tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2532988099507367672024-03-13T23:35:13.486-07:00Jean's Conservative Christian Book ReviewsJean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-76449037614989647702014-08-10T17:05:00.002-07:002014-08-10T17:05:43.732-07:00$10 Great Dates by Peter & Heather Larson & David & Claudia Arp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8I9WXO-mcA/U-gIuE-jYwI/AAAAAAAAAeE/2DoWC0yjBLk/s1600/$10+great+dates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8I9WXO-mcA/U-gIuE-jYwI/AAAAAAAAAeE/2DoWC0yjBLk/s320/$10+great+dates.jpg" /></a></div>
I have to say I am disappointed in this book. I thought it would give me some great ideas on things I could do on date night with my husband, things that wouldn't cost a whole lot. Having said that...there was only one good thing that came from my reading this book. One of the suggestions is actually something my husband and I used to do and have loved...and since I received this reminder we will be doing it again.
Otherwise. I really didn't get anything out of it.
I am sorry to have to write this review.
I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from the www.bethanyhouse.com book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review. Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-66065731489829313372014-01-15T12:34:00.000-08:002014-01-15T12:34:46.575-08:00When We Were on Fire by Addie Zierman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CfeAYyWJhA/UtbuN0bh6xI/AAAAAAAAAXI/bOV0oNzW_Ts/s1600/when+we+were+on+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CfeAYyWJhA/UtbuN0bh6xI/AAAAAAAAAXI/bOV0oNzW_Ts/s320/when+we+were+on+fire.jpg" /></a></div>
I was in awe as I began to read this book. It could have been one of my own children writing it! I say this due to how the author was raised in an Evangelical background and all the things she did. All the things my own children did! So let's just say that I could relate to it. It was good for me to take a look back at all of this through her eyes and to see things in a new perspective. It also made me think of how I was raised as a Catholic before the Lord drew me out of there and into a newly planted Evangelical church. It was a good beginning of learning to be in the Word and to witness to others...to evangelize. I am so glad to have had these teachings! It was also a great place for our children to be with other believers and to thrive in such an environment. I was saddened then when, due to certain circumstances within this church...we had to leave. I was in deep mourning when it happened until the Lord told me that He would continue teaching me no matter where it was we went! That was such a relief!It is so good to look back in your walk with the Lord and see how far you've come and how much of it has been THE LORD's doings! Funny how you find out later it was all HIM!
I don't want to go into all the details of this book as don't want to spoil it for you...the reader.
But will say I do recommend this book to you! It will take you on a journey to your past especially if you had been or are an Evangelical Christian and will encourage you for how far you have come and for where the Lord is currently taking you!
Be encouraged and stay strong in the Lord!!!
I received this book for free from Convergent Publishing through the www.bloggingforbooks.org book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-29013901225627998282014-01-13T09:25:00.001-08:002014-01-13T09:25:52.282-08:00The Sheep Walker's Daughter by Sydney Avey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCZM7QUV-cM/UtQEcpXeETI/AAAAAAAAAW4/fIatHMn4hz0/s1600/sheepwalkers+daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCZM7QUV-cM/UtQEcpXeETI/AAAAAAAAAW4/fIatHMn4hz0/s320/sheepwalkers+daughter.jpg" /></a></div>
I usually do not read fiction titles but this one caught my eye and so I chose it to read. I am so glad that I did! This was one of those "you just can't put it down" sort of reads for me. I had a hard time not going to bed extremely early (which is my reading time) so I could be reading this book!
This author really has a gift of using words in such a way that makes reading them just simply delightful! So much so that as a writer myself I sat down and prayed for the Lord to give me a way with words similar to what this author has! Beautiful wording Sydney Avey! Not only that but the story is such a good one and hard to believe it isn't real. I do suspect that parts of this ARE real? I could be wrong.Hmmmmm? But it sure seemed real to me and just a delight to read this book.
When I first began reading this book, I must admit, I didn't like how the chapters went back and forth between the different character's views. Yet once I got the hang of it I fell in love with it! It kept me in suspense as to whose views the next chapter would be about!
I love how there were things I learned from the book as well. One of them being that if you are willing to give something up in your life, then you will be able to make room for what you REALLY desire in your life! Good, isn't that? Right smack in middle of a season where I am doing just that! Teaches me that even though fiction are things that are made up...a whole lot of it is REAL and comes from the heart of the author, from their own personal experiences and written in a way that is not boring, dry or dull but exciting!
You just won't be able to put this one down once you get it in your hands! I am not kidding. It is really, really good.
Hope to be able to read the sequel titled "The Lyre and the Lambs" when it comes out.
I recommend this book and this author!
Lord bless you on your own spiritual journey!
Happy reading!
I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from HopeSpringsBooks.com through the www.bookcrash.com book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.
Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-65635386143771072832013-11-25T09:41:00.001-08:002013-11-25T09:41:19.099-08:00Staying Alive: A Love Story by Laura B. Hayden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDnm7Bprguc/UpOLotFxeZI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/8Y6dMx2UQao/s1600/Front_Cover_Staying_Alive-198x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDnm7Bprguc/UpOLotFxeZI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/8Y6dMx2UQao/s320/Front_Cover_Staying_Alive-198x300.jpg" /></a></div>
I do not like writing negative reviews and really wanted to say something nice about this book. However, I had such a hard, hard time reading it for one thing. It was so confusing me to me. Then there were the swear words which really turned me off.
