TravelswithCarsandBooks

"The Crossing", by Serita Jakes

2012-02-03T15:31:00.001-08:00

Claudia, a troubled young lady is dealing with the death of her Teacher and Coach ten years after her tragic death. Victor, her husband and ADA for the county in which they live has reopened the cold case, and this is extremely upsetting for Claudia. This is one of the main story lines in the action packed novel, called "The Crossing", by Serita Jakes.
During a return trip from a football game the bus in which the team and accompanying students and coaches are aboard, stops at a train crossing. At that particular time, a lone gunman enters the bus and shoots the bus driver, a student and football player, Casio, and searches out BJ the cheerleading coach and shoots her several times, causing her death. Following the investigation, the police come up empty and it would appear that the killer is never found. This is a novel which I was unable to put down because you never know what is going to happen next.
As for Claudia, who I believe to be the main character, is devastated at the loss of her coach and friend. BJ Remington. The beginning of the novel starts with some introduction of the characters in this story, which I found necessary in order to get the full picture of the entire story. Serita Jakes took the time in delving into each character, in order to paint a clear picture.
As the story unfolds, Claudia is laying on the floor of the bus with her dying coach/friend and you hear BJ speaking. I found that she was trying to figure out just what had happened to her and at the same time, she is speaking to God. You will find BJ speaking and praying at the beginning of each chapter. It sets the tone for each chapter. Claudia is the daughter of the town Pastor who you will learn more about as you read this story.
It's ten years later, and Claudia is now married to Victor Campbell, the ADA for the county. Casio Hightower, the ex-football player, now Police Detective is teaming up with Victor Campbell to reopen the case his father had initially been involved with at the time of the murder.
I don't want to get to involved with the overall story here, because I do not want to spoil it for anyone who picks this novel up and reads it. It's best to say the "The Crossing" by Serita Jakes is a wonderful read. I learned that even in death, there would appear to be some final thoughts and dreams of the person who is about to die.
Follow BJ, Claudia, Georgie, Casio, Victor and the rest of the cast of characters as you read and become involved with the story. You will not be let down.
I'd like to thank Blogging for Books, and Waterbrook Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this heart wrenching and uplifting story. "The Crossing" by Serita Jakes is sure to be a Best Seller.

"Every Body Matters" by Gary Thomas

2012-01-25T14:52:00.001-08:00

"Every Body Matters", by Gary Thomas is what I would consider a Study Guide as well as a Physical Fitness Guide to maintaining the proper physical body in order for you individual body to maintain the spiritual goal which we all need for our souls. By doing so, we will only be better to live our lives in the manner God has intended us to live.
I must say that before starting "Every Body Matters", I didn't give much thought to how my physical abilities impacted my spiritual fitness. As the cover states, 'Strengthening Your Body to Strengthen You Soul'.
God created out bodies as temples, in His own image. What right do we have to destroy that temple by our negligence of our body. Thomas explains in clear and concise words how when our bodies are neglected through lack of exercise, poor diet and the such, that our physical body does not have the strength to maintain and strengthen our Soul. I must say that I hadn't thought about it like that previously. As far as the strength of our soul, if you think about it, without a clear and strong soul, we are unable to strive to maintain our physical bodies, which in turn will affect our lives all the way around.
Thomas also reminds us that our bodies are not our own. They belong to God and it is our responsibility to maintain them in order to do His work. Thank you Gary Thomas for writing such a thought provoking and knowledgeable guide. You have certainly opened my eyes and have also provided a catalyst for me to strengthen my body, in order to assist me in growing as a Christian. I'd also like to thank Zondervanblog.com for the opportunity to read and review this vital piece of advice.

"The Future Door", by Jason Lethcoe

2012-01-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

"The Future Door", by Jason Lethcoe, is the second in a series written and directed towards the younger teenage reading group. As I did not read the first in the series, I had to learn the characters from the start, which was not a problem in the least. Lethcoe has a knack for reaching the younger mind and I'm sure that this selection will be a hit with the reader group.
The main character, Griffen Sharpe, is a young man around the age of 10 to 12 years who has a gift of being able to remember everything he sees. This helps him discover many clues which in turn assist both his uncle, Rupert Snodgrass and himself solve crimes. In the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, which by the way is one of Griffen's favorite detective's, both Griffen and Rupert go about their business of solving crimes.
In this selection, Rupert has invented a Time Machine, in the shape of a Tea Pot, and as you can imagine, this Time Machine will come into play with the story. Following Griffen and Rupert back and forth through time in order to solve crimes and right the wrongs committed by their arch enemy the Moriarty's is a wonderful way to escape for both young and old alike.
I'd like to thank BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this latest selection by Jason Lethcoe. "The Future Door" is sure to be a Best Seller. It is refreshing to see that there are some authors out there who are willing to write literature that is both fun and meaningful.

"Judgment Day", by Wanda L. Dyson

2011-12-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

Suzanne Kidwell, is looking for fame, and she is willing to destroy anyone in order to get it. This is what it seems as she goes about her job, as an investigative reporter for a television series known as "Judgment Day", but is Kidwell about to meet her own "Judgment Day"?
When Kidwell finds a friend of hers dead in her apartment, she is immediately charged with the murder. Suzanne, seeks and enlists the help of a pair of Private Detectives to prove her innocence. Can these two detectives, Marcus Crisp, a former boyfriend and his partner Alex (Alexandria) Fisher-Hawthorne, from a well to do family, who want her to return home to run the family business.
As the story develops, there are many instances of crimes being covered up and there is also a twist, when Suzanne Kidwell's fiance is killed while driving her car. Is there a connection there? Maybe.
I must say that this story peeked my interests right from the start, and Dyson is a wonder writer. My hat goes off to her for your writing ability and the way she weaves a story. "Judgement Day", by Wanda L. Dyson is sure to make the Best Sellers list. Thank yous go out to WaterBrook Press and Blogging for Books, for offering me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful piece of art.
Once the reader picks up this selection, they will not want to put it down. Bravo to Wanda L. Dyson on her accomplishments. "Judgment Day" is Great.

"A Whisper of Peace", by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2011-12-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

It is the late 1890's and Clay Selby and his step-sister Vivian are on their way to the Alaskan Frontier to begin their Missionary work among the Athabascans, the local natives of the area. Then there is Lizzie, the ostracized native of the Athabascans. As the story unfolds, Clay and Vivian are arriving at Fort Yukon, Alaska on the final leg of the journey to the Alaskan frontier and their mission work. Clay Selby is chomping at the bit to get his work started, but he needs to confront some difficult decisions along the way.
Vivian, Clay's step sister has some ghosts in her past that she is trying to deal with or maybe escape from. And then there Lizzie Dawson, the daughter of a White Man and a Athabascan woman. (The reason Lizzie is excommunicated from her tribe). As you can see there is a lot going on in this story, yet I found it a very compelling story right from the start.
I'd like to thank Bethany House Publishers for giving me the opportunity to both read and review this selection. I also found a local connection in this story, when the story spoke of Vivian's past and living in Huntington, Massachusetts, located in Hampshire County. The reason I found the connection, is because I too live in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, although not in Huntington. It's nice when a reader can make a connection such as this when reading a stimulating story. It tends to bring the story a little closer.
When Clay, Vivian and Lizzie first meet, both Clay and Vivian are taken by surprise at both the beauty and knowledge of the woman names Lizzie Dawson, and there is also and immediate niggling in Clay's heart. The question the reader must ask themselves is whether what he is feeling with develop into anything or will there be extenuating circumstances which may prove disastrous for Clay and Vivian's Missionary work in the area.
"A Whisper of Peace", is sure to become a Best Seller and Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wonderful writer. Sawyer knows how to keep the reader glued to the pages of this latest novel. and I sure that anyone who reads "A Whisper of Peace", will come away with a GREAT story, and to not minimize Christianity, there is definitely the Salvation message woven through the story. Bravo to Sawyer for a wonderfully scripted story that is sure to keep readers excited about "A Whisper of Peace".

"Earthen Vessels", by Matthew Lee Anderson

2011-11-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank Bethany House for the opportunity of reading and reviewing "Earthen Vessels", by Matthew Lee Anderson. This piece of literature points out exactly why our bodies matter to our faith, and Anderson uses both Scripture and common sense in his approach to explaining and educating the reader about our "Earthen Vessels", our bodies and Christ.
Man was formed from dust by God and He has used our bodies as His Vessel. It is what we as humans do with our bodies which effect our faith. As Anderson points out, we rarely think about our bodies when it comes to religion, but as he points out through Scripture, our faith is dependent upon how we treat our bodies.
Thank you Matthew Lee Anderson for providing the catalyst for the readers of this book, so that they can be more atoned to their faith and "Earthen Vessels". Our bodies do matter, when it comes to our faith. As you read this book, you may find yourself changing how you treat and protect your body, to further grow in faith and the presence of God. I would recommend this book to be part of any library.

"40 Ways To Get Closer to God", by Jerry MacGregor

2011-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank Bethany House, for the opportunity to review "40 Ways to Get Closer to God", by Jerry MacGregor. this selection is a 40 day devotional designed to bring the reader to a closer relationship with God. However, don't think that you as the reader are going to get away with just reading the book.
As the title suggests, this book is broken into 40 sections. As you read each section, you will be challenged to then complete an assignment, before continuing on to the next section or chapter if you may. As an example I suggest Day One. ' At Your Service', is a section on service to God, and mankind in my humble opinion. MacGregor takes each section and explains through his knowledge and Scripture just what it means to follow God. As Christians, we cannot be lazy and think that God will provide, if we don't put our own effort into becoming better humans, and therefore better Christians.
In the section of one of the Challenges put forth to the reader, and I quote from page 13 of "40 Ways To Get Closer to God" - "Your challenge today is to serve someone in a practical way." this section continues on, on just how to accomplish the first challenge.
With the above in mind, don't think that this selection will be a quick read by any means, and in order to get the most out of this book is to complete each and every section and challenge. Thank you Jerry MacGregor and Bethany House for providing such a great devotional and learning tool to the Christian.

"The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook", by Jeff Kinley

2011-11-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank Thomas Nelson/BookSneeze for the opportunity to read and review "The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook", by Jeff Kinley. This story although fictional, brings to light the very things that are happening within each and every one of us as Christians. We think that once we have accepted Christ into our lives and hearts, that we will be covered no matter what we do.
Kinley, has taken this his time in developing a story line which he then can describe with the use of Scripture, just how our past lives are in constant battle with the new or born again Christian. As the book begins, you will find that it is set up with an Episode, followed by it's corresponding Chapter. The Episodes are those set aside for the story line that Kinley has set up and each episode follows up with its chapter where we can learn about the aspects of dealing with the living dead or Zombies within each of us.
Ben Foreman, one of the main characters in this story must deal with many tragedies and accomplishments just as any of us do, but he is also dealing the what appears to be an outbreak of Zombies taking over the neighborhood and town in which he lives.
Corazon City, is located in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina and you would think that a place like that would be exempt from such goings on. Little did Ben and his family and friends know, but the Zombies are gathering to take over the area. Dan Foreman, Ben's older brother is and always has been more athletic and apparently more ambitious, and joins the elite group of Zombie Hunters/Killers known as the ZTF or Zombie Task Force.
Follow Ben and Dan Foreman along with their mother, and Crystal, Ben's girlfriend as they battle the Zombies, with each Episode. Then learn how to defeat the Zombies in your lives as you read and gain insight from each Chapter. "The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook is a must read. Not only is it an entertaining read, but it also gives pertinent information that each reader can relate in his or her everyday life. Thank you Jeff Kinley, for providing such a thought provoking insight into our lives and to the Zombies within each of us.

"Indelible", by Kristen Heitzmann

2011-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

"Indelible", is the perfect title for this latest novel, by Kristen Heitzmann. The story opens with the search for an elderly couple, interrupted by the tracking of a Mountain Lion with a toddler in it's jaws. Trevor MacDaniel and Whit, his long time friend and Outdoorsman partner find themselves going after and eventually freeing the toddler from certain death.
Then there's Natalie, a gifted sculptor with what could be described and a curse as everything she looks at ends up building in her mind, not allowing her to concentrate on anything else until she releases the images by sculpting them. Then there's another character who just happens to be blind and a wonderful artist to boot. Sounds like an interesting group, but there's more to the story than that. There is also some evil demons in the mix. Trevor is being stalked by just one of those demons and it may have to do with something from his past.
Wonderfully written and a great story, "Indelible", will take the reader on a roller coaster of emotions. There's adventure, mystery, drama and even a love story brewing in the story. Heitzmann certainly knows how to keep the reader glued to the pages of this intriguing story. As each page is turned you will not be able to put this book down. Why? Because with each turn of the page the story sucks you in even deeper. Can you figure out what is going to happen next? Only the reader will be able to answer that question.
Bravo to Kristen Heitzmann and to "Indelible".

"The Fight of our Lives" by William J. Bennett

2011-09-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

I like to take this opportunity to thank Book Sneeze/Thomas Nelson, for the opportunity to read and review "The Fight of our Lives", by William J. Bennett. This politically based book shows us just how fragile our lives became as a result of 9/11 and how we, if we listen and watch, can change the way in which things appear to be going.
As the cover indicates, this book also explains the by knowing the enemy, and be speaking the truth, we can choose to win the War against Radical Islam. Bennett takes the reader through the various events that have been shaping the way we think, and the way we look at our lives since 9/11. As you read through the variety of sections of this book you will be faced with facts and actions that need to be taken in order to keep our county and lives safe. We are truly in the middle of "The Fight for our Lives", and only through decisive actions both on our governments part and well as ours can we win this war.
Bennett looks at The Fort Hood incident where there were many hints if not out right red flags which could have been as well as should have been actions taken in order to prevent the slaughter of many Americans.
Secondly there is a section on just How we got where we are today. There are more sections to this eye opening book if only we take the hard look. Could the Fort Hood tragedy been avoided? I believe it could have been, but as the reader of this wonderful book, can you make your own decisions.
"The Fight of our Lives", should be made a part of any library and I think that every American should read this book. You will be surprised at the things that you will learn by reading "The Fight of our Lives".
Thank you Mr. William J. Bennett for providing a catalyst for change in direction.

