NKJV Study Bible, Full Color Second Edition

God's Word is always true and righteous, and now in the latest edition of the New King James Version Study Bible, you can delve into the Word with more confidence and understanding.  This latest edition is in fact "The Complete Resource for Studying God's Word", as indicated on the front cover.  

  This edition is in full color with a complete Concordance, for looking up any information about the Scripture you are studying, as well as a section of maps, which gives the reader a better understanding of the area or areas involved with any particlar book and event.  

  The New King James Version Study Bible is a wonderful resource for Preachers, Teachers in developing Bible Studies and Classes. I'd like to take this time to Thank Thomas Nelson publishers/BookLovers. for the opportunity to read and review this selection.  I have already utilized this edition in preparing a Bible Study for our Men's Group at my church and look forward to continuing to use the NKJV Study Bible in for future for exploring God's Word.  This selection is a must for any Christian Library and well as great reference guide for Preachers, and Bible Teachers alike. 

"Invitation to Philippians" by Donald Sunukjan

"Invitation to Philippians" Building a Great Church Through Humility", is a wonderful teaching guide to the Book of Philippians.  In this guide you will find that Mr. Sunukjan brings forth his insight into the book and explains it's contents with direct wisdom and knowledge of the book.  

  He backs up the teachings with a number of Scriptures so that the reader can dig deeper into the understanding and gain the insight so many Christians who do not read the Bible, lack. It is meant to help pastors/preachers/men's group leaders build a church that will not only serve God but also reach out to the community. Donald Sunukjian has great examples of what and how to preach. As part of his "Biblical Preaching for the Contemporary Church" series, Mr. Sunukjian gives wonderful examples of what and how to preach from Philippians.

 "Invitation to Philippians", should be in every Christian library and used in study for all. Pastors, and others who preach and teach will find it a valuable tool for preparation of their messages and talks. I definitely recommend it and thank Cross Focused Media for my copy. This is an honest review.

Sleepy Hollow, Children of the Revolution, by Keith R.A. DeCandido

This epic story of Sleepy Hollow, is told and based on the new Television Series of the same name.  Sleepy Hollow takes place in two time periods, as Ichabod Crane helps to fight evil demons from the past along side Detective Abbie Mills of the Sleepy Hollow Police Department.  

  There are bodies being torn apart with no answers  and it is up to Crane and Mills to unravel the mystery.  Along the way they find from Ichabod's dead wife that he was awarded a special award by General Geoarge Washington after he, Ichobod Crane was decapitated during the Revolutionary War.  

  Evil forces headed by Serilda  are attemptingt to exact revenge for past mishaps. Can Ichabod and Mills figure out the mystery in time to save Sleepy Hollow?  You will have to read the wonderful story to find out.  

  I was pleasently surprised once I opened and started this story.  Decandido certainly knows how to write a story that pulls the reader into it and once into the story, you will not be able to put this book down.  Sleepy Hollow is a wonderful read.  Thanks to Blogging for Books and Keith R.A. DeCandido for the opportunity to read and review this selection.  Sleepy Hollow, (Children of the Revolution), is sure to please.

The Book of Revelation Made Clear, by Tim Lahaye and Timothy E. Parker

"The Book of Revelation Made Clear," by Tim Lahaye and Timothy E. Parker is a wonderfu learning guide to the Book of Revelation.  Lahaye and Parker take each chapter and verse and lay out their exact meaning with no holds barred.  At the beginning of each verse of set of verses as the case may be, you will find a pre- quiz dealing with the outlined Scripture, where you are given the opportunity to test of knowledge of the verses involved.  

  This book can also be used as a study guide or for a Sunday School lession, giving the attendees the opportunity to hear the word and to completely understand their meanings.  As you read this book, you will find the pre-quiz questions, followed by the Scripture and the meaning for each.  

  I thoroughly enjoyed reading and studying my Bible along with this book.  Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishers and BookLook.com the the opportunity to both read and review this selection.  I quite literally enjoyed this book and I know that I will be reading it again and again.

"The Skies Belong to Us", by Brendan I. Koerner

The Skies Belong to Us", by Brendan I. Koerner, is the story of the one of the most turbulent times.  This time period involved the Viet Nam War and also at that time Sky Jackings were common place.  During this period, you could hear about at least one sky jacking every week.  This story is about just one of the most famous.  

  These highjacking instances were not like the highjacking of the planes that crashed in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon or the field in Pennsylvania, where total destruction and murder were the goals.  This story is about the two people responsible for the high jacking of Western Airlines Flight 701.  The story also includes relevent information about the two main characters involed in the high jacking, Roger Holder a U.S. Army Veteran and combat veteran of the Vietnam War, and a little known party girl by the name of Cathy Kerkow.  

  Koerner, has taken great strides in patience and research to bring this time into written form so that the reader can both gain knowledge of the time and maybe for those of us who lived through those times, a reminder of how fragile time and space is.  

