"Murder at the Courthouse" Book Review

When my 12 year old daughter saw that this was the book I was going to be reviewing, she was so excited because she loves mysteries. Now that I'm finished, I can happily place it in her hands. "Mystery at the Courthouse" was an entertaining murder mystery without the gore and extreme violence often found within that genre.

Of course the most important aspect of a mystery novel is to keep you guessing until the end. "Mystery at the Courthouse" definitely did that. Right before the end, I figured out who the culprit was. However, my guess throughout the book changed several times.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't too flowery, didn't waste paragraph after paragraph describing the landscape. The characters were enjoyable and the dialogue to the point. I don't remember skimming even once (which, for me, really says something).

This is a Christian novel so there is some talk of God. Mostly, it surrounds the fact that He is in control - even when life is spinning out of control. It also touches on the concept of God's purpose for your life. I love Jesus; He consumes my thoughts. But all the same, when I've decided to read a novel, I don't want to read a sermon. Fortunately, this wasn't the feel at all in this book.

I can happily say, I give "Murder at the Courthouse by A.H. Gabhart two thumbs up.


BTW, I got a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

"The Memory Weaver" - Novel Review

Cringe.

I review about one book a week. And because the publishers are giving me these books for free, I try hard to go in with an open mind and give the book the best review possible. Sometimes, such as in the case with specific self help books, if the information presented doesn't apply to my life, I still try and fairly evaluate the book based on it's merit and not solely on how it pertains to me.

But every once in a while, I receive a book that is so confusing or lackluster, that I just can't continue reading. I makes me feel awful to speak negatively about a book because I know  the author's blood,sweat, and tears are represented on those pages. However, I also believe that life is too short and there are too many wonderful books out there to waste your time on works that don't touch the soul in some way. Therefore, with deep regret, I must confess that I couldn't finish "The Memory Weaver" by Jane Kirkpatrick.

Here's why:

*To start with, it's written as though I should have some background information that I simply don't possess. Because of this, I was completely lost for the first few chapters and it only marginally improved. Perhaps it's because I'm Canadian and not American and therefore haven't studied the history upon which this book is written. But, an author must never assume anything regarding the reader's familiarity with history.

 *The story is being told from two different viewpoints - the deceased mother's (through her diaries) and the daughter. The daughter's story was engaging enough but I found myself dreading the change in font which signified a switch over to the mother's story since it felt laborious.

Dear Ms. Kirkpatrick,
         Please note: I am but one person and your value as a person is not summed up in people's opinions of your work. You are loved by God.


 BTW, I was given a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest opinion.

"90 Minutes in Heaven" MOVIE Review

A few nights ago, my husband and I saw "90 Minutes in Heaven" which is based on the bestseller book by the same name. I had read the book before seeing the movie and loved it. Therefore, I was pretty sure I could only be disappointed by the movie. Click here for my review on the book

Because I set my hopes so low, I wasn't disappointed by what I saw but neither was  I thrilled. The message of the movie is powerful but the acting is stiff and the special effects/makeup made me cringe.  In real life, the main character's leg was missing 4 inches of bone. He was mangled! But, in the movie, the body is intact with some fake blood poured on it. I know that CGI effects are very expensive so I can't be too hard on the movie; they had to stay within their budget.

Maybe I'm just overly animated but considering how highly emotional this story is, could the actors not show some?

I did cry at one point but it was because I envisioned how I would feel if my husband and I met the same fate. And truthfully, my emotions were, I think, more based on what I remember being written in the book than what was on the screen.

It "90 Minutes in Heaven" a terrible movie? No. But if you are going to choose between movie or book? There's no question about it - read the book.

Thanks to Graf-Martin Communications Inc. for the free passes to watch this movie!

"Taming the To-Do List" Book Review

Truthfully, I'm not sure why I chose this book. It's definitely NOT an area of concern for me. I've had more than one person call and ask me to help them organize their life. God gives us each different areas of strength and mine happens to be organizing life in a rational and productive manner.

I'm not saying that to brag. I'm saying it so you'll know why this book didn't bowl me over.

"Taming the To-Do List" by Glynnis Whitwer is a good book. It looks at the 'why' behind our procrastination and instead of merely doling out another to-do list of How to Get Your Act Together, she looks at healing what causes it in the first place.

A number of points in the book definitely made me stop and think. And after thinking, make me mentally agree. Such as:

*When we say yes to something, it's costing us. For example: Saying yes to watching that TV show is costing us production time.
*We need to stop seeing ease as a good thing.
*Self regulation is a learned habit.
*People who have to work long hours in the ER or 3 min. wage jobs are tired but they rarely call themselves busy. Busyness is bred in the accumulation of voluntary activity.