Liquid Smoke, by Jeff Shelby

2011-09-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

"Liquid Smoke", by Jeff Shelby, is a suspenseful novel with a Private Investigator by the name of Noah Braddock, as it's main character. Braddock is approached by Darcy Gill an attorney representing a soon to be executed Death Row Inmate in San Quentin. She, Darcy, is attempting to recruit Braddock into assisting her, but Braddock is not overly committed to helping a man convicted of murdering two men.
What Braddock finally learns after turning down the case several times is that this convicted killer is his father. A man he never knew nor had any inclination of finding. Russell Simington, the convicted killer is scheduled to be executed within the month and Darcy Gill is trying to have his execution overturn and set to a life sentence.
Once Noah Braddock is convinced to at least meet with Simington, there are many turn of events, he then decides to meet with his alcoholic mother to get some long overdue answers to questions that Braddock didn't even know he had. Braddock must also try to find the answers to many questions in his own mind, as he tries to unravel the mysteries that have been placed before him.
"Liquid Smoke", also has many twists and turns. There is also Braddock's sidekick Carter who assists him along the way in this case, and there is also Braddock's love interest Liz Santagelo, a Police Detective. You will not be disappointed with this story. Once you open this novel, "Liquid Smoke", by Jeff Shelby will have you in it's grip and you will not want to put the book down until the last page has been read.
I'd like to take the opportunity to thank FSB Media for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful and suspenseful novel. "Liquid Smoke", is sure to be a Best Seller. Thank you to Jeff Shelby for writing such a compelling novel. You have definitely got a way with words.

"Screams and Whispers", by Randall Peffer

2011-08-25T07:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks to FSB Media, for the opportunity and privilege of being allowed to read and review Randall Peffer's latest novel in his Cape Islands Novel series. "Screams and Whispers", by Randall Peffer, what a wonderful yet scary novel. Peffer has taken his thoughts and what appears to extensive research, and molded them together to provide us with a suspenseful story. This novel will keep the reader glued to the pages.
Tuki, one the main characters in this novel has in her possession a gem of great importance to it's home country in South East Asia. Wing-Lei, the Dragon Lady and self appointed person to take that precious gem away from Tuki and it's rightful owner, will not spare anything to get the gem, including kidnapping and murder. Tuki, knows of Wing-Lie's intentions and is running away from her love on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, some ten thousand miles away, from Vietnam. She does this to try and protect Michael Decastro, her lover and protector.
As Tuki's self appointed protector, Michael enlists the help of his father Ceasar Decastro a Vietnam vet. The senior DeCastro has many mixed feelings about returning a a country he left some forty years ago. He has many demons and nightmares of his time in country and is having a hard time in dealing with his son's request, but ultimately agrees to help him.
As a Vietnam vet myself, I found myself drawn to Ceasar Decastro's thoughts and feelings as he re-enters s world he has been trying to forget for forty years. The smells, tastes and scenes rekindle many emotions. Peffer has done a great job of telling this story and bringing the scenes alive in this reader/reviews mind.
From the moment you open this novel and start reading, you will not want to put it down. Follow Tuki, Michael, Ceasar and the other characters on this journey. You will not be disappointed with this story.
Thank you Randall Peffer for a GREAT read. "Screams and Whispers" is sure to be a Best Seller. Again, Thank you FSB Media for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful novel.

"Be The People", by Carol M. Swain, PhD (A MUST READ)

2011-08-15T17:28:00.000-07:00

I have just had the pleasure of reading what could be called a very controversial book entitled "Be The People", by Carol M. Swain. Swain takes great strides in outlining just how our country has seemed to have forgotten where our roots are. That being of a Judeo-Christian background, and how that basic faith has eroded. One can only guess at how this has occurred or maybe somehow we have allowed it to happen.
Swain, is certainly on the Conservative side of the argument, and she backs up her writings with the apparent well thought out and researched plan to bring us back to America's faith and promise. Each chapter dedicates itself to a particular aspect and at the end of each chapter, you will find what the author calls an Action Plan. This Action Plan is a series of questions or thoughts related to the previous chapter, to give the reader a starting point to find out how we can correct the errors.
Our Founding Fathers took great pains and strides in forming this great nation and these aspects are also included in the wonderful book. At the end of this book you will find some of our most important documents. ' The Ten Commandments', ' The Declaration of Independence', ' The Bill of Rights', and ' The Constitution of the United States of America.' Now the previous are certainly documents and creeds that we can all live by.
I'd like to thank Book Sneeze, (Thomas Nelson Publishing), for the opportunity to both read and review this outstanding piece of literature. I'd also like to commend the author, Carol M. Swain, PhD, for her tireless efforts in putting forth such as informative book.

"Keys to the Kingdom", by Senator Bob Graham

2011-08-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

"Keys to the Kingdom", by Senator Bob Graham, is a spell binding novel. Senator Graham has taken the events of 9/11 and given us a what I believe to be a fictional story of events prior to 9/11 and following that tragic event.
The Kingdom, (Saudi Arabia), is apparently helping bin Laden in more ways that any of us in the United States would like to think. He, bin Laden, is seen in Saudi Arabia well after the tragedy of 9/11. He has shaved to change his appearance, but to the trained observer, it is without a doubt, the man who mastermind the United States worst terrorist attack.
Shortly after the the publication of the 9/11 papers Senator Billington is murdered. Billington had been the co-chair of the Congressional Commission. His long time confidant Tony Ramos, a former Special Forces operative and current State Department employee, takes on the case.
Once you begin to read this story you will find yourself drawn into what is seemingly the underbelly of the government and the seedy side of society. Follow Ramos and a cast of others as they attempt to unravel many inconsistencies which threaten the world and the United States of America. Can Ramos figure out what is happening in time to prevent another catastrophe or will he fall short.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at Senator Graham's ability as an author. He definitely kept me glued to the pages. Bravo to Senator Bob Graham for writing a suspenseful novel such a "Keys to the Kingdom. I would also like to thank FSB Media and Rubyna Mansuri for giving me the opportunity to both read and review this 5 star novel.

"Average Joe" by Troy Meeder

2011-07-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

I'd like to thank Blogging for Books for the opportunity to read and review "Average Joe", by Troy Meeder. Meeder takes the reader on a journey through literary experience of just how God uses the what may be called the run of the mill man, to further His Will. As the reader first opens this book, they will find themselves engrossed in how the author begins his story of what each of us thinks about how our lives should develop and grow, only to find that God has a purpose for each and every one of us.
As Meeder states in Chapter One, "God seems to have a special fondness for average Joes. Before they accomplished extraordinary deeds, normal guys like Gideon, David, Peter and Paul, went about their farming, sheep herding, fishing and tent making. Even Jesus, our Redeemer, Healer, and coming King, started out using a hammer and saw in a carpenter's shop."
Not every "Average Joe", will reach a notoriety of champion or recognition of note, but as Meeders explains, God is in control and He knows what He wants from each and every one of us. We need to be listening, so that we will know what His plan for us is.
Follow Meeder's story as he takes you through the hurdles in his life. You will not be disappointed at the outcome. What comes to my mind is the quote, "The Meek shall inherit the Earth." I can only say that the average Joe's of the earth represent the meek.
Here is an excerpt from Chapter Ten, entitled 'The Test.' - The Responsible Husband - The marriage relationship between a husband and wife is an earthly image of the church and Christ. Ephesians 5:32 says, "This is a great mystery, but marriage is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." Within the context of marriage, no failure in a relationship is one-sided. It takes two. However, I strongly believe that the health of a marriage is directly related to the spiritual health and leadership of the husband, the 'pastor', of the home. When things go south, more often than not, it is because we husbands have failed to embrace our role in the manner God intended."
Thank you Troy for the above statement. Sometimes as husbands we forget our responsibilities.
This book also has a study guide at the end for further contemplation and reflection. Thank you again Troy Meeder for providing such an insightful book, and Thank You again to Blogging for Books for providing me the opportunity of reading such a wonderful book. This book can be added to any Christian Library and it also provides the tools for every man to serve God and his family.

"Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me" by Ian Morgan Cron

2011-07-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

"Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me" (A memoir of sorts), is a life story of the author, Ian Morgan Cron.

Cron, an Episcopal Minister, takes the reader on a ride of Ups and Downs as he tells the story of his life. Usually, I have found, memoirs of this sort, tend to be of interest to the writer and to their family, however, Cron has woven a story that once picked up, the reader can not put it down.

I found my self laughing and crying (depending on the situation), while reading through this memoir. As Cron states a memoir is what we remember and how we remember the times of our lives. No one can remember every little detail of their lives, but how it is remembered and the way Cron writes his memoir is captivating. He has a wonder way of pulling the reader into the story and keeping them there.

Cron speaks in detail about his struggles with his Faith, his father's life, drunkenness and actions. He also learns of his father's involvement with the CIA. All this while growing up in the affluent community of Greenwich, Connecticut. Cron does not leave any thing out regarding his own feelings in this story. He spares nothing in bringing his life alive in the readers mind.

What I learned from this story is that nothing is impossible and that our faith and closeness to God can and will prevail.

I was able to read and review this selection, through the kindness of Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishing, and thank them for this opportunity. I would like to send out a special Thank You to Ian Cron for writing and sharing this memorable story. "Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me is a must read.

"Ashes, Ashes" by Jo Treggiar

2011-06-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

The world has changed due to plague and apocalypse. Lucy feels very alone and vulnerable, but also strong in maintaining her safety. Any thoughts of a better tomorrow vanish from her mind when she thinks about the hunters, the wild dogs, and the lack of real human contact. But Lucy is not alone. There are others who are working for not only daily survival, but also for a better tomorrow. They want to do more than exist. Lucy has to make a choice when she meets Aiden. She can either continue to live alone and continue to face terrifying ordeals like tsunamis, or she can find him and join his group. As the story unfolds, you will be captivated and continually turning the pages.

This is a powerful story. Jo Treggiar wrote so that we can see through the eyes of young people, but find the scenarios appropriate for older adults as well. Cassandra
Campbell does a great job reading this audio book. I received my free copy from Oasis Audio, and encourage you to get a copy for yourself.

"Into My Father's Wake", by Eric Best

2011-06-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

"Into My Father's Wake", by Eric Best, is a true story of a man's attempt at reconciling his deepest feelings about his father, while he is sailing solo 5,000 mile Pacific journey. This story begins with the purchase of a forty seven foot ketch, named Feo. Feo is a story in it's own right, as it has served it's former owner well. Throughout this journey, the reader can certainly feel like they are right along side the author as he attempts his first solo aboard the Feo. Each day and moment has been recorded here so as you read this memoir, you will feel taste and endure along with Best.

Throughout the book, there are hints and glimmering insights into the authors family life, especially when it comes to his father's appreciation for sailing and his hard taught lessons to his son. Along the way, the author comes to the realization of his father's love for him. There is also some interesting dilemmas which arise from time to time and this is where Feo takes over and sets the soloist on the right path or coordinates so to speak.

This story was very compelling throughout the first section of the book, entitled 'In the Path of My Fear'. However, this is where I had some difficulty. It appeared that the second part of the book became blurry as to what the author was trying to convey. It was disjointed and hard to follow, and this came abundantly clear especially in the last part of the book. To me. the second part of the book didn't flow with the first part, and this is too bad.

"The Lady of Bolton Hill" by Elizabeth Camden

2011-06-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Gentlemen, don't let this cover fool you! This story is full of all kinds of adventure. There's industrial espionage, explosions, death and a story to boot. For the Ladies, there is also a love story and a story of commitment to family, life and love. Not only is this story a wonderful read, but there is also the message of Salvation wrapped up within the pages.

Daniel, Tremain is one of the main characters who has come from rags to riches in this story and his long lost friend and possible love of his life Clara Endicott a female journalist, is there to both support him and help him come to grips with his past and hopefully to see the error of his ways. Once you start to read this story, you will find it hard to put the book down as with each turn of the page, something new is exposed.

Will Daniel completely destroy his main competitor, or will there be a reconciliation between the two. Will Clara be able to help Daniel see his ways are or could find him in turmoil? Clara is hoping to tame this man (Daniel), and Daniel is struggling with his feelings of love towards Clara. Hopefully they will meet somewhere in the middle and live happily ever after, or is that what should happen?

A little history about Clara and Daniel. There were childhood friends, she from the better side of town where there was no want for anything, while Daniel came from the seeder side of town where everything had to be earned and usually the hard way. Daniel witnesses his father's death. Both Daniel and Clara have a love of music. You will have to read this story to find out just how the story develops and how it ends.

Elizabeth Camden has written and wonderful story and is to be commended for her outstanding work. Thank you so much Elizabeth Camden for this walk through history. I will certainly be looking for other stories by Camden.

"Primal" A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity, by Mark Batterson

2011-05-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

"Primal, A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity", by Mark Batterson, is a DVD based Bible Study which I found to be of great value. As it's title entails, as Christians look to where they are, they may find themselves searching for something more. Batterson does a wonderful job of narrating this DVD based study by breaking it down into section to look at and study. The sections which came to his mind came from Scripture. He chose Mark 12:28 - 30 "Love the Lord Your God with all your Heart and with all your Soul, and with all your Mind, and with all your Strength." Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength. Simple right? Maybe not. But it should be.

As Batterson explains, all Christians when they, and this includes me, accepted God's gift and accepted His salvation, we accepted it with gladness and readiness. We didn't question nor did we challenge His Word or expectations.