I am sure there are good points in this book? But due to the writing style and the swear words I find I cannot recommend this book to other Christians.
Just because someone is of a certain religion that does not mean they are necessarily Christian.
This book only brought me down and did not encourage me but instead brought discouragement.
My only hope is that the author found some sort of release and healing when writing the book.
I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from Signalman Publishing through the www.bookcrash.com book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-55467118873546654122013-10-23T10:22:00.001-07:002013-10-23T10:22:47.987-07:00Take Flight! A Sisterchick's Devotional by Robin Jones Gunn & Cinty Hannan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHD9PeR8JSI/UmgEejwVZ6I/AAAAAAAAAUM/wXbm7pIAdsk/s1600/www.randomhouse.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHD9PeR8JSI/UmgEejwVZ6I/AAAAAAAAAUM/wXbm7pIAdsk/s320/www.randomhouse.com.jpg" /></a></div>
I love the compact size of this book which instantly draws me in! I also love the colors of the hardback cover. It is a very well made book. I love the peach and blue colors!
Going to the inside I was not disappointed. It was just as pretty on the inside as it was on the out!
Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan take turns sharing their testimonies.
It is quite encouraging!
I love the idea of the Sisterchicks!
Robin Jones Gunn has other books you may want to sneak a peek at as well. One of the other ones I have read and loved is "Victim of Grace."
WONDERFUL!
Would make a great gift for the women in your life!
I recommend!
I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from the Multnomah publishers through the www.bloggingforbooks.org book review program.
I was not required to write a favorable review.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-7499967599765995122013-09-30T12:10:00.003-07:002013-09-30T12:13:18.062-07:00The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good by Peter Greer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6d2cMwznFI/UknNQnd9vmI/AAAAAAAAATA/CZqpowkWBHQ/s1600/9780764211207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6d2cMwznFI/UknNQnd9vmI/AAAAAAAAATA/CZqpowkWBHQ/s200/9780764211207.jpg" /></a></div>
There were quite a lot of things that I got out of this book which have helped me in changing mindsets about ministry. Things I needed to hear. I think that those of us who feel we are called to ministry and even regular Christians need to often have a "turn-about face" experience and to re-group.
This book will have that affect on you. It did me.
I recommend this book.
I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review through the Bethany House publishers through the www.tyndaleblognetwork.com book review program.
I was not required to write a favorable review.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-4687964304549725692013-09-30T11:57:00.001-07:002013-09-30T11:57:54.472-07:00Rude Awakening by Mark E. Donnelly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Le48taIeVVg/UknICSM6l8I/AAAAAAAAASo/Y6C5CujM2NA/s1600/15838487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Le48taIeVVg/UknICSM6l8I/AAAAAAAAASo/Y6C5CujM2NA/s400/15838487.jpg" /></a></div>
The thing that stands out the most to me about this book is that I had a hard time reading it. I think though this could be partly because of my own brain and how I tend to process things. I prefer things to be more simply written.
Having said that...this book is meaty and chock full of details and scripture.
It has taken me quite awhile to get through it having had to "digest" it in small bites.
Mark's life changed following a near death experience. He shares how and why in his book.
Seems to me we ought to pay attention to such people who have had near death experiences. Those who have had such experiences all seem to either have been told by God to share with the rest of us or else they are just compelled to do so.
This is not the first book I have read about experiences during or after a near death experience and I have also spoke with a few individuals face to face who have either had a personal near death experience or know of a close loved one who did.
I believe in such experiences as know we serve a God that cannot be put into a box.
I recommend this book.
I received this book for free in exchange for a free book review from the Engaged Publishing Group through the www.bookcrash.com book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-62460259520750237562013-03-10T11:32:00.001-07:002013-03-10T11:32:40.092-07:00Cleaning House by Kay Wills Wyma<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XO_RmHiD0g0/UTzRj0nXLWI/AAAAAAAAANk/QD4yEeSDnsc/s1600/cleaning+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XO_RmHiD0g0/UTzRj0nXLWI/AAAAAAAAANk/QD4yEeSDnsc/s320/cleaning+house.jpg" /></a>
This is a wonderful book which I would strongly recommend for parents with children yet living at home or for those advice giving grandparents. :)
The author wrote this book as a 12 month experiment and documented about it as she went along.
She writes at the end of each month what the children learned that month what she learned each month.
I would of loved to of had my hands on this book when my own children were yet at home! So many wonderful ideas on things to try to help make children more responsible instead of relying on parents to care for them til they move out. It makes sense then, that once children that are made responsible move out they will become responsible adults!
I loved that the author shared others testimonies of things they did with their own children. Showing that none of us is alone in our triumphs as well as our failures in rearing children.
I also loved the little tidbits of sayings that were shared such as:
If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.
--Abigail Van Buren
(I love any book that shares such sayings!!!!! Truth be told!)