  I'd like to take this time to thank Broadway Books and Blogging for Books, as well as Brendan I. Koerner for the opportunity to both read and review "The Skies Belong to Us."  It is surely as the back jacket states, "A gripping portrait of a chaotic time."

Where The Wind Leads, by Vinh Chung

"Where The Wind Leads", by Vinh Chung is a touching story of loss and redemption.  This piece of literature takes the reader from the a war torn Viet Nam and shows the progression of one family, the Chung's.  As told by one of the Chung children, ou will be transported to Viet Nam where you will be forced to leave your country and by doing so, you will become one of the Boat People or refugees, that so many have complained about for so long. 

Vinh Chung, gives us an indepth picture of his family and what it was like growing up in Viet Nam and hen being removed and relocated from the only home he ever knew.  Along the way on this journey, Vinh's father and eventually his mother and I'm guessing from the read Christ comes into their lives and I believe that each of hem asked Christ into their hearts.  

  It's amazing just how God works in our lives and how  He worked in the lives of those stranded in the South China Sea, away from people and places that wanted nothing to do wit those Boat People.  

  This is a story of faith courage and determination that needed to be told.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Thomas Nelson Publishing/BookLook for the privalege of both reading and reviewing tis telling story.  This may be one of he rags to riches stories, that could have only happened through faith and determination.  The Chung family showed us just how their faith in God saw them through the roughest of times. 

Fire & Smoke, by Chris Lilly

"Fire & Smoke", by Chris Lilly, is a wonderful reference for the person who loves to Barbeque, Grill or Smoke all kinds of food in the out of doors.  Lilly, the well known award winning BBQ competitions, has taken the time to prepare this wonderful reference guide to the various cookers.  

  "Fire & Smoke", starts off with a numbr of difference cookers which are out there.  Chris Lilly explains each of he selected types giving concise information and positive and negative points for each item.  He will also explain his take on the different Grills, Smokers and BBQ's so you may be informed and to expectations and limitations of each.  

  What I really liked about this book, is that I found that different cooking methods required different approaches or cookers.  I found this reference extremely beneficial.  The rest of the book is filled with great recipes, from Cocktails to Sauces and Rubs.  I look to cook outdoors and will certainly be trying all the recipes contained in this book.  

  I'd like to thank Clarkson Potter Publishers and Blogging for Books for the oportunity to read and review this selection.  I'd also like to thank Chris Lilly, for his efforts and contributions. 

  I received this book for free from Blogging Fo Books for this review.

"Brothers Forever", by Tom Manion

"Brothers Forever", by Tom Manion, and coauthor Tom Sileo, is a wonderful tribute to both Travis Manion and Brendan Looney.  These two young men died three years apart, Travis in Iraq, and Brendan in Afganistan, while fighting terrorism and to give the countries a sense of freedom so enjoyed and at times taken for granted here in the United States.  

  This true story starts when Travis and Brendan meet and find that they are to be roommates at the United States Naval Academy.  As this epic story unfolds and continues a bond is secured between Travis and Brendan which can never be broken.  Much like most military personnel of today and in the past, combat will bring a bond between soldiers and sailors which the general public will never quite understand.  Tom Manion and Tom Sileo have taken the lives of both Travis and Brendan and put it into words in a story form so as to in some way bring out that bond to anyone and everyone who picks up this book.  

  Travis upon graduation from the Naval Academy becomes an Officer in the United States Marines who serves several tours of duty in Iraq.  Brendan upon graduation from the Naval Academy becomes and Officer in the United States Navy, and eventually becomes a Navy Seal.  Again Brendan serves in Iraq and then a couple of tours in Afghanistan. 

  Follow this story to the end and the reader will come away with a sense of sorrow and pride as well. 

  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Tom Manion and Tom Sileo for their diligence and time to consolidate and write this gripping story of two young men whose determination and dedication to duty is told.  My continued thanks go out to Travis's and Brendan's family, for sharing a part of their lives with the public.  This is a must read, and I imagine it will make the Best Seller list in the very near future.  

Heaven & Hell, Are They Real?, by Christopher D. Hudson

 Have you ever really considered whether Heaven and Hell are Real?  I suspect that even the most religous has at some time asked themselves that question.  Much is written about Heaven, but when it comes to Hell, you don't always find and te pertinent information you may be looking for.  "Heaven & Hell, Are They Real?, by Christopher D. Hudson is just the book you may be looking for, to answer some pressing questions.  

  As for this reader, I found myself completely immersed in this book.  Scripture after Scripture was presented to give me a better insight into the question whether Heaven and Hell really exist.  I always believed that both Heaven and Hell existed, but after reading this selection, I am even more assured of their existence, and I for one have chosen Heaven over Hell.  

  This book is broken down into two parts.  The first part deals with the questions and Scriptures that bring Heaven into focus.  The second part obviously deals with the question of Hell.  Again, Scripture is utilized to inform and may I say educate the reader.  

