Alone, not yet alone book review and giveaway (Flyby Blog Promotions)

I read Alone, not yet alone, in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. The book was written by Tracy Leininger Craven and published by Zonderkidz. I was sent a paperback version of the book.

About the book:

The Leininger Family lives in Pennsylvania, in the Blue Mountains. They have a beautiful home and farm. Their homestead is hit with tragedy--The start of the French and Indian War and The Penn's Creek Massacre. The two youngest sisters, Barbara and Regina, are taken away by the Delaware tribe. Because of the girls faith in God, they believe they are not alone, even in times of crisis. The girls believe they will be reunited with their family. Next, the book was awarded 5 doves from the Dove Foundation. The book is recommended for people, ages 8 and up.


The book also is being released into a movie on September, 27, 2013.  Find a theatre here. The movie will feature Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin, Clay Walker, Jenn Gotzon, Joanie Stewart, Ozzie Torres, and Tony Wade.

About the author:

Tracy Leininger Craven writes historical fiction, incorporating history and real-life stories. Tracy is also married to David and has four kids. Finally, Tracy loves spending time outdoors. 

Social Media:

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http://www.aloneyetnotalone.com

My Review:

I enjoyed reading the book. First, the book is written from a Christian perspective. The family gave up modern -day comforts (of that time) for a frontier lifestyle. The family enjoyed their home and land, not knowing they was being watched. That was just the beginning. At the beginning of the book, Barbara is 12 and Regina is 9. Eventually Barbara and Regina gets taken by Indians--The same ones, who have been watching them.


The book is  sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book, and other sites. The book is available on Kindle, Paperback, Audio Cassette, and Hardback.

Giveaway: win a copy of the book

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Ragged Hope By Cynthia Ruchti Book Review, Book Tour, Giveaway (Litfuse).

I read Ragged Hope, in exchange for review from Litfuse. I received a paperback version of the book. The book was written by Cynthia Ruchti and published by Abingdon.

About the book:

First, the book is Christian-based. One of the sentences, which grabbed me, from the back of the book was Where is God when you are doing everything right, but because of someone else, everything is wrong. But through it all, God is always there, no matter what you are going through.


My Review:
The book talked about choices. Your life is not only affected by your choices, it is also affected by other people's choices. What if your kids, left your grandkids on the doorstep to start a new relationship? What if you are being stalked? or what if the person, you think you are in love with, lies about being single or having kids? (that happened to me before). or your child or husband, has an addiction, which affects finances and stability.

The first story focused on Don and Lila, who was raising their grandkids because their daughter had an addiction. Their plans for a quiet life was quickly halted. Their finances shaken, but they agreed to give their grandkids love and stability, instead of regret and hatred. At the each of the chapter, there is discussion questions, which would be perfect for personal or small group bible study. One of the questions is what sacrifices are you making for someone, you love, but sensing the taint of victimization? Followed by applicable bible verse. Each story is short: like maybe 5 to 6 pages. Each story is a quick read.

Other stories, I liked included:

1. Danielle's husband left her for another woman, leaving her raising 4 kids alone. She did not let her ex-husband bring her additional sadness and distress. She called on God during her time of need. 
2. Olivia was dealing with a death of a child (suicide). Her child committed suicide during a family dinner. 
3. Charla was a teenage mom, but was forced to give up her baby. The father was married.  She got married and had kids later, but had a fear someone would take her kids. I cried reading this story
4. Deana dealt with trust issues. 
5. Marisa dealt with postpartum depression (I been there before). 
6. Tasha's husband gave her the gift of HIV. 

Giveaway:
Cynthia Ruchti  is celebrating the release of Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices (Abingdon Press) with a $200 Visa Cash Card "Hope" Giveaway and Facebook Party!

One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card
• Ragged Hope by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at the "Ragged Hope Author Chat Part on August 1st. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of encouragement, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also share an exclusive look at her next project and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening. So grab your copy of Ragged Hope and join Cynthia on the evening of August 1st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Hope to see you on the 1st!

Clear Winter Nights

I read Clear Winter Nights by Trevin Wax, in exchange for honest review from Blogging For Books. When I requested the book, I had no idea what it was about. I knew it was Christian-based, but it was not released to the public yet. I could not find any information on the book and requested it anyway.

and I loved it.

