"After Acts" Book Review

I was so excited to get this book. History and Bible are my two favorite subjects. Put them together and you get a happy me.  "After Acts" by Bryan Litfin is a well thought out, well researched (from what I can gather) look into the assumed history surrounding the main men and women of the New Testament including but not limited to Luke, Mary, Peter and James.  Most of these assumptions have been passed down by the Catholic church and are therefore assumed to be true. But are they? Mr. Litfin takes a close look at the earliest sources that give us the "information" and investigates whether they can be trusted. Were they biased? Did they actually have legitimate sources? etc. 

I suppose what stopped me from completely loving this book was that I'm not Catholic which perhaps explains why I didn't even know certain tales about these great men and woman and therefore can't entirely appreciate those stories being confirmed or denied. As a Protestant, I've lived my life rather Sola Scriptura.  That's not to say that I shun all extra-biblical writings. It's just that I haven't dwelt on them since I don't see them as being divine.

At some parts of "After Acts" I felt as though I were plodding through a textbook. Definitely, "After Acts" has an academic feel. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I wouldn't recommend this book for someone looking for fluffy reading.  The one I would recommend this to, would be an individual who thirsts for facts about history and wishes to have them laid out in a logical fashion surrounded by evidence that confirms their authenticity.

For the record, I was given this book free by Moody Press in exchange for an honest opinion.

Off Clip On Mosquito Repellent review

This is the product I reviewed; it's the Off 'Clip On' mosquito repellent. It's supposed to keep them away from you by blowing something odourless into the air. I was so hopeful it would work because who wants to smell like DEET?
Here is what happened when I tried it.

I hate to wreck the surprise for you but, for those of you who don't like to watch 2 minute videos, let me sum it all up for you in two words: Doesn't work. Such a bummer.

I was given this product free in exchange for an honest review.

"Refining Fire" Book Review

"Refining Fire" by Tracie Peterson is a delightful tale of two young women, who have sworn off marriage, falling in love. It's set in 1889 Seattle and one of the aspects I enjoyed the most about this novel was the primness of the 'Aunts' who run the Bridal School where these two gals live. It served to make me very thankful to live in the age we do where women are free to travel alone, wear what they wish, and not wear bustles.

Truthfully, I found there to be very little plot in this book. However, whatever negativity that may draw out in my opinion is well overcome by the novel's lack of mind numbing miscommunication-esque dialogue so prevalent in romance novels. Two thumbs to the author for that! Finally two heroines who actually say what they feel and feel what they say. There are also no damsels in distress. Hooray again. (Why romance writers so often feel the need to have a loud mouth be inwardly incompetent lady as the basis for their stories is beyond me.)

The only caution I would give about this book is that human trafficking of Chinese women is spoken of. It is not graphic but it is there.

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

"Your Sacred Yes" Book Review

I haven't been feeling well the past few days. Last week I went to an amusement park and ever since have been feeling like I just got off a cruise ship. Even reading has me spinning. Why am I telling you this? Because I think that anything negative I have to say about this book is more likely coming from a place of nausea than anywhere else.

Well, maybe.

"Your Sacred Yes" by Susie Larson, in a nutshell, is about making sure that when you take something on it's because you feel God is wanting you to and not because of any need to impress or fear or or or. Overcommitment is a common danger, especially in this culture. People look at you like you have two heads or like you're lazy if you decide to not help out with Sunday School. The message of this book was timely for me. I had to unexpectedly come home early from a much needed vacation. I was afraid to let anyone know I was home because I truly needed a break. It felt like a lie to let the world assume I was elsewhere. After reading a few pages of this book, I decided you know what, yes I'm home and it's still okay for me to tell the world to let me be for a few days or even weeks. If the world can continue to revolve while I'm out of town, it will still revolve if I don't answer my phone. I've even been semi successful at keeping it that way.

This book isn't written in lofty or eloquent English. Sometimes I started skimming. At the end of each chapter there are reflection questions which I didn't love. I don't like thinking about mistakes in my past that God has already forgiven. No point in dredging up what's already under the bridge. I just skipped over them. Having said all that, I believe this book is going to set someone free. If I had read this book a few years ago, I bet I would be sitting here crying but God has already done a miraculous job on me in this area. Praise the Lord!

You can not earn God's love. It's funny how we can know that we can't earn our salvation but then get caught up in thinking we can earn His love. So odd when you think about it.

I think my favorite chapter is the 'bonus' chapter where the author gives a 6 week life improvement plan. She teams up health lifestyles with spiritual ones. For example when she talks about drinking more water, she pairs it with taking in more of the Word. Very clever.

BTW, this book was given to me by Bethany Publishing Group for free in exchange for an honest review.