This became relevant, when Batterson and his wife were touring underground remains and finds while on a vacation, only to find that they were finding that they too may have developed a core or crust about the relationship with God. Batterson challenges us, through this study, to come back to the basics or "Primal" desires to commune with God.

As each segment of the DVD presentation comes to a close, a provoking question or question is presented that will provide for interaction and study. There is also Scripture available for further study. This DVD based study can bring you back to your roots of coming to Christ. Thank You Mark, for pointing out that as Christians, we tend to over complicate Christianity, he has allowed us to look back to Jesus as He simplifies it. "Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.

At the end of the DVD study, a section is available known as Resources, where the listener/ attendee can go for further information and resources to follow up on their own or in a group. Again Thank You Mark Batterson for making this DVD. I know that it has already helped me to simplify my life through Christ again.

"Fatal Judgment" by Irene Hannon

2011-05-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

I have just had the pleasure of reading a wonderful selection from The Crossing Book Club, entitled "Fatal Judgment", by Irene Hannon. Hannon has written a novel/story of intrigue, drama, hope, compassion and fear, all rolled up into one fantastic novel. The main characters in my opinion, are a U.S. Deputy Marshal by the name of Jake Taylor, who is charged with protecting a Federal judge, by the name of Liz Michaels, following the murder of the judge's sister. Was the murder intended to be that of Liz Michaels sister, or was there another intention. Until that question can be answered, Taylor must protect this Federal Judge at all costs.

There is also another twist to the protective detail. This Federal Judge and the U.S. Marshal have a past. Michaels was married to a now dead friend of Taylor's and the reasons for his death are yet unclear to Taylor or Michaels. Jake must attempt to put his feelings aside in order to do his job and protect Liz Michaels from harm and possible death.

Follow the characters as the story unfolds right through the conclusion. This story is riveting and as the reader, I have a feeling you won't be able to close this book until you have finished it completely.

Irene Hannon is a wonderful writer and "Fatal Judgment" is a testament to her abilities and determination. Bravo Irene Hannon. I for one will most certainly be reading more of her work. Thank you so much.

Prologue Excerpt By Eric Best Author of "Into My Father's Wake"

2011-05-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Prologue Excerpt
By Eric Best
Author of Into My Father's Wake

In the years before I finally went sailing alone I struggled with something nameless whose manifestation in my life I did not recognize for the longest time. Most of it was negative -- a dull ache of some internal sort, sudden rage at conditions that would not submit to me, relationships that foundered in conflict or the effects of drinking, or drinking itself. This I had learned at home from a couple of experts and the traditions in which they came of age, where alcohol was just something one did at the end of the day. The drinking dulled but did not eliminate the background noise of the thing, which was perhaps the background noise of sadness, or echoes of irreconcilable conflicts, or the thing itself, whatever it might be. In matters of the heart, over time, I found I could only go so far and no farther, derailed or obstructed by something that must have been rooted in me early, if it was not my own by nature.
How much of this had to do with me alone and how much was a function of my family or the way I understood my place in it, or my father and mother, or the New England upbringing of my youth, I could not tell. It is easy enough to blame one's troubles on others, particularly the people who brought us into the world and raised us. But surely I figured in it somewhere. Who expected to be fully happy, anyway? Perhaps it was all in the pursuit, as books on the topic seemed to say. For a long time I did not appreciate that most people were not raised as I was, and therefore had their own experiences of parental love and the frailties and failures that went with it. Some of those were devious and for me would be intractable to understanding without the help of others.
Not until my first experiments with psychotherapy (in which I was the lone family explorer) with a grey-haired woman in Cambridge did I suspect there was something to uncover in my family that might explain some of my conflicts. Early school reports documented me as very clever and engaging, but contentious and sometimes explosive. My years growing up on a former dairy farm in a small Massachusetts town, and later in private schools, were marked by more than my share of fistfights, confrontations on the soccer field and a record number of ice hockey penalties, though I never developed a taste for bar-brawls or street fighting. I could be very funny and entertaining -- at least my family and friends generally said so -- but when it came to being argumentative or provocative, few could match me in any grade from kindergarten on up. I despised authority in any form and if I felt the least bit trapped or pushed, in word or physical space, self-control was not my natural instinct. Call it spoiling for a fight, or a chip on his shoulder, or just a confused kid in pain, this tendency did little to endear me to my contemporaries, among whom I had a few but fortunately enduring friends.
If a turning point was signaled along the way it came without much notice during lunch in a Fifth Street bar in San Francisco in the mid '80s. I was in my mid-thirties, stunted in some ways I could not name, drinking regularly if not relentlessly and slipping inexorably into the collapse of my first marriage. I remarked to another journalist and unrequited novelist -- bound together as we were by the San Francisco Examiner, our unrealized ambitions as writers and a common tendency to fly into rages over trivial matters -- that I didn't think I could ever write my first book while my father was still alive. Why I said this at the time I was not sure, but I knew it was true and felt I was disclosing something powerful by saying it out loud to anyone. I was telling a truth without knowing why.
It would be about a decade before my father died in his waterfront bedroom in Cape Rosier, Maine, in the house my mother's father had built 80 years earlier, overlooking the rocky shores of Eggemoggin Reach, where I did my first sailing and my father did his last. In the meantime I had sailed alone to Hawaii and back and struggled to write the story of that trip and the life that brought me to it. Expecting his death by congestive heart failure to arrive at any time, I invited him to read the first draft, about which he only said, with a grim, narrow look I knew too well, 'So, you hate me, then?' It defined the gulf between us more eloquently than anything I could have ever come up with on my own. A few months later, with that still between us, I drove him home from the Bangor hospital, knowing it to be the last time, so he could have a view of the water and his sailboat, 'Enfin,' idling at her mooring nearby. He died three days later in his sleep, just after I left on a business trip. A dozen years would pass -- including my mother's decline and death, and another failed marriage -- before something moved me to finish the story once and for all -- to try to accept and forgive and bury him with a decent tribute, and perhaps set myself free in ways I had never been.
It is a truism that we never know when we set out on a long journey just where we may arrive, or when. Life is made up of the unexpected, coming at us point-blank. Things are seldom what they seem, so our charted course is never the course we make in the end. While the father whom life dealt me left his indelible marks -- for better and worse -- there were others I found along the way. One was a tennis buddy of his, a former RAF pilot who flew night-fighters in Korea and then ran a mysterious business involving military hardware. During one of my explosive tantrums over a failed shot in a casual weekend doubles game, John Striebel looked at me with mild contempt and said simply, "That's it, I'm done." He sat down beside the court with an air of finality, rejecting summarily his younger partner, which broke up our precious Saturday game and made everyone a victim of my behavior. John was the first partner (or player) ever to walk off the tennis court when I was throwing a fit -- the only one, actually. And I felt oddly grateful, even as I had to walk the half-mile home alone as he and my father drove past without showing any sign of my being there. Years later John would counsel me through my first divorce -- don't let your anger take over, he said. He also warned me not to wait too long before trying to sail solo in the ocean. Getting older has a way of making you afraid to do things, he said, and the fear will come on you unexpectedly.
Other fathers I found, or who found me, helped me discover certain truths that I could not see clearly on my own. Don Michael, an educator and consultant who became a mentor to me in my consulting practice, looked at me with compassion when I recalled some of my earliest memories, some of them clouded or blocked, which had something to do with violence. "No child can reconcile love and brutality, it just doesn't make any sense," he said, putting me on a path to understanding my history over time. Joe Miller, a Sufi philosopher and spiritual guide in San Francisco, showed me the power of powerful listening and evoked words that would become my compass for the rest of my life. And Professor Bill White, who continued to teach through his last tortuous months at Harvard Business School as he died of leukemia, showed me with deathbed selflessness what it meant to help others find their way.
It was my own act of faith that in finishing this story something crucial about my father and my relationship to him might finally come clear, although its manifestation would be a surprise. The manuscript that had gone on the shelf after he died suddenly demanded attention when my son turned five. That was about the same age that I had become consciously aware that my father was in my life. He had spent my earliest years commuting from Connecticut to a New York City bank and was seldom at home when I was awake, a condition I had recreated in my own son's life. There was something about this age -- five. My first daughter was five when my marriage to her mother broke up, and I felt compelled to get into the ocean alone, to get out there -- maybe just to get out of here -- to be truly alone to figure something out. This journey would not be finished, if I could call it so, for another 20 years. In truth perhaps it would never be.
The above is an excerpt from the book Into My Father's Wake by Eric Best. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
© 2011 Eric Best, author of Into My Father's Wake
Author Bio
Eric Best is an author, speaker, and strategy consultant to individuals and corporations. Educated at Hamilton College, Harvard and Stanford Universities, his background as a journalist (Lowell Sun, USA Today, San Francisco Examiner), futurist (Global Business Network, Morgan Stanley), and solo ocean sailor (SF-Hawaii and back, '89 and '93) inform his insights. The father of three, he lives and maintains offices in Brooklyn, NY, where he currently consults for a global financial firm and is working on two new books.
For more information please visit http://ericbestonline.com and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter
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"The Book That Made Your World" Vishal Mangalwadi

2011-05-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

"The Book That Made Your World", by Vishal Mangalwadi, is a collection of thoughts and ideas which formed our world as we know it today. How often we take for granted just how our lives are shaped and managed. Mangalwadi, takes the reader on the pathway of just how the Bible influenced the way the Western Civilized world works. "The Book That Made Your World", is actually a history book, that of a history of how the Bible shaped our world.

In this collection the three different types of judgements are noted.

(1.) Moral Judgments - This is good; that is evil
(2.) Aesthetic Judgments - This is beautiful; that is ugly
and
(3.) Epistemological Judgments - That is true; this is false

From these judgments we can start to see just how the Bible became the force that globalized Western civilization.
Written in a text book way of forming of the ideas and taking the beginnings of civilization, Mangalwadi, expresses just how the Bible influenced how both Western Civilization took hold of the ideals of the Bible and Biblical teachings while the areas of the world such as Islam and Buddists cultures view their beginnings in such a different way.
At the beginning of Part Three is a quote which identifies with America. "The Bible was one book that literate Americans in the seventeenth eighteenth, and ninetheenth centuries could be expected to know well. Biblical imagery proveded the basic framework for imaginative thought in America up until quite recent times and, unconsciously, its control is still formidable." - Robert N. Bellah
This previous quote shows just how the West took hold of the Bible and ran with it, so to speak, forming nations filled with Bible believers and people who went to the Bible for the answers to their questions.
I must say that I did find this book hard to read, and for that reason I only give it three stars. But I also found it full of important information that everyone should be ready to explore. Once into this book, you will find all kinds of interesting information. Now we must figure out how to take our heritage and shout it from the rooftops. It will be a path most likely to be hard to follow, but with rewards beyond comprehension.

"Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor" Chuck Black

2011-04-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

"Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor", is a story of decisions. How often do we have to make decisions on a daily basis, such as what we are going to eat or wear for the day and so on. Most of our decisions are of a minor nature, however, some decisions are more of a life changing or life altering nature. That is what you will discover when you open and start reading this compelling and adventurous novel by Chuck Black.

"Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor" is the story of a young man by the name of Twitch who is a knight in training. He along with his companion Tav, are seemingly on the path of discovery and as in life, each must make their own decisions on the pathway of life.

I found this story captivating and very well written. It is sure to keep the interest of it's intended readership, that of Teens and Young Adults, but I found this story captured my attention and imagination as I believe other older adults would find this story wonderful. As you read about Twitch's adventure, or might I call it a journey, you will be amazed at the courage and determination of its main character. Twitch also learns more about himself than he could have ever dreamed possible.

Follow Sir Quinlan, (Twitch) and his friends on their journey of discovery. You won't be disappointed.

"Max on Life: Answers and Insights" by Max Lucado

2011-04-18T05:04:00.001-07:00

Have you ever considered the many questions we have in life? How about the doubts and insecurities each and every one of us have from time to time? These questions are just something to think about as you open Max Lucado's latest book entitled, "Max on Life." As Christians, when we asked God into our hearts, we thought that we had everything under control with our lives and that God would provide. That was true, however, we are human, and human nature does not allow us to us to completely understand that we are not in control. As humans we need to be in control and we will question every little thing that stands in our way of what we feel we need and want. We are unable to fully trust and have complete faith, therefore, we have questions, especially when things seem to be far from under our control. This book is for everyone, Christians who have accepted Christ as their Savior, and those who have yet to make that decision, and have not yet accepted God's grace. "Max on Life," is a collection of everyday questions that can be answered, and Lucado, does just that. He provides easy to understand answers and also provides the Scripture in his answers. By no , means does he say that his answers are the only answers, but what they are, is a path which allows the reader to keep their focus in the right direction. That of the way of Christ. The answers to your questions, just might be answered in Lucado's latest book, and if not, they will provide the answer as to where to look. "Max on Life" is sure to be another wonderful Best Seller for Max Lucado.

Hope Unseen, Captain Scotty Smiley

2011-04-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

You've graduated from The Military Academy at West Point and you've completed your Ranger Training, a required course for all First Lt.s. coming out of West Point, before you are allowed to lead soldiers in the field.

You're also a newly wed and looking forward to living a full life with your bride. Your orders come in and you are heading to Iraq. Both your wife and you have been church going, praying and Bible reading Christians all of your lives. So, everything is going your way and a year long tour in Iraq is only going to be a small bump in your life's road.

This was Scotty Smiley's life. While in Iraq he was leading a patrol searching out insurgents and evil doers, when a suicide bomber detonated an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), just meters away. This device sent shrapnel into Smiley's head, body and eyes, rendering him unconscious and blind.
"Hope Unseen", is the true story of Captain Scotty Smiley, as told by him. This story is one of courage, spirit, determination and most of all Faith. Neither Scotty nor his wife, Tiffany, ever lose faith nor turn away from God on their perilous journey of rebuilding their lives and rehabilitation. It is the story of conquering obstacles both seen and unseen.

