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. 

“A Walk Through The Dark” by Eva Piper is the true story of her walk through the dark following her husband Don's severe car accident. It begins as she informed of his involvement in a accident while she is teaching her students. The story details all the surgeries, hospital stays, setbacks, injuries, and more that occur over the next years. Eva describes the day by day caretaking and gives much wisdom for caretakers and loved ones who are supporting a caretaker.  At this point I had to consider my own walk through the dark as I lost a family member.  Much of what Eva Piper was feeling did at times well up in me.

Eva must deal with all the decision making, which prior to the accident, was all left up to her husband  Don. Eva did discuss in length how her faith and prayer life was strengthened by the events of the accident and having to take over their household and lives and keep everything together.

Since reading this compelling story, I will probably  pick up Don's book now, to get the story from Don’s point of view.

I could tell she had some difficulty writing this story, but she did a wonderful job of explaining her thoughts and feelings with each step of the way.

Overall, the book was a quick, easy read as well as enjoyable.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank BookSneeze and Eva Piper for the opportunity to both read and review this story.  “A Walk Through The Dark”, by Eva Piper is a wonderful read with a compelling story.  

"Intential Walk", by Rob Rains

I have had the pleasure of reading a wonderful book about faith and commitment where one may not expect to find it.  "Intentional Walk", by Rob Rains, is a look inside the St. Louis Cardinals organization.  

  You will find testimonies, and life experiences related trough the written word from some of the most successful major league baseball players in the National League, as well as from management and support staff alike.  I must say that when I started reading this book, I wasn't sure what to expect.  What I found was a book I could use as a devotional, as Scripture was also utilized in each chapter.  The experiences and testimonies presented allowed me to get a better understanding of what God has in mind for each and every one of us, if only we listen.  

  Prayer Meetings, Bible Study and Chapel for the St. Louis Cardinals are normal functions of the team, not just a once and a while occurance.  

  As you read this book, you will hear from players like, 3rd Baseman David Freese and manager Mike Matheny, just to mention a couple, but there are many more team members and organization members from upper management all the way to support staff, and commentators.  

  This book is quite different from what we are currently seeing in the news and major league steriod use.  It will bring faith and God into the forefront of our thinking and lives.  At least this is my prayer.  As you read on you will also hear the testimonies of others such as Adam Wainwright, Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday and many more.  

  I'd like to thank Thomas Nelson/Booksneeze for the opportunity to both read and review this timely selection.  It is a wonderful read and I would strongly suggest it for any and all.  What we need is get closer to God, and this book just may be the catalyst to get us there.  

  Mind you, this is not a book about baseball but of faith and faith building.  Baseball is being utilized here.  "Intentional Walk", by Rob Rains is sure to make the best seller list in any and all Christian walks, and maybe, just maybe it will also make in the general public as well. I recommend this book for all.