You have a main character, Chris, who is doubting his faith. Chris has a good job, a future, and a fiance. Add in a strained relationship with his father plus a grandma, who instilled the Christian faith in him, who died.  Chris starts doubting his faith, doubting his life, doubting his future. He takes a break from his fiance.

Chris was in line to help seed a church but his heart was no longer in it. He goes to visit his grandpa, a former pastor, who just got out the hospital. The book had a plot, but what I enjoyed more was the conversations between the Chris and his grandpa. There was an interesting conversation where Chris said all religions was on equal footing. His grandpa was saying that everyone felt their religion (or lack of religion) was superior to another's. It was the one they chose or grew up with. It is the one, which holds their beliefs and faith. It is their truth. Chris could offend some people by saying all religions was equal.

Even though the paperback is small, it is not a quick read. It contains a good plot and good dialogue about religion and faith.

As of now, the book is still available for pre-order on Amazon. 9.99 for Kindle and 10.98 for hardcover.

The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel: How to overcome the spirit of control, idolatry, and immorality

I read The Spiritual Warriors Guide to Defeating Jezebel: How to overcome the spirit of control, idolatry, and immorality by Jennifer LeClaire. The book was for review from Bethany House. I received a paperback version. I also been referencing the book on Celibacy Diaries, but this is the full review.

I chose this book because a) it was Christian-Based. b) it focused on idolatry. I been reading a lot about idolatry lately: in the celibacy course I was taking, at church, and in other books. Worshipping other gods besides God is idolatry--whether it is the internet, sex, or even your kids.

I was in a highlighting frenzy with this book. I am not done yet. This book was meant to be read slow because it highlights a lot of crucial points for me. I struggle with a lot of issues, but I did not realize idolatry was one of them. I have put other things before God and truly need to repent.

Some passages, which stood out: (cited directly with page numbers).

1. Page 17, Jezebels' greatest deception is convincing spirit-filled church goers that it is a power hungry, self-promoting, spirit of control that wants to cozy up to the pastor in order to gain a position of spiritual authority in the local church. this is partly true: Jezebel manifests with control and manipulation, but that is merely the low-hanging fruit of a rotten tree. 
2. Page 19: Where there is no repentance, immorality eventually sears the conscious. We are no longer sensitive to the spirit of God, yet we long for spiritual encounters...Compromised believers seek supernatural experiences and sometimes encounter demonic manifestations and visitations. 
3. Page 23: A Jezebelite is quick to encourage sin. A woman confides in her, for instance, that she is having sex out of wedlock. The jezebelite willa sure the woman that it is okay if she is in love, easing the guilt and glossing over any godly conviction the woman might feel. (I deal with this instance a lot, since being celibate. I have heard a few interesting reasons why I need to have sex, even though I am not ready, and I would be disobeying God's plan for sex). 
4. Page 30: The 21st century church is often willing to overlook sin because a person's gifts is bringing increase to a ministry. 
5. Page 31: Just because a church is flowing and growing does not mean it is healthy
6. Page 32: Sexual immorality is any sexual act outside of the covenant of marriage. Any sexual Act (I did not understand what sexual immorality was at first, but I have a better understanding. I assumed it included thoughts as well. Thoughts can lead to actions, so we need to learn to control our thoughts more.). 
7. Page 33: People have to make a series of conscious decisions along the road to sexual immorality, reasoning away the reality of sin and relying on God's grace to be there when they are finished pursuing their fleshy desires. Ouch. This one was a crucial point for me. How many times have I did something stupid, dumb, disobedient--knowing it was wrong---but did it anyway--only to repent after? Just because God has grace and mercy, does not mean we are supposed to continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. 
8. Page 36 But I do believe it is impossible to defeat what you are willing to submit to. In other words, you can not defeat the devil if you are submitting to the devil. You can not defeat Jezebel if you are not willing to resist Jezebel's seductions. This one was a hard one to read as well. If I am engaging in a particular sin, it is hard to defeat it, if I keep doing it over and over again. 

I loved the passages on sexual immorality and purity. Definitely helped me with other things. I still have a lot to work on, but with God all things are possible, provided I follow and obey his words and instructions. I will be posting more posts on this book, probably on Celibacy Diaries. This book was good insight into how a Jezebel spirit affects the church, in addition to individuals. 