Follow Scotty Smiley as he describes this unforgettable story. I commend Captain Smiley for his courage and dedication. This story should be in everyone's To Be Read List, and will undoubtedly become a Best Seller.

"The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews

2011-04-11T05:32:00.001-07:00

Are you ready to participate in what could be the last opportunity to find the answer which will save humanity? You will have this opportunity as soon as you open the thought provoking novel , "The Final Summit", by Andy Andrews. As the cover on this book states, ' A Quest to find the one principle that will Save Humanity', is about to convene.

David Ponder the main character, is a seventy year old man, who has seen things that most people are unaware of. He has had the opportunity to become a Traveler. The archangel, Gabriel, has been with David before. Now has has come to David again, this time to bring him to a meeting with other Travelers, all of whom have been called to try and come up with the answer which will save humanity. David Ponder is also selected as the leader of this conference or summit. David Ponder is a self made man who has fought back after losing everything that he worked for, and knows how to conquer the negative. However,he obviously doesn't feel that he has the knowledge or capabilities to lead such an important summit, and as he looks around the room, he sees many famous people of the past, which in his mind are more capable of leading such a meeting.

This select group of Travelers only has five opportunities to get the right answer. Can they do it, or will they run out of time.

"The Final Summit", by Andy Andrews is a riveting story. Once the reader picks up this story, he or she will not be able to put it down. Each chapter is compelling and thoughtful, as the entire story is filled with twists and turns I will not give away any names of David Ponder's fellow Travelers, as I want everyone to be surprised at who they will see and hear from at this meeting.

Andy Andrews has done his usual research and he has not disappointed anyone with his story here. Well done Andy Andrews, for yet another wonderful and thought provoking story.

The Corruptible, by Mark Mynheir

2011-04-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

Ray Quinn an ex-cop turned Private Investigator, is summoned to the board room of Mayer Holdings. The corporation caters to the filthy rich, and they are missing some vital client information. Another ex-cop turned security, apparently has absconded with this information and Armon Mayer, wants it back, and is willing to pay dearly.

"The Corruptible", by Mark Mynheir, is a captivating novel that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Written so as too be a movie script, I found myself riveted to the pages of this novel, just as though I was watching this story unfold on the wide screen or in real life.

Ray Quinn, the main character, had his police career cut short by a career ending wound that left him handicapped, but don't let his cane and limp fool you. He knows how to take care of himself, and he is back up by Crevis, his up and coming assistant, who by description, looks like he could take on a Mac truck.

When Quinn takes on the case of the missing client information, it appears to be cut and dry. Find another ex-cop, Logan Ramsey, and get the stolen property back. But, when Ray Quinn starts his investigation, he finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation, with so many suspects, hour head will be spinning, and the client information is still nowhere to be found.

See if you can solve this complicated mystery before it's too late.

Curiosities of the Civil War, Webb Garrison

2011-03-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

As the title details, "Curiosities of the Civil War", is definitely filled with Strange Stories and Bizzarre Events. Not only that, but you will find out about people in history who you may not have known, had anything to do with the Civil War. Webb Garrison has taken pain staking steps to research and compile all the little and unknown facts about the Civil War that even the most avidCivil War Buff will find interesting and compelling.

Here are just a couple of the interesting facts that you will find in this book. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was thoroughly involved with the Civil War, as he survived such battles as Balls Bluff, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, before beginning his practice as an attorney. Another person is Louisa May Alcott, author of "Little Women", spent her time tending to the wounded as a nurse. She went about her work without any recognition. And then there were the Camels, which were introduced into the Civil War in the Southwest, by a Confederate General. These facts along with many more can be found on the pages of "Curiosities of the Civil War."

As a reader you will be caught off guard in many cases by the variety of facts that you may not find anywhere else. This practical book will be a welcome addition to any Civil War Buff's Library. I highly recommend this book to any and all U.S. History Buffs. You will be amazed at what you will learn.

Deadly Ties, Vicki Hinze

2011-03-07T14:40:00.001-08:00

I have just had the pleasure of reading one of Vicki Hinze's novel, "Deadly Ties". This story takes its' characters and brings them to life in the readers imagination, to the point of feeling as though you are right there in the story. It is filled with twists and turns throughout the story and as you follow Lisa Harper, one of the main characters, you can feel her emotions and desires through the story. Mark, her knight in shining armor, is part of an elite group of former Special Forces team.

This story lets the reader into Lisa's mind as a child, when her father dies and Lisa is abducted. She eventually escapes her captors only to find that her mother marries Dutch, a mean underhanded man.

Vicki Hinze paints perfect pictures of Human Trafficking, death and a multitude of those twists and turns which keeps the reader guessing with every turn of the page. Intrigue is only one way in which to describe this wonderful novel. You will not be able to put this novel down. Bravo Vicki, for a wonderful read.

The Last Brother, Nathacha Appanah

2011-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

I have just completed the reading of “The Last Brother”, by Nathacha Appanah. This story takes place near the end of 1944 and involves a young boy of the age of nine years. His name is Raj and he lives in Mauritius. This location is an island in the Indian Ocean.
As the story unfolds, Raj is retelling his story of his youth on the island, as he is preparing to visit the grave of a long lost friend, David, and he has not visited this grave before. Raj is now seventy years old, and tells his story, I believe for his own benefit, as well as for his son.
He has lost his two brothers and is now moving from his shack of a home with his father and mother to a new location. This story has many ups and downs in the emotional range and I found myself taken in and seeing, breathing and living the story. David, is a nine year old boy who Raj meets as a result of Raj’s discovery of a prison near his new home. Raj’s father, a miserable man, in my estimation, is a guard at this prison. What Raj discovers is that this prison is filled with Jews, something that Raj has never heard of, and why is this little boy David in this prison. Remember, that this story takes place at the end of 1944, during World War II. Raj doesn’t know anything about the war.
Appanah is a wonderful writer. If this story is not a true story, then the author has definitely a way with words in order to bring a fictional story to life. The emotional rollercoaster is beyond compare. I recommend this story to everyone.

Shadow Divers, Robert Kurson

2011-02-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever considered how close World War II actually was to our own country? You may be surprised where Germany had placed some of their Submarines, or U-Boats as they were called. "Shadow Divers", by Robert Kurson, is just one of those compelling true stories of a group of deep savage divers unearth a sunken U-Boat off the coast of New Jersey.
As you read about this discovery, the reader, you, will also be taken into the mysteries and dangers of savage diving. In some cases the author is telling the story as it was relayed to him through the words of the two men, John Chatterton and Richard Kohler, a pair of who actually discovered the wreckage. Another key character in this story is that of Bill Nagle, who is given a set of numbers, better known as coordinates of a site that my provide for discovery and adventure.
Nagle owns a boat known as the Seeker, and he contacts Chatterton, with this news. They along with a crack team of divers must keep the location and discovery a secret, until they can identify the remains. Keeping an eye out for the not so friendly competitor salvage diving claims jumpers is of utmost importance. In this story, there is a full circle of emotions. Death is around every corner of the ship wreck and some of the divers pay for their mistakes with their lives.
Follow Chatterton, Kohler and Nagle on this journey and be ready to be pulled into the story completely. This is a must read for all history buffs.

The Jesus Qnquest, Charles Foster

2011-02-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

I have just completed reading the "The Jesus Inquest", by Charles Foster. Foster has taken great strides to allow the reader to examine the Resurrection of Christ, debate. this text looks at both sides of the resurrection argument, and Foster utilizes Mr. X and Mr. Y to debate the sides. This text provides for many arguments on both sides of the debate and as a reader of this text, it only left me with a more convincing argument for the actual resurrection of Christ.

As I turned the pages and read the arguments for and against, I placed myself, or at least tried to place my self in the middle of the time. By dong so, I am convinced that the Bible is a true depiction of the events. In many cases both Mr. X and Mr. Y agree on points and in some cases agree to disagree. Also many skeptics and scholars alike agree that Christ did indeed exist. Where they differ is how He disappeared from the tomb. Obviously, the skeptics say that Christ's body to taken away by His disciples, the argument for the resurrection points towards the guards and the heaviness of the stone which covered the entrance to the tomb.

For most, this book will not change the minds of its readers, except that by faith and the teachings of the Bible, can Christians believe in the physical resurrection of Christ.

Thank you Charles Foster for your study and expertise in putting this book together. It is a wonderful addition to a Christian Library with compelling arguments.

"The Miracle of Mercy Land" by River Jordan

2011-02-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

As she works for Doc Phillips at the local paper, Mercy Land does what is necessary to become indispensable. Then, early one morning, Mercy gets information about a huge story, the biggest she has ever worked on, but she can't print any of it. Mysterious things start happening like: Mercy meeting a man named John Quincy in her dreams (will he help or hinder her), a book floats in the window onto Doc's desk, words are constantly moving on the pages, and Mercy and Doc can see lives when their hands enter the book. What is this book of maps and how can it change lives? Why are Doc and Mercy involved? Will Mercy's past come back to haunt or help her? What is the miracle from the title? This book can definitely make the reader think about the choices he/she makes.

This book was a different genre for me. Normally I don't pick up books with a mystical theme, but this one was different. The characters and story line kept me interested and I wanted to know how the story would be resolved. I recommend it to anyone who wants an adventure in reading.

The Charlatan's Boy

2010-12-31T12:20:00.000-08:00

"The Charlatan's Boy, by Jonathan Rogers is a unique story of right and wrong. Floyd, the ever present showman takes Grady an orphan without any past or apparent future, and transforms him into a showman. Floyd is the consomit showman and flim flammer, who cheats the unsuspecting people of the countryside out of their coppers by fakery and shams. Grady, who has no family that he can remember, other than what Floyd tells him, is transformed into a showman's apprentice. He takes great pride in becoming a Wild Man of the Feechiefen Swamp.

This story takes the reader from Floyd's and Grady's antics of Feechiefen to Phrenology and back to Feechiefendum. Along the way Grady meets some interesting characters and finds himself pitted against some strange and not so particularly handsome people when staring as the Ugliest Boy in the World Show. Once that gig plays out, both he and Floyd go back to their antics of promoting the Great Freechie Scare. What both Floyd and Grady don't know is what is right around the corner.

This story startes out slow, but with each chapter, the reader finds himself or herself wanting to learn more about Grady. the young man without a past and what appears to be no future. Jonathan Rogers has done a great job of pulling the reader into the story and at the end, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Seeds of Turmoil, Bryant Wright

2010-12-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever considered the reasons why there is so much hate and mistrust in the Middle East? Bryant Wright, author of "Seeds of Turmoil", sets out to enlighten the reader of the whys and wherefores of these conflicts. The "Seeds of Turmoil", takes the reader on a journey of the Bible to find out who is involved.

As it is soon realized, we find in Genisis, that Abram and his wife Sarai along with Sarai's Egyptian maid, Hagar, had two sons. The first born, was Ishmael, the son of Abram and Hagar, as at that time, Sarai, was barren. As the Scriptures tell, God had promised Abram and Sarai, that they would have children, or at least a son, who would become a great nation. At a very advanced age, Abram and Sarai, did have that son, Esau. I won't go into detail, here, but these two boys were polar opposites. And from these two as well as from their parents, trouble was been brewing in the Middle East ever since.
What I have found amazing, is that the author, takes the Scriptures to explain in easy to understand as well as intelligent format, just how the Middle East became such a ground of turmoil. It's no wonder there is so much conflict. Most of the story of Abram, or Abraham as he was later named by God, can be found in the Book of Genesis. Wright, also delves into the histories and points from all sides of the issues. He does not function purely on his knowledge of the Bible, but utilizes other sources of information to glean his book, "Seeds of Turmoil". Thank you Bryant Wright for doing your homework, while researching the information and then wrighting it in such a spectacular way. "Seeds of Turmoil" is bound to make the Christian Best Sellers List.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version

2010-12-29T06:57:00.001-08:00

There is no one but God who can rate this wonderful collection of Books. Just wanted to let my followers know that I have completed the reading of the Bible for the year 2010. I will be reading the King James version in 2011.

Three Seconds, Roslund & Hellstrom

2010-12-23T06:43:00.000-08:00

I have just finished reading a Crime Suspense novel entitled "Three Seconds", by Swedish authors Roslund & Hellstrom. This novel takes place in Sweden and involves the Police using criminals to infiltrate various factions, such as the various Mafias in the area. The main charactor, Piet Hoffmann (aka) Paula, is being handled by a police officer by the name of Wilson. They are trying to infiltrate the Polish mafia and take over the Drug trade in the prisons. Piet, is going to go to prison as an informant to take out the Polish Mafia's drug business.

The story is good, however, it takes a couple of hundred pages to develop. The entire first part of the story is devoted to character development, and even then the reader is not quite sure who is who, and what is actually going on. From Part 2 on, the story takes off and you as the reader find yourself playing detective. The main character for the police is a older Detective by the name of Ewert Grens. He is methodical in his approach and reminds me of the old Columbo series on television. Grens does not give up when he is faced with trying to interview Hoffmann, and then after a siege at the prison, Grens is put in charge of the scene when Piet Hoffmann, takes hostages. Grens also is dealing with other issues in his life, such as the loss of his wife. Between the loss of his wife and the current situation with an infiltrator/criminal, Grens is relentless.

Piet Hoffmann, is also dealing with leaving his wife Zofia and his two children. He is tornbut feels that he must act according to what his police handler is asking him to do. All in all, this story is very good, with what I considered an unexpected finale.