"A Worthy Pursuit" Book Review

I'm normally not the biggest fan of romance novels but "A Worthy Pursuit" by Karen Witemeyer was lovely. In fact, I'd say the worst part about it is the cover. It doesn't match the main lady character at all. Not that it matters.

Author Karen Witemeyer spins an endearing tale of a teacher accused of kidnapping three students and the bounty hunter hired to retrieve one of them. As luck would have it, the teacher is in fact the legal guardian and the bounty hunter now has a dilemma on his hand. Cue romantic music. Of course he has to prove his worth by getting hurt defending her and the kids a couple of times and she has to nurse him back to health. I won't say too much because I don't want to ruin the plot for you.

What pleasantly surprised me was that there were a few plot twists I didn't see coming. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration. There were a few plot points I didn't see coming. That's more truthful. But, the writing was easy to read - meaning I didn't find myself skimming page after page of descriptors or inner contemplations. The characters were endearing and the dialog flowed. One thing that this book lacked (and I mean this as a compliment) was the usual mind numbing emotional roadblocks most romance novels use to bulk up their page count. Sure, the main characters have a hard time telling their true feelings in "A Worthy Pursuit" but it doesn't take up much air time.

All in all, well done Ms. Witemeyer on an enjoyable novel. You've earned my recommendation which, in this genre, is far from frequent.

BTW, I got a free copy from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

"The Hiding Place" Young Reader's Edition - Book Review

The photo is not of the Young Reader's Edition but of the 35th Anniversary Edition. However, they are extremely similar.

Corrie Ten Boom's story is the thing of legend. Who hasn't been inspired by her life? I had read the adult version of "The Hiding Place" before so I was familiar with the story before reading this version - the Young Reader's Edition. I remember telling her story to a group of children at our church's Vacation Bible School one summer. Over the course of 5 days, I presented them with the hardships and lessons Miss Ten Boom shares. One the last day, when I was telling them of her encounter with a cruel soldier years later in life - when he asked for her forgiveness, they sat in rapt attention. Of course, it probably concerned them that I couldn't even get the words out I was fighting tears so hard myself. If by the grace of God, Corrie can forgive her torturer, what can I not forgive? Powerful.

At the beginning of this young reader's edition, I had a hard time following the characters, setting and plot. It just seemed like too many descriptors and names were given all at once and it was difficult to create a picture in my mind of her house. However, at it went along, I found myself swept away by the dramatic unfolding of her life. I marveled at God's goodness in the darkest place and was inspired by her sister Betsie's agape love. Every couple of pages there is an illustration that perfectly complimented the storyline - not too graphic but enough to give a spark to the imagination.

In my opinion, this is a life story that should be mandatory reading for every young person. It's just so rich with life lessons and makes you stop and think, "What am I willing to do to stand up to evil?" Especially as we see the world quickly imploding and humanity reaching new levels of degradation, Corrie Ten Boom's story serves as a reminder of all that is important and how the One True God will see us through.

BTW, I was given a copy of this book by Chosen: a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"Shadow of the Mountain: Exodus" Book Review

Do you know why "Braveheart" and "We Were Soldiers" were such huge hits? Because they finally portrayed men as they ought to be. The world is inundated with tales of deadbeat dads, unfaithful husbands, and men who just won't grow up. But in these sagas, the leading heroes knew what real love looked like, and were willing to die for what was right and for their woman and children. While realistically flawed, they longed to bring about change. This is also why I loved "Shadow of the Mountain: Exodus". The author, Cliff Graham takes the person of Caleb from the Bible and and made a fictitious story based on what we know of him. It's the tale of a battle hardened man living in Egypt before and during the plagues. Mr Graham did an astounding job of seamlessly weaving 'present' events in Caleb's older life with the retelling of his younger escapades. I don't usually like reading stories in first person but it really worked.

I have to say, it's definitely a man's book. I mean that as a compliment. At one point in the story, Caleb finds out no one in his army helped one of the old widows, who is cooking for them, put up her tent. He brutally punishes the lot of them while righteous anger flows through his veins. That is the kind of man I want my sons to emulate. He is a strong and brave character who comes to trust in the God of the Hebrews with his whole heart and is willing to go up against giants because that God is worth trusting in.

I'm not going to lie, I wouldn't put this book into the hands of a son under the age of 14. Maybe even then it's a bit young. There are a few reference to sexual violence which, while in keeping with the nature of the times, are very unpleasant. The battle scenes are well written which means they are gory and admittedly slightly far fetched. Mind you, when the God of the Universe is empowering you, I'm sure you can take an arrow to the neck or leg, give out a cry and keep on going.

Cliff Graham has also written books on David's mighty men and now that I've read this one, you can be sure I'll be looking to purchase those.

BTW, I got a free copy of this book from Bethany Publishing House in exchange for an honest opinion. I can happily report that I loved it