Vision of New Jerusalem: Now by Marty Angelo Book Review

I reviewed Vision of New Jerusalem: Now, in exchange from Marty Angelo. I saw a post on BookBlogs and responded to his request The book is also published by One Life Matters Ministries. The book consists of 32 chapters plus appendices and footnotes (400 plus pages). The book is .99 on Kindle and 9.95 on paperback.

About the Book:
An in-depth study of the relationship of the kingdom of God, the Church, and the New Jerusalem. By understanding and applying the principles found in this book one will learn how to:

1. Stay out of troublesome situations... Now!
2. Live a victorious overcoming life... Now!
3. Experience inner peace... Now!
4. Build an important bridge between preterism/fulfilled eschatology and futurism... Now!

My review:

The book starts out with Angelo becoming a Christian in 1981, but he did not start the book until 1983, when Marty was in jail for possession. In 1985, while working at a substance abuse center, Marty started developing a manuscript for another book: Once Life Matters: A New
Beginning. The book focuses on the endtimes and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Angelo shared and taught his vision with students/staff members at the center, but got fired because his vision was not aligned with the center's vision.

The first few chapters focused on Marty's background and his process for developing his books. He focused on his experiences in prison and his conversion to Christ. He also talked about his religious upbringing and background.

Page 34 goes into the four end-time teachings.
1. Futurist: Jesus will return to Earth. No one knows the date or time. The future will also involve catastrophe and judgment. There are four sub-categories under futurist:

• Pre-Millenial: The Church will be raptured at the second coming of the Lord. There will be tribulation and a 1000-year millennial period. 
• Mid-tribulation: the church will be raptured during the middle of the great tribulation and the 1000 year millennial period
• Post Millennial-the church is raptured in the future (not knowing the date or time), but after the tribulation, but before the millennial period
• Amillennialism- does not believe in a 1000 year millennial reign, but believes Jesus will come in the future.

2. Preterist : believes Revelation was written before AD 70. Revelation is an explanation of Jesus and Daniel's prophecies concerning Jerusalem's destruction and the return of Christ. 

3. Historicist: Started in the first century church continuing to the age of Prophecies.

4. Idealist: Also known as spiritualist or symbolic. The events of Revelation are neither past or future, but simply symbolic, dealing with good versus evil .

Chapter 3 dealt with Marty being confused with parts of revelation (which confused me too, when I read it years and years ago). Some things, he had trouble understanding was the Mark of the Beast (666) and the Whore (Harlot). Marty started doing more reading and research into end-time books to gain a greater understanding. He started developing a greater relationship with God. 

Chapter 7 starts getting into the real meat of the book (p. 68). Angelo backs up all his work with biblical references. Page after Page of verses of the bible, mixed in with text.For example:

Peter Needs Conversion (p. 104)

Of course Peter didn’t completely understand his role in the Kingdom of God until he was totally converted on the Day of Pentecost. He first needed to be converted… one of the first keys to God’s kingdom.

Luke 22:31-32 - And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

He discussed the resurrection, the coming of Christ, how Satan's reign will come to an end. He also talked about the power of the Holy Ghost and how a relationship with Christ is very important. No one wants to be left behind. I definitely do not want to be left behind. Marty also discusses how the kingdom of Jerusalem will be re-established. Next, Marty discussed the day of judgment. This is a great theological book, with a simple, easy-to-read format. 

About the author:

Marty Angelo is an author and minister. He founded One Life Matters Ministries, which as a prison, substance abuse, and celebrity outreach.

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Crimson Footprints

I read Crimson Footprints, in exchange for review from Charisma Media Network. The book was written by Shewanda PughThe book is available in Kindle and paperback. The book was published by Delphine Books through Smashwords. I also have purchased the book last year and did not realize it yet.

My review: 
The book is about Deena Hammond, who was born and raised in Miami (Liberty City). Her brother is trouble. Her grandmother seems to be ornery and can instill fear in anyone. She meets Takumi Tanaka, while he was in a sticky situation with her brother, Anthony. Deena helps diffuse the situation. Tanaka continues to think about Deena and sees her again weeks later. The book started off slow for me, but as I got more into the book, I started to love it. The author's scenery and characters are descriptive and have depth. For example, Deena works for an architecture firm, owned by Daichi Tanaka, Takumi's father. She met Takumi, while he was in a situation with Anthony, not knowing he was her boss's son until a tragic event. Everything is tied together. Getting involved with Takumi may affect family and career. I am halfway through the book. The book is exciting, gripping, and you can get lost in it. 