I know of many women who would benefit greatly from this book. That might sound like I think poorly of them and I don't AT ALL. They might struggle with this but I know that they excel in others areas in which I flounder.

At the end of the day, "Taming the To-Do List" is neither whimsical nor textbook and  reads like a friend is talking to you. Therefore, if you are looking to overcome this area of life, I'd recommend it.

BTW, I got this book free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Clump Crushing? We'll See.

Bzzagent sent me CoverGirl Lashblast Clump Crusher Mascara to try. Here's my honest opinion:

Truthfully, if I could only have one makeup product for the rest of my life, it would be mascara. The world is just better when your lashes are big and dark. Mascara is something I use everyday because as soon as I skip a day, I look in the mirror and shock myself. Who is that sickly person staring back at me???

Covergirl Lashblast Clump Crusher Mascara seems like the exact same black goo as any other mascara I've ever tried. The first application of a new bottle is lovely but from the second on, it has small clumps like any other. The only difference I found was that the wand definitely tugged through the lashes a bit more than the brand I was currently using.

Given that I often use Covergirl products to begin with, this quality of this mascara was in keep with what I know of the brand. They are the highest of the cheap brands.

#GotItFree

BTW, I have $2 off coupons. Let me know if you'd like one.

"Bathsheba - Reluctant Beauty" Book Review

Fiction based on biblical stories has always been a favorite genre of mine.  It gets you thinking about what life was really like for these people. I guess that's what I like; they become people in my mind instead of just tales.

"Bathsheba - Reluctant Beauty" by Angela Hunt did not disappoint.  It was definitely a page turner that had me thinking, "I need to double check that in the Bible." It also painted a clear picture of who was related to whom.  Certainly, I had never thought to connect Ahitophel's disloyalty to David at the end of his life to a possible disdain from when Bathsheba was violated. I'm not sure I even paused to think that Bathsheba's first night with David was possibly a violation. After reading this book, which I know is only fiction, it does seem a likely possibility.

Two important characteristics describe this book: believable and thought-provoking.  Other bonuses:
The dialog was well written and the plot wasn't bogged down with endless scenery description. I also didn't find myself skimming over large parts of the page - something I'm apt to do when a book is less than captivating. Life's too short for poorly written books.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say, I loved it!

"90 Minutes in Heaven" Book Review and Giveaway

Never in my life as a book made me cry the way this one did!

"90 Minutes in Heaven" is a Don Piper's true life story of him being killed by a truck and brought back to life 90 minutes later by prayer. It chronicles his continued struggle to live and recover from his shocking injuries. Mr. Piper also tells of how God used his struggles to encourage many people who are also going through enormous trials.

I loved this book!

At first I was a bit skeptical. Was this going to be some fantastical story trying to fill my head with whimsical images of the hereafter? Not even close. While Mr. Piper does his best to describe what he experienced and saw in Heaven, it really isn't given all that much press time. "90 Minutes in Heaven" is far more focused on God's sustaining power during the torturous months that followed and on the power of prayer.

A number of passages in this book struck me in a profound way.

It moved me to read of the pastor who felt God was telling him to go and pray for the 'man in the accident'. Even though the police officer tried to discourage him, after all, the guy had been dead for 90 minutes and was mangled, he was obedient and as a result, got a first row seat to the awesome power of God. Do I have such faith? Or obedience? Plus, that Don Piper roused during the pastor singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" was almost more than I could bear. Mind you, we're told in the Psalms to 'enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts and enter His courts with praise', so of course singing was involved.

It also touched my heart to hear of an 84 year old man willing to take Don to task for not letting others help him because it was stealing their chance to show love. Would I be willing to say what needs saying when the person is in mind-blowing pain if God told me to?

Thirdly, it was encouraging to see that Don struggled to share his sacred story about seeing Heaven for fear of what others would think. There have been many times when I've feared sharing a vision with others because I'm afraid of what they'd think of me. But, if God has given me a wonderful gift, why would I withhold it from the ones who need it?

I can't tell you how highly I recommend this book! I will warn you: I spent the day crying. They were tears of joy, tears of sorrow, tears from places I hadn't let myself admit were hurting. As crazy as it sounds, I'm worried about the movie version which comes out in Sept 2015 because how can a movie possibly to this story justice?

If you'd like to read this book (trust me you do) comment below to have your name entered into a draw, Aug 29th, 2015 for a free copy. Good Luck!