2010-12-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

I have just had the wonderful opportunity to read a fictional novel, entitled "Hostile Intent", by Michael Walsh. This gripping tale of terror and espionage spans the United States, London and France, as well as being a world wide threat. Devlin one of the stories main characters is a member of an elite branch known as Branch 4. This branch is unknown to everyone, including the President of the United States. the story starts with an apparent hostage taking in a small mid western town where a group of men or maybe, just one man plots to take school children hostage, while plotting to expose another man. Families are torn and are willing to do anything to save their childrens lives. Next there is a bombing on the West Coast, followed by another event in Europe. All of these events are a plot to entice our main character into exposing himself. Devlin is also learning more about his own life and past whle dealing with all that is going on around him. This story is gripping and hard to put down, once the reader starts with the first page of the novel. Bravo to Michael Walsh for his attention to detail and superb writing ability. This novel is bound to be a Top Seller and on the Best Sellers List.

Heaven Is For Real,

2010-11-23T16:35:00.000-08:00

I've had the pleasure of listening to the Audio version of Todd Burpo's "Heaven Is For Real". This story is narrated and explained through the eyes of a young boy, at an age, when he would not have had the opportunity to have his head filled with anyone else's thoughts about Heaven and God. This story starts off with the young Colton Burpo, the authors son, is stricken ill when his appendix bursts and is mis-diagnosed for a short period of time. During the tragedy, Colton is being filled internally by the poisons that came about by the burst appendix and ends up having to be operated on, in an emergency situation. Without the surgery, he is sure to die. Following the surgery and ensuing recovery, Colton relates many things about his family, some he never has met and would not known any particulars about. He speaks of Heaven as if he has been there, and his father, Pastor Todd Burpo, is astounded by the detail in which Colton relates his visions and knowledge of things he would not have otherwise been privy. Many times he (Colton surprises his family by coming up with a number of different situations, which cannot be explained by his family or the Doctors. Did Colton die for a short period of time on the Operating Table? The Doctors and surgical staff never said that he had lost his pulse or heart beat throughout the surgery, but how else would Colton know so much. This Audio recording is wonderfully narrated, I believe by the Author, Todd Burpo and the different inflections of voice and tone, brings the listener/reader right into the story. Another question which comes to mind, is this, - Would God take a child like Colton to heaven, even briefly, and then return him to his family? Only you can decide that for yourself. Whether this is a true story or not, I can't say, but what a wonderful hope that God has done this with Colton and then allow his father to write such a glorious story. This story covers a time span of seven years. Colton was 4 when he had the emergency appendectomy, and from that point on through the age of eleven, Colton reveals numerous unknowns and miracles. Thank you Pastor Burpo for this story, and sharing it with us.

I Lift Up My Soul, Charles F. Stanley

2010-11-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful way to reflect on God's Word. This devotional is well written and full of words of wisdom from God Himself. Charles F. Stanley, has taken God's Word through Scripture and broken each though for the Soul so to refresh the Believer. As you open to the first day of devotions, you will find the appropriate Scripture for reading. As you read the scripture, you will get a warm feeling which can sooth your soul and entire being. If you start your day with Charles Stanley's "I Lift Up My Soul", you can only have peace of mind and righteousness of heart. Thank you to Dr. Stanley for his understanding of the Scriptures and breaking them down in easy to understand devotionals for each and every one of us. This devotional is and will be used each and every day, as a start to the day.

Winter Preparations

2010-10-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Winter can be harsh on your motor vehicle. With that in mind, I have a few tips to consider, before winter sets in.
1. Have the Oil Changed in your motor vehicle.
2. While your motor vehicle is being serviced, make sure that the Auto Technician checks the Anti-Freeze. He or She should be looking at the Freeze Point, Corrosion Protection and the percentage of antifreeze to water. It should be a 50/50 mix. You can purchase a pre-mixed Anti-Freeze at your local auto parts store or any reliable garage.
3. Insure that your tires are properly inflated and that the tread is good. It may be necessary to change over to snow tires.
Lastly, make sure that you consult your motor vehicle's owner manual for any considerations due to the type or make of your vehicle, in the event there are any special requirements needed to be addressed.

2010-10-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

The "Big Red" Holy Bible - Contemporary 3-D Art, by Thomas Nelson, is a wonderful and easy to understand Bible for children. It is an interpretation of the Sixty Six Books of the Bible, so that children between the ages of Eight and Twelve years of age can fully comprehend God's Word. As you go through this wonderful Bible, there are many images and art work to help the children fully grasp what is being said in the text. These images are drawn and designed to give the appearance of 3-D so that the images stand out. Thanks to the initiative of Thomas Nelson, each Book of the Bible can be read and understood by our younger children, giving them the opportunity to come to Christ with an open heart and a free spirit.

The Least Among You - Movie Review

2010-09-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

“The Least Among You” a production of Lionsgate and presented by Witenuckle LLC & Rough Diamond Productions, is a movie based on a true story of faith, family and commitment. Richard Kelly, played by Cedric Sanders, is a young man arrested during the 1965 Watts Riots for beating a police officer. He is sentenced to probation, providing he attends an all White Seminary. When Kelly arrives at the seminary, he finds obstacles there that dwarf those on the outside world.
What I expected was to be watching the trials and tribulations of faith in one young man, only to find that many if not all of the characters in this film were battling with their own faith and commitment. This movie has many top name actors. Louis Gossett, Jr,, the gardener, Lauren Holly, the schools’ only female professor, and William Devane, the schools’ administrator are just a few of the wonderful actors which bring this story to life.
Along the way Kelly, played by Cedric Sanders, finds that he is bucking a system at every turn, yet keeps fighting for what is right. He finds a mentor in Samuel Benton, the gardener, played by Louis Gossett Jr.
My favorite line in this movie is “Leaders are not chosen, they’re called.” God speaks to each and every one of us in His own way. We need to listen and be ready to do His work. As the title implies, it is not always the strong and mighty that are called, but in most cases the weakest or the least of us are to take charge when change needs to be made.
This is a wonderful movie that should be an inspiration to anyone who sees it.

The Wake of Forgiveness

2010-09-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

"The Wake of Forgiveness" by Bruce Machart, is a novel of the hard life of a family at the turn of the twentieth century. This novel tells the story of loss and life. We follow the life of Karel Skala, the main character, as he goes through hard times, with the loss of his mother during his birth. We see trials and tribulations between families and within family. It's a story of love lost and found with many twists and turns along the way. The story jumps back and forth in time giving the reading a glimpse into the history of the family and Karel's life as well as how his life turns out in the end. Machart has an interesting way to telling the story and you will not know what to expect with each subsequent chapter. One major event, brings a family back together, and community shows that it cares for it's own. A very good read.

Out Live Your Life, by Max Lucado

2010-09-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

"Out Live Your Life," by Max Lucado, is a wonderfully scripted book which guides the reader on life's journey. Lucado utilizes Scripture to show and explain what we can do with our life, beyond the readers imagination and only through God. Each chapter is an expose of how life creeps up on each of us and before we know it, time passes, and if we're not careful or alert to what God has created for each of us, our time could be up. Many times it takes something dramatic to turn our lives around and begin to listen to God. We were all created by Him for a purpose. What we have to do is Pray, Listen, to what God is telling us, and then Act. You'll be amazed at what He has created us to do. Chapter 3 entitled ' Let God Unshell You', is the story of a man who has not listened to what God has been telling him, and through this example, turns the man around. When he encounters a man in old clothes and looking dirty, is attempting to purchase items and a convenience story with food stamps, finds that he can not afford the purchased because he doesn't have enough monetary value in food stamps to complete his purchase. The first man reverts back into his shell after briefly starting to offer to help pay for the purchases. In the end, God strips away the shell and shows us that we need to help. My favorite passage from this chapter is as follows: 'Let God unshell you. And when He does, make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. (Gal. 6:4) Don't miss the opportunity to discover your language.' Each chapter ends with Scripture, which follows the reading throughout the chapter. Bravo Max Lucado for another wonderful read and study.

"The Heavens Proclaim His Glory"

2010-09-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

“If God has the power to create and sustain the universe, how can you or I think His power is insufficient for our daily lives?” Anne Graham Lotz
“The Heavens Proclaim His Glory” is majestic in picture, Scripture, and quotation. The photographs taken by the Hubble Telescope are breathtaking and wondrous, and the facts associated with each help you understand what you are seeing. God’s mighty hand is truly evident in the heavens! Children and adults alike will enjoy learning more about this pristine world of space while reading this book. This is definitely an encouragement to get out a telescope and a Bible, sit in the backyard, look at the heavens, and enjoy.
I was blown away by the pictures in this book. It is something I have shared with everyone who has come in our door, and the book has a prominent place on our coffee table. This isn’t really a book to be picked up and read straight through, but rather one that you can savor time and time again. I want to thank the Book Sneeze program for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.

The Butterfly Effect, Andy Andrews

2010-09-07T17:37:00.001-07:00

Andy Andrews has captured the attention of the literary world again, with his writing of "The Butterfly Effect." This insightful read will grab you from the beginning and you won't be able to let go. This selection gives the reader the insight to realize that what we do, does matter, and in fact, the effects of what we do can and will be felt for eternity. A prime example of this theory, is the story of Joshua Lawerance Chamberlain, a schoolteacher from Maine, who finds himself leading a Union force during the battle of Gettysburg, during the American Civil War. His decisions and actions taken that July 2, 1863 had great impact on the outcome of that battle and probably the end of the war itself. The above is just one example of what you will read in "The Butterfly Effect. My favorite quote can be found right at the beginning and is by Any Andrews himself. "Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world." This quote says it all. We are in control of our lives and it's up to each and every one of us to use that power and to make the correct decisions and correct actions. Thank you Andy for another wonderful and thought provoking read.

The Jesus You Can't Ignore

2010-08-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Right from the beginning, MacCarthur shows through explanation, the lessons which must be learned from the ‘Bold Confrontation of Christ.’ This is noted prominently on the cover, as well as the title page.
“The Jesus You Can’t Ignore,” by John MacCarthur, is a premier explanation of God’s love for us. MacCarthur’s depiction and clear cut explanation of Jesus’ time on earth should convince even the hardest heart that He came to earth as the Savior of all mankind. I would venture to say that even the hardest heart would be transfixed and softened by the descriptions and the Scripture used throughout this Study Guide. If the Preface and Introduction don’t convince the reader of the power of God, all they need to do is begin reading Chapter One, ‘When It’s Wrong to Be Nice.’
This chapter begins with Scripture from Luke 20:45-46 – Then in the audience of all the people He said unto His disciples, “Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the market, and the highest seats in the synagogues. And the chief rooms at feasts. (KJV). In this portion of the Scripture, Jesus is speaking of the Sanhedrin and the Sadducees, not to mention the Pharisees themselves.
Jesus came to earth to teach and of course take away our sin. The question which arises here is whether we as sinners are going to accept Jesus as our Savior.
In “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore,” the reader is confronted with the Truth. Jesus was not always kind or gentle in His teachings. Sometimes He needs to be blunt, as evidenced with His conversations, battles and confrontations with the Pharisees. MacCarthur explains how the religious leaders tended to add rites and rituals beyond what God intended, and when Jesus confronted them with it, the Pharisees rebelled. Such a waste on their part.
I could go on for quite a long time, but, I strongly urge everyone to purchase and read/study the manuscript of John MacCarthur’s “The Jesus You Can’t Ignore.”

The Scent of Rain and Lightning

2010-07-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

"The Scent of Rain and Lightning", by Nancy Pickard, is the story of murder, secrets, love and lies. It is the story of a young lady, Jody Linder, who at a very early age, losses her father to death as a result of murder, and at the same time her mother disappears at the same time of the murder.

The Linder family, a prominent well to do family of Rose, Kansas, where they have a large ranch and employee many young men. Hugh and Annabelle Linder also have kind hearts when it comes to trouble youth. They take them in as employees and offer guidance to assist the trouble youth in getting their lives straightened out. Many of these young men have turned their lives around, but one, Billy Crosby, is the exception to the rule. For some reason, he just doesn't get it. He in turn, becomes the prime suspect in most everything that goes wrong in the town and county, and he is also suspect in the murder and missing case. But did Billy have anything to do with the murder of Hugh-Jay and the disappearance of Laurie Linder?

The question right from the beginning is who murdered Hugh Jay and where is Laurie? It takes a span of twenty plus years for the Linder family to find out the true story. As you read this story, there are many ups and downs in the lives of the characters, throughout, and you will find yourself cheering on many of the characters. Each character is unique in their own way.

As the title "The Scent of Rain and Lightning" suggests, there are storms, literal and in the lives of the people involved in this novel, which have great impact on the story.

Pickard has a wonderful knack of grabbing the reader right from the start, and pulling them into the story and keeping them there. You will find yourself in the lives of each of her characters, and you will not be able to let go throughout the story.

The Portable Patriot

2010-07-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

"The Portable Patriot", is a wonderful and essential collection of writings from our forefathers, those men who took their faith and desires literally and therefore, began a transition from colonial establishment to the birth of a new nation. One must note that "The Portable Patriot" is a collection of excerpts of these famous and necessary documents, otherwise this book would be just to large to carry with the reader. Joel J. Miller and Kristen Parrish, have obviously taken great time and apparent pleasure in bringing these documents, speeches, and sermons together so that we as readers, can drink in the sources of the Patriotic natures of our forefathers. This collection beckons the reader to think about their own Patriotism and asks the question of that Patriotism that only each individual can answer. This book/collection also provokes the reader to look at today's conditions and activities with a more than passing glance. The question that comes to mind of this reader is "What would our founders think about the conditions and actions of our country today?" At the very onset of this collection of "I. Beginnings" ' The Mayflower Compact', through and all inclusive of The section 'Afterword,' we can get a glance if not a more in depth look at what was a birth of a nation. I find it appropriate that I am writing this review on July 4, 2010. What a wonderful way to celebrate our nation's birthday. Happy Birthday to The United States of America. While reading this collection of documents, speeches and sermons, I was reminded that we must all be vigilant in the protection of our rights and obligations as citizens of this great country. It was most revealing in reading Noah Webster's Oration on the Twenty-Sixth Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. This is a quote from the section. Noah Webster warns America about those who would advance their own interests through the political system, and by pandering to the people even seducing and deceiving them. "Nation like individuals, may be misled by an ardent enthusiasm, which allures them from the standard of practical wisdom, and commits them to the guidance of visionary projectors. By fondly cherishing the opinion that they enjoy some superior advantages of knowledge, or local situation, the rulers of a state may lose the benefit of history and observation, the surest guides in political affairs; and delude themselves with the belief, that obstacles which have baffled the exertions of their predecessors.....". Finally, "The Portable Patriot" is truly portable in size, but it is also jam packed with everything a person needs to remind them as to where and how our great nation started and it is a constant reminder to all of us of how fragile our freedom is. Let us all be ready and willing to protect that freedom.