About the Book: Copied from Amazon: 

When an insecure woman begins a cloak-and-dagger love affair with a Japanese American man, she is intent on keeping her bigoted family in the dark albeit with devastating consequences. On the night of her brother's murder, Deena Hammond stumbles upon Takumi Tanaka, lost and on the wrong end of a .32. After rescuing him from the certain fate driving through the hood in a Porsche will bring, a sweet kind of friendship begins. A balm for her grief. Maybe, Deena likes to think, it happened the day her white mother killed her black father. Or maybe, it was always a part of them, like DNA gone bad. Whatever the case, Deena knows that her family would never approve, hell, never acknowledge her fast-growing love for Takumi. And had he never made love to her that way, in that unraveling, soul-searching sort of way, she could've done the same. But loves a devil that way. So, their game begins. One where they hide what they are from everyone. Anyone. And Tak understands this for now. After all, Deena's career hinges on the favor of her mentor and boss, his hard-ass of a father. And the Hammond family is already stretched thin with grief. Yet, each step Deena takes toward family and career brings her closer to an acceptance shes never had. And away from him.

About the author: copied from Amazon: 
Shewanda Pugh is a native of Boston's inner city, though she now calls Miami, Florida home. She has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Alabama A&M University and a Master's in Writing from Nova Southeastern University. Fueled from a young age, her passion for crossing societal boundaries like race, class and culture, is the inspiration for both her cluttered bookshelf and her writing. When she's not busy obsessing over fiction, she can be found traveling, nursing her social networking addiction or enjoying the company of loved ones.

Unrivaled Book Review

I read Unrivaled, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by Siri Mitchell and published by Bethany House. I received a paperback version of the book.

The book is about Lucy Kendall, who wants to work in her father's candy business. Her father's business is failing, in addition to her father's health. Her father had a heart attack, while she was overseas. Lucy wants to run the business, but her family is against a woman running the business. Lucy just got back from a trip from overseas with new candies for her father to try. She also wanted to inspire him to create new candies. Lucy's mother has started selling personal items and wants to sell the candy factory. Lucy's mother wants Lucy to focus on Debuntante season and to find a good husband.

Enter Charlie. Charlie's father also operates a candy business. He is going through some rough times. He just got out of jail.  He doesn't really know his father, but his father wants Charlie to help run the business. Charlie is moving hundreds of miles away to help a father and family, he barely knows.  Charlie's company and Lucy's company are rivals. Charlie's company acquired Lucy's father's prized candy. His father is a serious business man, who is making money and expects loyalty.

Both Charlie and Lucy are working together to please their father. The book is a period piece. I loved reading the book.


About the author: (copied from Bethany House)
Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes andThe Cubicle Next Door. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area. Visit www.sirimitchell.com

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What's Your Mark Book Review

I read What's your Mark, in exchange for review from BookSneeze.  I have the paperback version. The book is written by Jeremy Cowart and published by Zondervan Press.

The book discusses people, who made a mark on the world. Their lives have also been changed by Jesus. I chose this book because I loved the description and the cover was beautiful. I started reading the book as soon as I got it in the mail.

Also, after each story, the author has a chapter from Mark. So, you can learn about someone, get inspired, and then read the bible. yay.

Let me tell you about the cover. It is a beautiful frame, with a silver, mirror-material in the middle. You can see yourself through the mirror. Maybe, you can ask "what's my mark", while looking at yourself. The photos throughout the book are amazing too.

The first story talks about a woman, who uses twitter for social good. The woman works for Twitter too.  Instead of twitting random nothings, she tweets things, which will help people. For example, she posted about an orphanage, she visited. She posted about the good things, the orphanage was doing. She also posted on how people can help orphans. She also teaches people how to use twitter for good. What we tweet can affect others and how others feel about us.

Another story, was about a photographer, who used photography as a way to connect with others. She uses photography to see the light in others, to put focus on them, instead of her. The next story, focuses on a Christian hip-hop artist. He also started a non-profit. The book presents 21 stories of people, who made their mark on the world, including a husband and wife team, who had a successful tv series on the bible. The book is available in paperback (11.99 at time of posting) and kindle (1.99 at time of this posting).

What are you waiting for

I am currently reading, What are you waiting for by Dannah Gresh.. I read one of her other books, prior to this and I loved it. I chose the book because it focuses on celibacy, purity, and God's design for sex.  I bought the book from Amazon last week (paperback). The paperback was on sale and cheaper than the Kindle (way cheaper 4.99). The price is back to 8.98 now. Kindle is 7.99.