It's really cute with lots to ponder and think about.
Would really be a good companion to have by your side if in that stage of child rearing.
I recommend this!
I received this book for free from the publisher Water Brook through the Waterbrook Multnoma book review program in exchange for a free book review. www.bloggingforbooks.org I was not required to write a favorable review.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-21852262066074190932013-03-09T06:13:00.001-08:002013-03-09T06:13:19.745-08:00Noah Webster Father of the Dictionary by Isabel Proudfit<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QaoxuGJqtU/UTtDUEpRUGI/AAAAAAAAANU/dFR-ZRnP1Pc/s1600/Noah-Webster.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QaoxuGJqtU/UTtDUEpRUGI/AAAAAAAAANU/dFR-ZRnP1Pc/s320/Noah-Webster.jpg" /></a>
This book would make a wonderful text book. I was pleasantly surprised to find it being historical in nature. Yet written in such a delightful manner, it was easy to digest.
Who'd of thought that Webster's Dictionary was written by a man named Noah Webster? I've always loved the dictionary and never ever gave it a thought as to how it all came about.
If you are curious and want to know how the Webster's Dictionary came about then you will want to read this book.
As you read you will find yourself immersed in the life of Noah Webster.
This writing was quite interesting and I feel worth reading.
I recommend it.
I received this book for free from the publisher, Bradford Press, through the www.bookcrash.com book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-26868326727511653822013-02-12T12:10:00.001-08:002013-02-12T12:10:21.193-08:00Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70he7I1tva8/URqhfr1uSmI/AAAAAAAAAMk/PQaF19QyFaA/s1600/next%2Bgeneration%2Bleader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70he7I1tva8/URqhfr1uSmI/AAAAAAAAAMk/PQaF19QyFaA/s200/next%2Bgeneration%2Bleader.jpg" /></a></div>
I have enjoyed listening to Charles Stanley through the years and now enjoy reading what Andy Stanley writes. Funny...as I read...I imagine I am hearing Charles Stanley sharing the message..
The main thing I got out of this book was that we are not to work so hard trying to be better at things we just aren't good or gifted at. Instead...we are to put our focus on the areas where we ARE gifted.
This makes complete sense!!! In my own life...I have TRIED to be good at things I'm not...and been miserable.
What Andy Stanley as written in this book has really got me thinking now...and praying as well for me to be in the slot where I belong. Perhaps then...I won't feel like such a misfit in my life. Do ya think?
Andy Stanley makes some really good points and teaches on them. His writing is on the intellectual side but not so much so that it is dry. It is actually quite good and well written.
Andy Stanley is a gifted writer and reminds me so much of his dad.
I recommend this book.
I received this book for free from the publisher through the Waterbrook Multnomah book review program. I was not required to write a favorable review. Freely I have received and so freely I give.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-69436084894412306122013-01-07T11:38:00.000-08:002013-01-07T11:38:11.873-08:00What Your Husband Isn't Telling You by David Murrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKjyBNUXL-A/UOsj-72plII/AAAAAAAAAKY/UeRdS-lHyRo/s1600/this%2Bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKjyBNUXL-A/UOsj-72plII/AAAAAAAAAKY/UeRdS-lHyRo/s200/this%2Bone.jpg" /></a></div>
I have to admit to you that I did not like this book. Really dislike writing a negative review and I rarely do but in this case...
In the beginning of the book the author had my attention. He wrote things about men that intrigued me and held my interest. However, once past the interesting sections...it was downright irritating to me.
I don't know that a man can write a book for women about their men and hit the nail on the head in all cases...or perhaps no cases. This could just be about the man that the author is.
The author gives advice as to how to help a man become what he was born to be.
I believe what a woman ought to do is to pray and be led by the Holy Spirit and to pray also for her husband.
I don't believe a woman ought to become quiet about the issues she faces with her husband.
I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for a book review. I was not required to write a favorable review. (which is obvious) Freely I have received and freely I give.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253298809950736767.post-52061388644790513202012-12-06T05:20:00.001-08:002012-12-06T05:20:59.263-08:00"She's Got Issues" by Nicole Unice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sqRrEKS9hw/UMCbkyDryKI/AAAAAAAAAJs/oJ7SAyQjQaI/s1600/shes-got-issues-products1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="186" width="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sqRrEKS9hw/UMCbkyDryKI/AAAAAAAAAJs/oJ7SAyQjQaI/s200/shes-got-issues-products1.png" /></a></div>
This is a well written book that is highly detailed. The author has a gift with words.
The author is a mother, ministry leader, counselor and speaker.
This book was written, it seems ,with the intention of helping others much like the author, young women with children. It could also help other women.
There is much good advice given such as to forgive others and to not compare yourself with others. Two very good points. There are many more as well.
I liked that she used quotes throughout her book...something I just adore in a book!
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds up to be.” Abraham Lincoln
This is geared towards Christians.
I recommend this book. Would be a good gift to to give a young, Christian mother who is going through stress and other issues. (and what young mother isn't???)
I received this book from Tyndale for review. The opinions expressed here are my own.Jean M Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768333174402107206noreply@blogger.com0