Book Giveaway!!!!!

2010-06-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I have the opportunity to offer a Book Giveaway of the book The Heart Mender, by Andy Andrews. This is a telling story of forgiveness and second chances. If you would like the opportunity to this Giveaway Copy, Respond to this post. The giveaway will be open until June 30, 2010 and the winner will be picked randomly. Good Luck

Mike

The Writing Circle, by Corinne Demas

2010-06-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

"The Writing Circle", by Corinne Demas is a journey down a path which has many hidden twists and turns. When you first begin to read this novel, you are introduced to a cast of characters which in many instances, would not be together except for their love of the written word. Each is a writer/author and each is dedicated to their own personal writing styles.
You will also find that in many cases, these characters show traits of infidelity as well as unscrupulous tendencies towards each other and towards those around them. This group has formed a Writing Circle, which meets on Sunday evenings to discuss their current writing ventures for critiques and encouragement from the group, however there is at least one member who is there to further her own agenda. That person is Gillian a well known poet. She is also a stepmother to Paul a troubled young man, now living with his father and stepmother (Gillian). He appears to have no friends and is torn between wanting to stay with his father and moving back with his mother.
The main character, at least in my opinion is Nancy, a writer of novels. She is now writing a novel, which may be based on her father, but is probably a fictional work. There are also a number of other characters involved with the story and each has their own hang up and desires dealing with their occupations and preoccupations.
Needless to say, Demas, takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions as well as many twists and turns. Just when you think you have the plot figured out, another turns throws you into a dizzying spin.

Bravo to Corinne Demas for a wonderful suspenseful novel.

Jeff Shaara's Civil War Battlefields

2010-06-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

"Jeff Shaara's Civil War Battlefields", is a must for anyone interested in the American Civil War and it's history. Jeff Shaara has taken up the mantle of research and discovery to bring all the information about the Civil War to those historians and history buffs alike.
This book is broken down into 10 battles. Each battle is thoroughly discussed and includes the why's and where's the battles were fought. As you read through the sections, you can begin to understand what was going on a the time of the battle as well as understand what each commander was thinking during each battle.
Falling each section Shaara describes points of interest for you as you go to these battlefields. Not only are the touristy points noted, but he points to some areas which may not be mentioned by tour guides and catalogs.
What I learned while reading this book, was that not all the well known battles were on importance, but that there were many so called insignificate battles which actully had influenced the outcome of the war.
As a history buff myself, I found this book extremely informative and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about some of the battles of the American Civil War.

Experiencing God, Henry T. Blackaby & Claude V. King

2010-06-09T12:02:00.001-07:00

"Experiencing God" by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King, is another in a series of Study Guides I have been thoroghly happy to have read. This guide takes the reader through a series of expectations that anyone who reads and studies the Bible through easy to understand stories and Scripture.
This book allows the reader to first read the text, followed by going to their Bible and looking at the full Scripture being discussed. It also allows the reader to gain that fleeting knowledge and apply it to their everyday life.
As this book begins, we are first introduced to the Chapter "Knowing God by Experience". One of my favorite quotes in this chapter is that of the Lord as Provider. "We can know about God as a Provider as we read the story of Abraham. But we really come to know God as Provider when we experience Him providing something for our lives." Just think, as we experience God, in the truest sense, we develop a closer relationship with God. He does provide.
"Experiencing God" is yet another selection that should be part of the Christen Library. Thank you Blackaby and King for putting together this realistic and true information.

The Heart Mender

2010-05-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

At the first glance of the cover of this book/story, the reader can gain some insight into what they will find inside. Is it a love story, a story of intrigue, a story of espionage, a war story, a story of a combination of two or more? These are the questions that each reader will have to decide for themselves.

As I started my journey towards the story line and answers to the questions noted above, I was immediately captivated by the characters. What I especially liked was the initial part of the story, being told by and through the author himself. "The Heart Mender." by Andy Andrews, takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions and surprises. Just when you think you have a character pinned down, Andrews, throws another twist in the story.

For me, this is apparently a true story which gives the reader an opportunity into finding out how World War II comes to America, and focuses on the Gulf of Mexico, around the area of Florida and Alabama. "The Heart Mender," starts off by the discovery of strange items or should I say interesting and out of place items which compels the author to do research on the items and then find that he is being thrust into the past. This is where the journey and story starts, but by know means does it end where it begins.

Helen and Josef, are the novel's main characters, but the story is filled with many characters which help to bring the story to life. Both Helen and Josef and searching for answers, yet neither of them is willing to admit this. Andrews also uses the great cast of characters to bring this story to the forefront our of minds. It also made me think about what was really happening in and around this country during World War II. This story is one which should prompt the reader to find out more about the time. It certainly give me cause to do more research into the war and my own area of the country.

What I learned from this story is that when confronted with a situation or condition, things may not be as they appear. What we must do is to have faith and sometimes look beyond the apparent.

Thank you Andy Andrews for writing this compelling story. It should cause any reader to stop and think. Do we really see what is there, or is there something else going on? This question can be asked in many instances. Andy you certainly know how to write a story that captivates a reader immediately.

The Man From Saigon, Marti Leimbach

2010-05-20T17:14:00.001-07:00

Marti Leimbach, has a wonderful style of writing which draws the reader into the story from the start. This is obvious in "The Man From Saigon", a story of a female reporter/journalist, In-Country, to give reports of the war from the side of a woman, for a Women's Magazine.
As the story unfolds, Susan Gifford is sent Saigon to cover the war in 1967. She fuinds and falls in love with another reporter, Marc, a TV Reporter, who is also in Saigon covering the war. There is a thrid main character, in Susan's photographer, Son, a Vietnamese man who is looking to make a name for himself, yet finds Susan and wants her to take him on as her photographer.
Right from the start you see drama and unexpected turns in the story. Susan is the type of reporter/journalist that does not want to stay in Saigon and cover the war from a press conference point of view, so she ventures out with patrols of military personnel to get the story right from the source.
The question I have is whether this novel is a non-fiction, fiction, or historical fiction. Many of the details are true to form with descriptins of conditions and topography throughout the story, and Marti Leimbach has done a lot of research for the time period. Bravo Marti.
There's also the hiden agenda of Son. What are his true movites for wanting to be so close to Susan and the American Military establishment. Is he up to no good, or are his intentions really what he wants us to believe? You'll have to read this novel to find out for yourself.
When Susan and Son are seperated from their esorts of military personnel in the jungle, a new set of circumstances take place which again, will keep the reader on the edge of the seat. What is the outcome? Again, this is a must read.
"The Man From Saigon", belongs in a permanent library for reading over and over again.

Plan B

2010-05-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever considered the choices you make are not really from you? How about your plans for your life including marriage, children and career path? Just when you think everything is going the way you wanted or expected your life too be, something happens to completely change your life. This is when plan A goes out the window and plan B must be initiated.
"Plan B" by Pete Wilson is a wonderful study guide for the Christen and anyone else who is going through what they perceive as bad times. In "Plan B", Pete Wilson attempts to explain why we must resort to our plan B, when life throws a curve ball or monkey wrench into our lives. Like the cover says, "What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought He would?"
Wilson has broken "Plan B" into fourteen sections or chapters. He takes each section and gives us understanding through Scripture and life experiences to help the reader gain a better understanding of life and God's Plan for each and every one of us.
Once of my favorite quotes comes in Chapter Three "The Illusion of Control" and is as follows. "The greatest of all illusions is the illusion of control." How true that is, and Wilson does a great job of explaining each point. Another illusion we face is that we are unable to let go. In other words, we don't allow God to control our lives. Included in this chapter we also see and hear the story of David, as Wilson uses it to demonstrate our control, or should I say the lack thereof, of control. We just need to relinquish control of our lives to God. I believe that when we don't get the answers to our prayers, it's not because God's not answering, but He may be saying not yet, or it's not what He has planned for you.
"Plan B" unlike our own plans, or plan A, is a leap of faith. We mus learn to fully trust in the Lord. This is just one of the points made in Wilson's "Plan B."
In my opinion, Pete Wilson and his book "Plan B" is yet another wonderful addition to a Christen Library. At the end of this book you will find a number of questions, that can be used by an individual, or used as a teaching and discussion guide to questions you may have. Pete Wilson also admits that he does not have all the answers, but he does say that he trusts in God and is working to at allowing God to work in every aspect of his life.

Just A Sailor, Steven L. Waterman

2010-04-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

"Just A Sailor", by Steve Waterman, is a travel through time of a man who went from what could have been a life of trouble to that of a man who made something of himself following his enlistment in the U.S. Navy. Waterman decided to become a naval photographer, and went as far as joining and being accepted into the UDT's (Underwater Demolition Team. This extrodinary story takes the reader from civilian life, through Boot Camp, to A school and beyond, culminating into his experiences in combat during the Vietnam War and then back in the states, doing Salvage operations. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning a true life story through the eyes and words of someone who has been there.
As I read this story, I was able to remember some of the places I had been shortly after Waterman had been there. I especially have fond memories of NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
This story is not just about a sailor, but one of life, and the ability to grow from ones experience.

66 Love Letters, Dr. Larry Crabb

2010-03-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

"From God To You, 66 Love Letters" by Dr. Larry Crabb, is truly just that, a collection of Love Letters from God to you. Dr. Larry Crabb has taken each of the 66 Books of the Bible, and broken them down into easily understandable text, so that the lay person can fully understand exactly what God is saying to us through His story. Starting with Genesis and continuing on through Revelation, each book in broken down into a Love Letter as though God is speaking directly to you as you read it. In fact, I'm sure God is right there with you and me, as we read and realize what is meant in each and every letter. If you have ever taken on the right to read the Bible, as I have and do, this wonderful collection is a great study tool that will enhance and should be in every Christen library. I am currently re-reading the Bible in chronological order, and when I find something I haven't or don't understand, "66 Love Letters", makes it clear. An excerpt from the book states "Learn To Hate Sin More Than Suffering." This comes from Love Letter Six: Joshua. In this letter God is explaining the battles we must fight within ourselves so that we conquer everything that opposes God within us. The entire book gives the reader the opportunity to get things right with God. The previous statement is just one example of what you'll find when reading "66 Love Letter." Are you someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? By reading these Love Letters you can gain the understanding of each of the 66 Books of the Bible, and that can only mean that each of us can get closer to God. This collection could also be a tool for helping to bring someone else closer to God and possibly allow them to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Now wouldn't that be wonderful? Dr. Larry Crabb has done a spectacular job of breaking things down and I for one applaud his efforts. Bravo Dr. Crabb, and thank you.

Seized, Max Hardberger

2010-03-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

A dangerous profession is what I call that of Max Hardberger. He has allowed us into his world of retaking of seized ships of all types and sizes from the not so friendly waters of some seemingly brutal countries in the world. Mr. Hardberger also interjects some humor into what could be called one of the most dangerous professions known, and maybe not so well known. The taking of a ship with no power and allowing it to drift into international waters without being detected is something this reader did not expect to read in the story of his life. Thank you so much Max, for a story that is worth telling.

The Poacher's Son

2010-03-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Poacher's Son is an epic tail of mystery and intrigue. Doiron is a wonderful author who knows how to capture the attention of the reader while weaving a storyline with lots of twists and turns, not to forget to mention the mystery following the murder of a Deputy Sheriff and that of a land grabbing official, bent on taking the forest for development. The story begins with Mike Bowditch a Maine Warden dealing with the theft of a pig by a bear in the Maine Forest. Mike Bowditch is relatively new to the Warden Service, so he depends on his immediate supervisor Kathy Frost to assist him in tracking the bear. When Mike's father is blamed for the murders, Mike is caught in a cross fire of his duty to the law enforcement community and his wanting to believe that his father had nothing to do with the murders. Doiron has quite a cast of characters in his first novel. There's Jack Bowditch, Russ Pelletier, owner of a Sporting Camp, Truman Dellis, a strange man, known for poaching and being on the shady side of the law. Then there's Brenda Dellis, the daughter of Truman Dellis and the girlfriend of Jack Bowditch. There''s also a retired Warden by the name of Charlie. Each of these characters has a motive for the murders, and you don't know which way this story is going to lead. The story is set in the Maine forests and Doiron has painted a wonderful picture which allows the reader to feel as though they are right there in the midst of the story. This story is a must read for anyone interested in a good mystery from an author with great potential as a first rate and best selling author. Bravo to Paul Doiron on his first works. This novel should be in everyone's permanent library.