The book is not for the meek, the shy, the closed minded. Gresh talks openly about sex and sex-related issues. Gresh discusses porn, masturbation, homosexuality, friends with benefits, and finding love. All of this was written from a Christian perspective. I am trying to read more books about sexuality from a Christian perspective. So much information is out there, but I want to know what God says.

The author starts out discussing her marriage--from dating to the proposal. Dannah also discussed how her old boss encouraged her to have sex and even wanted to buy condoms. She discusses how she felt conflicted between sexual freedom and sexual purity. One side says to indulge in sex and the other side says indulge in God. The battle between the spirit and flesh is a tough one. Sure, I think about sex, but I am not trying to rush back into having sex. Celibacy is hard, but it's where I need to be right now.

Dannah also discusses sex in the bible. Yada is the Hebrew word for sex. Not just any sex, "to know, to be known, to be deeply respected" (p. 17). Yada is intimate sex with someone, who truly knows you (like a husband). Yada adds a level of emotional intimacy to sex. No secrets, and nothing is held back (p. 24). Mind-body-soul connection. Yada is used more than 900 times in the Hebrew Bible. Yada does not only apply to sex, but it applies to a relationship with God. God wants to be known and respected. He wants us to seek him and follow after him with a pure heart. He does not want us to fall for counterfeit love (p. 27)

On the other hand, Shakab means sexual intercourse. Shakab is frequently used with Sikba, which means emission (p. 30). Shakab also means exchange of fluids. This is a form of counterfeit love. Having sex with someone to simply exchange fluids. This is the dirty, disgusting, yucky, awkward, shameful types of sex (p. 31). I had a lot of this type of sex and very little (or none) Yada sex. 

Finally, I started reading the chapter on Masturbation first. This was the main reason I bought the book. The bible does not offer direct teaching on masturbation (p. 72). The bible tells us not to commit adultery, which is a sin. If you look after another with lust in your heart, you are committing adultery. This may involve pornography or staring at half-naked people online (I have left groups on Facebook because of the half-naked, tempting men photos). Masturbation can also hinder our relationship with God and people. It can become addictive (which was true for me). It also may cause shame. It also can affect future relationships, such as it can rob your future husbands (or husbands) ability to please you (p. 78). The book also discusses getting an accountability partner to help you with purity, celibacy , masturbation ,and other sexual issues.

Have not finished the book yet, but will post more on things, which can help others, was well as myself on both blogs (Perfect Chaos and Celibacy Diaries).

How to avoid having sex

I reviewed How to Avoid Having Sex, in exchange for review from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Program. The book was written by E.C. Stilson. I received my copy earlier today and finished it about 10 minutes ago (8:14 pm now). I selected the book from the March selections because A) I am celibate and needed a good laugh B) I used to be married and had my own excuses for not having sex. Some of my excuses was in the book. A few days ago, I was looking on Amazon for books on celibacy and abstinence. Stilson's book popped up in the search. I added the book to my wish list. Then, a few minutes later, I got the email from LT, saying I won the book. Yay me. I was patiently awaiting the book's arrival in my inbox. I got the book today and started reading it.

This was an amazing quick read. The book is about excuses, to avoid having sex with your spouse. Some of them worked. Some of them backfired on her, when the husband tried them too. Some of them included headaches, cycles, dead animals, company, and the kids may hear us. The author, not only provided excuses, but the stories behind the excuses. The book was hilarious. The book is available on Kindle  (.99) and paperback (8.99) on Amazon.

Freedom from Worry

I read Freedom from Worry, in exchange for review from Netgalley.com. The book was written by Patricia Wilson and published by Upper Room Ministries. 

I started the book a few weeks ago. Read the first section. Then, realized I needed a bible. I have the bible on Kindle and on the Kindle Cloud. Kindle had issues and so did the cloud. Did not occur to me to pull up a bible online (dummy).

I chose the book because I do worry a lot. I worry about the kids. I worry about school. I worry for the sake of worrying.

The book is a 28-day bible study on worry. Will be great for small-group bible study or Sunday school. Definitely thinking of getting the paperback or kindle edition.

The book is simple to read and easy to understand. Each chapter is also two pages. The book teaches us about giving our worries to God. This brings peace and freedom versus bondage and slavery.