  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Thomas Nelson/BookLook for the privilege of reading and reviewing this selection.  It I'd also like to thank Christopher D. Hudson, for compiling such an informative book.  It is one book I will certainly read again, and should be in everyones library. 

"Fortress of the Mist" by Sigmund Brouwer

This is book 2 of Sigmund Brouwer's "Merlin's Immortals' series. Magnus is a kingdom under attack by the Druids and defended by men like Thomas. The problem is that the Druids don't want Thomas to live. They want to annihilate all opposition in order to have complete control over the kingdom and carry out their own plans. There are so many times when Thomas feels alone. There are also many times when he doesn't want to involve anyone else because it is simply too dangerous. To complicate things, two women seem to be vying for Thomas' attention - Katherine and Isabelle. But, are they who they seem to be? Will anyone stand with Thomas to save Magnus, or will the kingdom fall to the evil forces of the Druids?

This is an interesting book but I wish I had read the first book, "The Orphan King" first because it would probably have made more sense from the beginning. The author writes a good story and I enjoyed the journey of the characters. I recommend this book, and the series, to those of you who enjoy Young Adult Fantasy. I received my free review copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. 

1861 The Civil War Awakening, by Adam Goodheart

"1861 The Civil War Awakening", by Adam Goodheart, is one of the best fact based pieces of literature I have read concerning the American Civil War.  Right after you open this book you are captured and thrown into the time before the war's beginning, with factual information from a variety of different points, or if you wish, sides.  

  As the reader will find,Goodheart has a wonderful way of weaving a story so as too keep the reader wondering or evern finding surprises about the time just prior to the war and it's beginning.  "1861 The Ciil War Awakening will provide its reader with all kinds of facts and information not found in many other places.  

  Adam Goodheart has certainly done his research and studying when he collected and organized this book.  I would highly recommend this book for the history buff, and anyother including a student to become well rounded in the true information of the American Civil War.  

  The characters depicted in this book come to life as you read.  Bravo to Adam Goodheart for such a wonderful read.

The Safe Lands Outcasts, by Jill Williamson

“The Safe Lands Outcasts”, by Jill Williamson is the second in her series.  Unfortunately, I found it to be slow and hard to read.  It may have been that this story is geared to Teens and young adults, but I have read and reviewed other such types of books and stories in the past.

  I found the story hard to follow as it appeared to jump around.  May be if I had read the first in the series I would have a better review. 

The story starts off with Mason, trying to find a way to free his village from a prisoner like condition, as well as finding a cure for some disease.  There appears to be two factions of what I would call rebel forces, and I could not follow with group was which, therefore I was now able to decide with group was in the right. 

I’m sure that Jill Williamson is a wonderful writer and I wish her the best.  I’d like to take this time to thank both BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to both read and review this story. 

Dateline Jerusalem, by Chris Mitchell

  Dateline Jerusalem, by Chris Mitchell, is a telling story of the battles and turmoil of the Middle East.  As I started reading this selection, I found myself relating back to the news stories we’ve seen on the evening news and the special reports as thing flare up.  What I didn’t realize at the time, is that I was reading a first hand account by a person, (Chris Mitchell), as seen through his eyes and lived through him as well.

As a news reporter for CBN News stationed in the Middle East, Chris Mitchell has first-hand knowledge of the struggles those countries encounter. In the book, Dateline Jerusalem, Mitchell absolutely   recounts his experiences as a reporter during war and peace throughout the area and applies the events taking place to prophecy within the Bible.

Written in a chronologically, Mitchell takes readers through various events of the last three years. In vivid detail, he describes what daily life is like in a war zone. In one instance, he is hunkered down below the windows of his hotel room avoiding gunfire and stray bombs.

Mitchell defines the Arab Spring and addresses it’s importance to future events. He discusses the growing world belief that Israel does not have a right to exist. He explains the Muslim Brotherhood, and the growing influence of Islam throughout the United States and around the world.

Finally, Mitchell brings together current news events and Bible prophecy and explains how all these events culminate in one city: Jerusalem.

As a reader, I have some knowledge of what the Bible says, regarding the area and Jerusalem,  however, I am not  well-studied. Mitchell was able to write this book in such a way that the average person is completely able to understand and relate to what he describes. With just general knowledge of current events, I was able to connect the dots Mitchell drew in detail throughout this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is concerned with events taking place in the Middle East, as I believe everyone should be, and how they relate to the book of Revelation in the Bible.

I would consider Dateline Jerusalem a must read.  I liked to take this opportunity to thank Thomas Nelson Publishing/Booksneeze for the change to read and review this book.  It is well worth the time and it may actually bring more attention to what is happening around us.  Also, Chris Mitchell has a wonderful way of placing the facts in story form to keep the reader interested and glued to the pages.