The Poacher's Son

2010-03-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

Apocalypse Burning

2010-02-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

“Apocalypse Burning”, by Mel Odom, is the third in a series of three of the military actions at the time of the Rapture and the beginning of the Tribulation. This purely fictional account follows one military family as they continue to deal with the disappearance of the youngest son, Chris, as well as the deployment of Goose, a First Sergeant, with the 75th Army Rangers. Megan, Goose’s wife is a counselor back in the United States and is dealing with not only the disappearance of her youngest son, but she deals with teens on the base who have either had family Raptured or their family members are in Turkey.
Joey, the oldest son of Megan and Goose is feeling neglected and despondent because he blames himself for not being there when Chris disappears. He is feeling left out and runs away when Megan, his mother brings so many teens into their house for both counseling and protection. Megan also has to deal with the military accusations of dereliction of duty as a counselor.
As you can see there is much going on during this episode, so to speak, and Odom has done a wonderful job of bringing his series together in a tight cohesive story of loss, questions and faith.
There are also other characters we follow is this book, such as Chaplin Harte, U.S. Navy Chaplin who is trying to deal with his own failings as a man of the cloth, and there’s also other’s, too many to mention that have great influence in the story as it is being told.
Bravo to Mr. Odom, for his depiction of the events following the Rapture, leading into the Tribulation. This purely fictional story is only one way of looking at the End Times, but who knows, it may be just the way Odom writes it. This military series fits well with the original Left Behind series and there is also a political series which may be of interest to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Rapture and Tribulation

Buried Alive, Roy Hallums

2010-02-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

“Buried Alive”, by Roy Hallums is an extremely thought provoking true story of being kidnapped and held by extremists in Iraq. The story is told through and by the author, Roy Hallums as he takes the reader from the being to the end of a very painful and secluded imprisonment. Most of the time, he is held underground and literally buried alive by his captors.
As you pick up this book, you see the shadow of a man who appears to be in a seated position, with his hands behind his back, probably tied and his eyes are blindfolded. It appears that he is in a dark place and very uncomfortable. Reading the introduction gives you just a brief look into what this man went through for so many days and months. I can only imagine the courage and fortitude he had to endure such treatment and conditions.
Hallums tells his story in a matter of fact and simple way which brings the reader right into the scenes as well as giving the reader such vivid detail that no one can miss the terror he must have felt, with the beatings and degradation. Once can only guess how he felt, not knowing whether he was going to come out this terror alive or would he be beheaded like so many in the past had been.
It seems strange to point out here that this story was told in vivid and chilling detail, and this reader could not put the book down. You will become completely absorbed into the story, waiting to find out what is going to happen next. !!!
What can be learned from the story, is that with the right mind set and courage, even the most brutal of conditions can be overcome. Hallums appears to be a man of faith and he spent a lot of time praying and thinking about his family. He endured the conditions and initial movements from one site to the next, with a hope of survival and eventual rescue.
Another segment of his story deals with how his family dealt with his kidnapping. First the family is kept completely out of the loop of information, even to the point where officials were telling them not to speak to the media for fear that Hallums captors would find out more about the man they help captive. This could have been dangerous for Hallums as he is a retired U. S. Naval Commander, who was a civilian contractor in Iraq, at the time of his kidnapping.
The eventual rescue is also something to wait for.
This story is in deed a must read for anyone who wants to know exactly what happens to kidnap victims, however, as Hallums notes, he was lucky. Not all kidnap victims get out alive, and very seldom is there a successful escape. This story is rated 5 stars. A very compelling story, not to be missed.

Eternal of the Water, by Joseph Monninger

2010-01-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

"Eternal on the Water", by Joseph Monninger, is destined to become a classic in it's own rite. It is a beautiful story of love and desire to live life to the fullest. Monninger takes the New England rustic area and gives us a look through the eyes of Mary and Cobb, as they find each other fall in love and live life to it's fullest. There's no looking back as these two show that life can be great, if only we allow it to be. The story initially takes place on the Allagash River in Maine, where Mary is set to visit some old and new friends, the Chungamunga Girls, while Cobb is living the life of Thoreau. The two meet and are forever tied to each other. If you don't believe in Love at first sight, this story may just change your mind. This story also has a wonderful cast of supporting roles, and as you read, you may find yourself falling in love with each of them. Mary and Cobb are meant be be together, and you see that right from the start. Once you start reading the story, you won't want to put the book down. It is that good. Bravo Joseph, you have a great eye and way of telling a story. Thank you so much

Winter Vehicle Maintenance (Anti-Freeze) Flush

2010-01-21T08:11:00.001-08:00

Winter can be extremely harsh on your motor vehicle. Cold weather tends to put a harsher draw on your battery and it is also harder for the oil to get up into the valves, on colder days. This is why it is vitally important to winterize your motor vehicle. By having the anti-freeze checked, you can prevent a frozen block and the proper flow of coolant/antifreeze throughout your engine and radiator. A good automotive technician should be checking your anti-freeze/coolant when he or she changes your oil.
A good practice is have have the anti-freeze flushed and replaced every 3 years or 30,000 miles, which ever comes first for Green Coolant/Anti-freeze. Dex-Cool should be changed every 100,000 miles, but again, if you live in New England, it is suggested that Dex-Cool should be replaced at 60,000 miles.
When the automotive technician checks your anti-freeze, he or she is checking for a couple of different things. First of all they are looking at the acidic nature of the fluid. Too much acid in the fluid can cause the eating away of your radiator. Next they are looking at the corrosion protection. If the corrosion level is at 3.2 or below 3.0, corrosion is building up in your radiator, which causes poor flow of the fluid, thus possibly causing your engine to crack or freeze up. No flow is BAD.
Lastly, they will be looking at the level at which your anti-freeze/coolant is measured. This is measured at Temperature. The lower the temp. rating the better the protection, however, you must look at all the tests to make sure your vehicle is protected. A failure in any of the tests should prompt you to have the fluid flushed and replaced.

Car Maintenance Basics Articles Are Coming Back

2010-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

First of all let me apologize for the lack of vehicle maintenance tips articles. I have been concentrating of book blogging and for no other reason, I have been neglecting the automotive section of my blog. For that I am sorry. I have also been on a short vacation and I have been reading and doing other things that have kept me busy.
I will have at least two articles dealing with winter automotive tips during this coming week and I am always here to answer questions. For now thank you for reading my blog and I hope that it has been educational, even though I have not been up to date.

The White Horse King: The Life of Alfred The Great

2010-01-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

"The White Horse King" is a wonderfully scripted story of the most unlikely kink of England, Alfred The Great. This epic story takes place during the early times. That being prior to Alfreds' asention to the throne in A.D. 871. This story actually begins shortly after his birth and continues throughout his reign as King of England. Ironically, this is also the time in which the Norsemen, or Vikings as they are better known, were making inroads into England in their attempts to pillage and ransack the English coast and following the rivers into interior England. At the time of Alfreds' reign, England was not the unified nation it is today, but it was broken down into several provinces. Alfred was the king of Wessex, which was located in the south.
Benjamin Merkle, the author of this fine story has shown that he spared no expense in time while researching the life of Alfred The Great. Thank you so much, Mr. Merkle, for your attention to detail.
Alfred The Great was a firm and devout believer of and in God, and you can see and feel this belief, throughout the story. He also knew that God was the only way for his kingdom to survive. The Vikings on the other hand, were a paganistic people, with no use for God. They had rather depended on their own devices and worshiped molden images of wood, gold and silver. The Vikings had no use for anyone or anything except to conquer and control everything and everyone, in their path.
When you start to read "The White Horse King", you will not want to put the book down, but let me assure you, that you will want to make notes to conduct further research on your own, to learn more about these times and this man. What I found interesting, is that upon reading this story, I found that you never know where your life of situation is going to take you, and as long as you have God in your life, you should have no fear. God will provide.
As you continue on the journey of this book, you will be shown countless battles that Alfred fights and prior to and with each of those battles, he consults God through prayer for guidance. We should all take a lesson from Alfred and his life with God. We all could learn from Alfred and the picture he paints both prior to becoming king and throughout his reign. He truly rallies England in their fight for existence. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Apocalypse Dawn

2010-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

"Apocalypse Dawn", written by Mel Odom, is a great take off on the Left Behind Series. Odom takes another approach, whereas he follows a second set of characters in the form of a military family, "The Ganders", during the Tribulation. Goose is in Turkey during an unprovoked attack by Siria on Turkey. The millions of disappearances all over the world, leave all remaining with doubt and wonder, as to what really happened. This purely fictional accounting is a wonderful work of imagination and who knows, it may be just like the story says at the End Times.
For anyone reading this series, it may actually push the unsaved into coming to Christ and accepting Him as their Savior. I pray that it will help those to come to Christ.
As the story begins, Goose Gander as stated earlier is on the front lines of an undeclared war, while his wife and children are back in the states dealing with their own situations. Megan is a counselor dealing with a troubled young man, and her son Joey is dealing with his own feelings. Chris his younger brother is one of the missing. This is a must read Christian book. Thanks too Mel Odom.

Wave of Terror

2009-12-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Wave of Terror by Theodore Odrach

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
"Wave of Terror", by Theodore Odrach, is a wonderfully scripted novel of the Russian occupation of Belarus in 1939. Most people are aware of the plight the Jews had as a result of the Nazis', but many are probably unaware of the plight of the people of Belarus, by the Red Army. People were taken from their homes in the middle of the night, never to be seen nor heard from again. Does that sound familiar? I was completely captivated by the story, and thanks to Erma Odrach, and her ability and willingness to translate her father's writings, we are allowed to learn of another horrible time in history.
The way the story is told is exceptional, as it takes a perspective from one persons point of view, that being Kulik, a Educational Director, in a small village of Belarus, known as Hlaby. We see the whole story through his eyes, and I'm sure that we are seeing it through the eyes of Mr. Odrach. Once you pick up this book and start reading, it will be difficult to put down. There is terror, romance and what might be considered comedy throughout the story.
Thank you so much Theodore and Erma for allowing this story to be told. It is a great read for anyone interested in history. This story even has a surprising ending.

"From Peanuts to the Pressbox" by Eli Gold

2009-10-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

"From Peanuts to the Pressbox," is a true story of Gold's ambition to become a Sports Reporter. Not only does he strive to become a Sports Reporter/Commentator, but he goes beyond by working his way to the top. First his ambitions take him on his journey as a young man, listening to sports broadcasts on the radio, as he attempts to bring about his own style of reporting while listening to the games via radio. Eli Gold tells the story of his rise from an inspired young man who knows what he wants to do with his life to a top-notch commentator. This story is interwoven with stories of Gold's trials to get what he wants through the dedication to his chosen profession. He will do anything involving sports including, quite literally, selling Peanuts at sporting events in Madison Square Garden. Along the way Gold allows the reader into his life and journey, from being an audio engineer, in a small radio station, eventually doing work with the likes of Howard Cosell and he even talks about coming up through the ranks with Bob Costas, just to name two well known Sports reporting/commentating figures. Gold himself made quite a name for himself, but you couldn't tell from the way he has written his story here. He is a very down to earth person. You will find yourself caught up in the world of both radio and television sports right along side Gold. He tells his story, sometimes in all seriousness, but you will also find many sections of the book filled with humorous anecdotes. You may ask what can be learned from a book like Eli Gold's? Gold shows that through a overwhelming desire, long and hard work, and a willingness to give up a lot to reach his goal, you can make it. I may not agree with the way he did this, but I do admire his ambition and steadfast work ethic. Eli Gold knew what he wanted, and through hard work, he attained his goal. Along the way he gained knowledge and acceptance, and in the world of sports, he has proven himself to be one of the top in the field.


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The Postmistress - A Captivating Story

2009-10-22T17:01:00.000-07:00

"The Postmistress", by Sarah Blake, is a wonderfully captivating story which winds it's way into your thoughts. The characters are so vivid and real that you have to step back and make sure you yourself are not right there. Ms. Blake's writing style keeps you on the edge of your seat, by painting a picture through her story. This novel based on World War II prior to the United States entrance brings the war home as well as another story of the people of Franklin, Massachusetts and a War Correspondent, Frankie Bard, who is connected to Franklin, quite by accident, after she meets Will Fitch, a doctor from Franklin as he attempts to help in London, England during the Blitz. Sarah Blake as a bright future as an author, and you can expect to find her on the Best Seller List in the near future. Bravo!!!

"Called to Worship" by Vernon M. Whaley

2009-09-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

“Called To Worship”, by Vernon M. Whaley, is an essential for any Christian Library. This wonderfully scripted inspirational book is the inspirational book for all inspirational books. Whaley, take Scripture and uses it to explain worship. He breaks down the Bible into easy to understand terms, allowing the reader to understand and gain understanding through God’s Word. God wants us to worship Him through true worship. Whaley uses this knowledge of the Bible to help the reader learn how to effectively and affectively worship.
This book is broken down into three parts: Old Testament Principle of Worship, where we learn from those who lived and loved God with blind faith. We see the errors in our ways through these stories from the Bible, so that we can hopefully not make the same mistakes. We also learn that many in the Bible even seeing the miracles God showed, took Him for granted and fell victim to false worship. God shows that He loves us and wants us to worship Him with all our hearts.
Part II deals with New Testament Principles of Worship, where we see how the Gospels are used to teach us and keep us faithful in our worship. Finally Part III deals with Worship in Heaven, the perfect worship.
As I opened this book and started reading the Forward, I felt a connection and ever holding feeling come over me. I felt this book was going to be somehow different. Called To Worship does just that . It calls us to worship God in its truest form. Only by our use of the Bible can we gain a better understanding of exactly how to worship correctly. His Word is there for us to read and learn from, so let’s make it a point to worship correctly. Whaley uses his experiences along with scripture to captivate the reader and acknowledges that each of us needs to find his or her own personal way to worship fully and wholeheartedly. This book keeps the reader captivated throughout.
I highly recommend this book for inclusion in every library. It’s a wonderful study guide and can and should be used in conjunction with the Bible for any study of worship.