The book has a good introduction. The first section hit me on the head: Are you already worrying you won't make it through the book? Each section has a reading section, reflection, prayer, and mediation. If you have the paperback, you have a place to write your prayer.

I also downloaded another ARC (advanced reader copy) from Netgalley. I been skimming through the book and  I like it, but it is time to put like to action. I need to give a lot of my worries to God.

Rainy The Raindrop

I read Randy The Raindrop, in exchange for honest review. The author was looking for reviews on Bookblogs and I received a printed, paperback copy. The book was written by Patty Wiese and illustrated by Kim Sponaugle.

First, I loved the graphics. The graphics were colorful, bright, and pretty.

Next, the book talked about Randy, the Raindrop. Randy talks about the sizes of rain drops--sometimes they are big--sometimes they are small. Randy also can show up anywhere--in the backyard, base ball field, puddles, cars, and on the ground. and when the rain is gone, Randy can be found in the sky. Randy also travels around the world.

At the end of the book: Patty has the lyrics and music to the Im a little raindrop song. The author also provides rain facts. The kids really enjoyed this book.

Women's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Storz

I read A woman's guide to reading the bible in a year by Diane Stortz, in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. The book was published by Bethany House Publishing.  I wish I skimmed this book sooner because I truly enjoyed reading it this weekend. Definitely am thinking about buying either the Kindle or paperback version of the book.

Second, The book starts out with inspirational stories, starting with a ladies group, who desired to read the bible in a year, focusing on three chapters per day. The group eventually broke off into multiple groups, including a men's group. The stories also included a Jehovah's witness, who desired more, in addition to a missionary, who realized she lacked familiarity with the bible, even though she taught it.

Why I chose the book: I never read the entire bible. I read the verses outlined in Church, plus a few chapters on my own. Read the book of Revelation a few times, but I never thought of reading the entire bible in a year. Definitely need to work on reading the bible more, plus memorization. Never memorized a bible verse, let alone a chapter,  a day in my life, I think, except like the last verse: AMEN or JESUS WEPT. Of Course, there is In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

Third, The book was very inspirational. Stortz (2013) discusses how we can find truth and love within the bible. We also can find encouragement, forgiveness,  hope, understanding, accountability, appreciation, direction,healing, release,  and peace. Next, Diane told her story of being born with one, fully formed, hip socket, instead of two. She was placed in full body casts around the age of one, in addition to staying in the hospital in traction. She eventually wore braces and then learned to walk. God is good. Very inspirational since my youngest son can not walk yet. He is in Early Childhood and Physical therapy. Tomorrow, he is getting a gait walker, which is to help his balance and muscular structure. God is truly blessing him with great therapists and he has made great progress since last year.

Fourth, the book provided tips for reading the book. For example, you can start anytime. The pages are not dated. You can use the guide with any bible version. You will read about three chapters per day, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It is also ok if you fall behind or get confused. You can catch up or re-read anytime. Stortz definitely focuses on using the bible to develop a closer relationship with God, which affects other relationships, such as family. Diane also encourages using the book to record your thoughts as you read the book. The book also provides guidelines for group reading.

Fifth, Stortz provided a brief history of the bible (from God speaking directly to men to traditional publishing), in addition to the books of the bible. Everything I mentioned so far, is found in the first 30 or so pages of her book.

Finally, the book provides an outline for reading the bible in a year. Each section has a selected theme, bible verses, in addition to checkpoints. The author discusses each theme first, before getting into verses and questions. Each section also has questions such as name something you learned or write down a bible verse you like to remember. The sections are very short. The bible verses given for each section also has a check box, to check your progress, I assume.

Over the Edge

Over the Edge

I received a copy of Over the Edge by Mary Connealy from Bethany House Publishers to review. Didn't have time to read it at first with school and kids. The past weekend (September 15, 2012), my youngest son got sick and had to go to the ER and I brought the book with me. The book is amazing. I love the story of Callie and Seth Kincaid and their son Conner. The story was very riveting and I was really into the book. The book started off with a shoot-out. The shoot out led to Callies meet up with her long-lost husband, who does not remember her. Seth has a ranch, family goes to ranch. Enter Jasper. Jasper had his money stolen by one of Seth's brother's wives. He wants his money back and thinks the money is on the ranch. Read the rest of the story to find out what happens.

This is a great book. 5 stars I recommend it.

Stacie