't put this book into the hands of a young teen. For adults it gets two enthusiastic thumbs up.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

"The Inheritance" Book Review

Oh dear. I fear I must yet again be less than glowing in my review. As I've said before, life is too short to finish unimpressive books. I finished "The Inheritance" by Michael Phillips for one reason - I was in the middle of a 20 hour car ride and my other reading material was stowed away in my other suitcase which lay at the bottom of the trunk under an impossible pile of luggage. Groan. Might as well keep reading.

So what was so bad about "The Inheritance"?

Page 101.

Before you turn to page 101 and scan for some offending passage, let me explain. Page 101 is when the plot finally, FINALLY begins. The first 100 pages is background bits and pieces. Not only is it background but like the rest of the book, about 25% of the book is written phonetically so that when your brain reads it, it sounds as though said with a Celtic accent (much of the book takes place in Shetland). 25 percent.  You might think this is no big deal but consider the following sentence taken from the pages of "The Inheritance".

"He's descended fae Sally's son Leith. But though I didna ken yer ain grit-grit-grand'mother, Elizabeth was her name, I knew the Auld Tulloch's Sally weel, an' a fine woman she was."

Sure it sounds musical in my head once my brain has translated it but if I wanted to have to work at understanding the book in my hand, my time would be better reading non fiction. And that's just the problem -  too much time is needed to understand what being said instead of simply enjoying the text. No one reads a novel for mental exercise.

On the upside, the characters were well written and I could feel myself inwardly cheering for the good guys and booing against the villains.

However, at the end of the day, if I'd been anywhere other than stuck in the backseat of a car, I would have stopped reading this book around page 75 and moved on. Therefore I can hardly recommend it.

Dear Author, you are a talented writer, well gifted in causing cathartic responses from my heart in spite of myself and I'm only one person with a loud mouth and computer. I know you've likely poured your heart and soul into this book. The next time you pick up a pen, just start the plot on page one and write in plain English. Your talent will shine through.



"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."