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"Fearless" by Max Lucado

2009-09-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

"Fearless", by Max Lucado, grabs the reader right from the start. He utilizes Scripture along with common sense to guide the reader through everyday fears. This study guide allows the reader to face their fears head on knowing that God is there to protect and remove all fears. As the book cover states, " Imagine Your Life Without Fear." Each chapter and section is written with specific fears or circumstances which are confronted each and every day. "Fearless" allows the reader to look to God and recognize that our fears are nothing to be afraid of.
As I read each section I tried to picture myself in each scenario facing the situation and allowing the Scripture passages to sink in and calm the internal storms of my fears. Lucado, uses his literary expertise to its fullest. Not every one can use Biblical Scripture and the disciples in what could have been some rather interesting and maybe comical circumstances, as they followed and learned from Christ. They learned first hand yet as the book shows, they had their fears as well.
What I learned from the book, is that fear is within everyone, and once you realize it, you can then turn those fears into seas of calmness. How many times have each of us gone into a situation which we felt we could not or were not able to control. Our fears overtake us, and we freeze up or completely break down. "Fearless" is that guide which allows us to face our fears in any situation. It breaks down the fear into easily understandable passages and Lucado uses the Bible to illustrate those fears. Further, this book has taught me that anything and everything is possible once we give ourselves over completely the God. God is our salvation and in Him I will rest. Faith conquers all fear
"Fearless" is a wonderful study guide and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt fear and anyone who is looking for guidance direction in their lives.


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Gripping Tale - Under This Unbroken Sky, Shandi Mitchell

2009-08-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Posted 08/30/09: Under This Unbroken Sky, by Shandi Mitchell, is a gripping story about a family from Ukrainia that has migrated to Canada. This family goes through terrible times, first because Teodore goes to prison for stealing his own grain. Maria, Teodore's wife and the mother of his children holds the family together and also keeps Teodore's sister, Anna from collapsing emotionally. I found this story spell binding, but at the same time felt some of the descriptions exceptionally long and graphic. Overall, Shandi is a wonderful documentarian, and she definitely has done her research while compiling and writing this story. She also knows how to keep the reader interested and waiting to see what is going to happen to this family next. A good read for those who enjoy history.

"Everyday Greatness" by Stephen Covey

2009-08-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderfully compiled book of stories with inspiration and everyday development, which borders on, if not compels us, to think about our paths in life. “Everyday Greatness” is that collection of awe-inspiring stories, some from some famous people, but for the most part, they are the stories of the common person like me. Stephen Covey, has done a wonderful job of bring the best together and putting it out there for everyone to have the opportunity to read.
This is not the type of book that you will want to pick up and read all the way through, without stopping. It is a collection of stories, some heart rendering, but always inspiring. A reflection section and some simple questions the reader should ask themselves follow each section. These reflections give the reader the opportunity to look within himself or herself, to evaluate and correct ways in which he or she thinks and acts.
While reading these wonderfully inspiring stories, I found myself stopping and thinking about the ways I look at things and life. It made me think about how I look at life and the little things that I can do, to help or give a person a boost in their and my everyday life’s hurdles.
I highly recommend this collection to any and everyone. You will not be sorry and possibly, you too can make a difference in someone’s life and most certainly your life as well.

Superdove

2009-07-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Superdove: How the Pigeon Took Manhattan ... And the World by Courtney Humphries

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have just finished the unique story about pigeons. This lighthearted study of this bird gives the reader a new way to look at the pigeon and how it has impacted our lives.
Ms Humphries gives us her own personal look as she expresses her study of these birds, while keeping it light, she fills us with knowledge and the unexpected look at the value of these birds. If you are looking for something strangely interesting, this could be the book to pick up and read.

View all my reviews >>

Motor Vehicle Alignment

2009-07-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

In its most basic form, a wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The purpose of these adjustments is obtain maximum tire life and a vehicle that tracks straight and true when driving along a straight and level road.
Wheel Alignment is often confused with Wheel Balancing. The two really have nothing to do with each other except for the fact that they affect ride and handling. If a wheel is out of balance, it will cause a vibration at highway speeds that can be felt in the steering wheel and/or the seat. If the alignment is out, it can cause excessive tire wear and steering or tracking problems.
If you have ever had your motor vehicle aligned, you've may have heard the terms Camber, Caster and Toe-in.
Camber
Camber is the angle of the wheel, measured in degrees, when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel is leaning out from the center of the car, then the camber is positive ,if it's leaning in, then the camber is negative. If the camber is out of adjustment, it will cause tire wear on one side of the tire's tread. If the camber is too far negative, for instance, then the tire will wear on the inside of the tread.
Camber wear pattern
If the camber is different from side to side it can cause a pulling problem. The vehicle will pull to the side with the more positive camber. On many front-wheel-drive vehicles, camber is not adjustable. If the camber is out on these cars, it indicates that something is worn or bent, possibly from an accident and must be repaired or replaced.
Caster
When you turn the steering wheel, the front wheels respond by turning on a pivot attached to the suspension system. Caster is the angle of this steering pivot, measured in degrees, when viewed from the side of the vehicle. If the top of the pivot is leaning toward the rear of the car, then the caster is positive, if it is leaning toward the front, it is negative. If the caster is out of adjustment, it can cause problems in straight-line tracking. If the caster is different from side to side, the vehicle will pull to the side with the less positive caster. If the caster is equal but too negative, the steering will be light and the vehicle will wander and be difficult to keep in a straight line. If the caster is equal but too positive, the steering will be heavy and the steering wheel may kick when you hit a bump. Caster has little affect on tire wear.
The best way to visualize caster is to picture a shopping cart caster. The pivot of this type of caster, while not at an angle, intersects the ground ahead of the wheel contact patch. When the wheel is behind the pivot at the point where it contacts the ground, it is in positive caster. Picture yourself trying to push the cart and keep the wheel ahead of the pivot. The wheel will continually try to turn from straight ahead. That is what happens when a car has the caster set too far negative. Like camber, on many front-wheel-drive vehicles, caster is not adjustable. If the caster is out on these cars, it indicates that something is worn or bent, possibly from an accident, and must be repaired or replaced.
Toe-in
The toe measurement is the difference in the distance between the front of the tires and the back of the tires. It is measured in fractions of an inch in the US and is usually set close to zero, which means that the wheels are parallel with each other. Toe-in means that the fronts of the tires are closer to each other than the rears. Toe-out is just the opposite. An incorrect toe-in will cause rapid tire wear to both tires equally. This type of tire wear is called a saw-tooth wear pattern.
If the sharp edges of the tread sections are pointing to the center of the car, then there is too much toe-in. If they are pointed to the outside of the car then there is too much toe-out. Toe is always adjustable on the front wheels and on some cars, is also adjustable for the rear wheels.
Four-Wheel Alignments
There are two main types of 4-wheel alignments. In each case, the technician will place an instrument on all four wheels. In the first type the rear toe and tracking is checked, but all adjustments are made at the front wheels. This is done on vehicles that do not have adjustments on the rear. The second type is a full 4-wheel alignment where the adjustments are first made to true up the rear alignment, and then the front is adjusted. A full 4-wheel alignment will cost more than the other type because there is more work involved.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

2009-07-05T17:53:00.001-07:00

Posted April 9, 2009, 12:39 PM EST: Hello, I am a Barnes and Noble First Look Book Club member and have thoroughly enjoyed The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, by Katherine Howe. As I have not completely finished the novel, with a few more chapters to go, I can say the the book grabbed my attention right from the start and it has not lost any momentum. The Characters, are brought to life and the author has given a great insight into the lives of each character. Lots of twists and turns and well as some discoveries for each character. Even the Milk Street house, Garden and dog(Arlo) have their own unique characterization. This novel is enchanting as well as suspenseful. You can only guess at how it will turn out. I fully recommend this novel to everyone. Lots of history mixed in the fiction. Thank You so much Katherine, you have a real winning novel here.

Of Bees and Mist

2009-07-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

Posted 06/25/09: I have just finished this wonderful novel by a first time author, by the name of Erick Setiawan. His introductory novel "Of Bees and Mists", is an intriguing, magical love story with many twists and turns. I absolutely found myself completely involved with each and every character. The first time you pick up this book, you see the cover and can't help but start to examine it, finding all sorts of interesting items hidden throughout the vines. Once you open and start reading, you will find yourself looking at a family, which appears to be dysfunctional at best. This book has love, magic, love lost, Escapism, and fascination beyond compare. I strongly urge you to pick up this novel. You won't be able to stop reading. Erick Setiawan is sure to go far and I'm sure that his first novel will soon be on the Best Sellers Lists everywhere.

Tire Maintenance

2009-06-20T15:51:00.001-07:00

Tire maintenance is as important as all other parts to your motor vehicle. By properly maintaining your tires, you can prolong the life of the tires and provide for a safer smoother ride.
Let's talk about tire pressure. Manufacturers recommend specific tire pressers for their specific makes and models of vehicles. You will want to check the decal usually located on the inside of the driver's door for the recommended pressures. In some cases they will recommend one pressure for the front and one for the rear, but generally speaking the tire pressure will be the same all the way around.
Proper tire pressure will provide for better gas mileage, and in today's economy with fuel prices on the rise, checking and maintaining tire pressure will help. If tire pressures are too low, excessive wear to the tire and you could be virtually dragging a tire while driving. The more even the tread is on the driving surface, the better it is for the tire and you. When the pressure is too low, you may also be driving on the sidewall of the tire. This is not good, as it could cause the sidewall to rupture, and loss of control of the vehicle.
On the other hand, you don't want to over-inflate the tires either. By doing that, only a portion of the center of the tire tread will be contacting the driving surface. So you see, by maintaining the proper tire pressure, you prolong the life of the tire as well as provide a safety factor for you and the other occupants of your vehicle.
One other thing to look for when inspecting your tires, is wearing to the inside and outside of the tread pattern. If you see this, you should take your vehicle in for service, as you may need an alignment. More on that in my next article.

Ways To Help Improve Fuel Economy

2009-06-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

At this time of year many people do most of the traveling, so I decided to post a few ways in which you may improve your fuel economy.

Drive Sensibly - Observe the speed limit, and use cruise control whenever possible. Avoid excessive idling. Potential fuel savings: 5 to 33%.

Check and Replace Air Filters - Replacing air filters every 12,000 miles can improve fuel economy and help protect your engine. Potential fuel savings: up to 10%.

Keep your Engine Tuned - Changing spark plugs, fixing faulty sensors, and maintaining your engine can improve your gas mileage. Potential fuel saving: up to 4%.

Keep tires properly inflated - Under inflated tires can cause lower gas mileage. Follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Potential fuel savings: up to 3%.

Use proper Motor Oil - The proper grade of motor oil along with changing the oil filter can improve fuel economy. Potential fuel savings: 1 to 2%.

Vehicle Maintenance (Part One) Oil Changes

2009-05-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Oil changes are vitally important for the smooth operation of your motor vehicle. Over time, oil breaks down and does not lubricate the important parts of the engine, which in turn can cause poor power, poor gas mileage, and overall harm to the moving parts of the engine. If not remedied what is left of the oil will evaporate, and not properly lubricate the engine, and you may have harmful byproducts in the engine, that will begin to cause problems in and with the engine, usually in the form of what may sound like sand rubbing on valves or a ticking sound, which is an indication of possible bent rods, damaged heads and other engine parts.
To prevent such events from happening, most manufacturers recommend that engine oil be changed every 3,000 miles. This is usually the life expectancy of oil for a couple of reasons. First of all the viscosity of the oil breaks down due to heat and cold, so when you get the oil changed in your vehicle, make sure that the proper viscosity i.e., 5w30, 10w30, or 5w20 oil, is used. The vehicle manufacturer will have the proper viscosity listed, somewhere in your owners manual.
Secondly, most oil filters are rated for 3,000 miles. If the oil is not changed at the proper intervals, the oil filter may not filter out contaminants. There are bypass valves in many oil filters and once the oil filter gets to dirty, the valve will close and for obvious reasons, the oil contaminants will not be pulled away for the engine parts. With this in mind, make sure that you are replacing the oil filter with every oil change.
Finally, once the oil change has been completed, make sure that the oil change reminder light is reset. That reminder light will come on approximately 2,500 miles into the last oil change as a reminder that it is getting close to time to change the oil. If you are not going to be changing the oil and filter yourself, choose a reliable mechanic/automotive technician, someone you trust, to do the work for you. Once you find that person, they can keep you up to date on what's happening with your vehicle.

Reading for Pleasure and Relaxation

2009-05-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

A while back, my wife discovered a great Online Book Club from Barnes and Noble, known as The First Look Book Club. Barnes and Noble seeks out new authors and asks them to allow their group of readers to pre-read their book.
We must sign up for the opportunity to get an Advance Readers Copy of the book, and during the month we read the book and discuss it with each other. Finally, we each have the opportunity to write our own review of the book. Oh by the way, did I mention that we also get the opportunity to meet with the author and publisher during our discussion period?
Both my wife and I have now been involved with the First Look Book Club since 2007 and we have read a number of great books. We are about to start what appears to be another great read, entitled "Of Bees and Mist" by Erick Setiawan
Check out Barnes and Noble Book Clubs. at BarnesandNoble.com and you too can join in on future books.

Car Maintenance Basics

2009-05-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

Many of us forget about our motor vehicles when it comes to basic maintenance. Like our bodies, our cars and trucks need periodic maintenance to keep them running efficiently.
As the economy is struggling, many people are opting to keep their current vehicle rather than purchasing new or previously owned vehicles. Here are some basics to remember that your motor vehicle needs in order to keep running:

1. Oil changes every 3 thousand miles or every 3 months, which ever comes first.

2. Proper inflation of tires. Over inflation or under inflation will cause the tires to wear unevenly, causing poor fuel economy, and the possibility of a blow out.

3. Regular tune ups, which include spark plugs, wires, air filter and cabin air filter replacement.

I will be covering the above items in the next few weeks, in depth so that you can keep that precious vehicle running smoothly. As time goes on, I will be adding to the maintenance list.