The Last Ride

From the back of the book:  Andrea Carter is turning sweet sixteen and life could not be better.  School is almost over for good, and there will be plenty of time to train the colt of her treasured horse, Taffy.  Best of all, big brother Chad is giving Andi more responsibilities on the ranch.  

Her first job is to teach city-slicker cousin Daniel how things work on the Circle C.  There's just one big problem: Daniel wants nothing to do with ranch life.  Charming one minute and outrageously rude the next, he ignores common sense, defies authority, and proves to be a danger to everyone including himself.

Then Andi stumbles onto a horrify secret about Daniel,  warns her to stay silent or face the deadly consequences.  But all bets are off when Daniel's actions set off a chain of events that leave Andi brokenhearted and bitter.

This was a wonderful storyline, full of adventure and, of course, gives us thoughts on our own lives.  How would I have handled this situation?  What would I have done?

In this story, we learn about forgiveness and what it can cost us if we don't forgive.   I do enjoy the Circle C series and would recommend them to any young girl.   Especially if they love horses!   It was wonderful to catch up with Andi and her family again, and I can see where there will be at least one more in this series.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Still Restless

From the back of the book:

What would you give to travel back in time and make an appointment with Jesus, to talk to God in flesh?  would you ask the questions that cause you doubt?  Would you expect his answers to bring you peace?  Still Restless relates good news:  God has always had time for honest seekers, even when they have hard questions or objections.  The proof is in the life of Christ.  Jesus met for one-on-one conversations to share the way to truth and life.  He never used the same approach twice, proving that the gospel is designed for everyone, no matter an individual's experiences or personality. 

 

Hettinga walks through these gospel encounters to demonstrate how talking with Jesus is a good thing to do, particularly in today's fast-paced modern world.  Conversations with Christ reveal a spirituality that shuts down evil and empowers good.

This is an interesting book, especially for those who may have questions about the Christian faith, or for those that feel something lacking in their life.   This book reminds the reader that a relationship with Christ is important.  It is very important to have that one-on-one relationship with Christ every day.  

A good book for new Christians, or for those that are still seeking.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

The Devotional for Women

About the Author

Dorothy Kelley Patterson is the professor of Theology in Women’s Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. She is a homemaker, popular speaker, and successful writer, editor, and compiler of numerous books and coeditor of the Old Testament and New Testament volumes of the Women’s Evangelical Commentary. Her husband Paige is president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Rhonda Harrington Kelley is the president’s wife and adjunct professor of Women’s Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a frequent speaker for women as well as the author of numerous books and coeditor of the Old Testament and New Testament volumes of the Women’s Evangelical Commentary. Her husband Chuck is president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

If you are looking for a good devotional, this is it.  A 366 day devotional that isn't dated, so you can begin your readings as soon as you receive your copy.  It makes it a lot easier than ones that are dated; as you can read and reread them over and over again.  I am sure that you willB&H Publishing group with this devotional.

The devotions are written by a team put together by Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Kelly.  In the back, you will find a biography of each of the writers,  and all are well versed in Theology.  

Each day you will open up to a verse, and a devotional, and then followed by a prayer and space for your personal reflection on what you have read.  It is very easy to read and follow, very well done, with an attractive purple soft imitation cover and a handy size.  This would make a lovely gift for any woman.   I highly recommend this, you can't go wrong with this team of writers.  It makes a great companion to the Study Bible for Women, also edited by Dorthy Kelly Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelly!

B&H Publishing Group

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Messed Up Men of the Bible

In his book, the authors Dave and Tina Samples, take men of the Bible and try to relate them to men in our lives today.    Tina and Dave Samples remind us  that the Bible is filled with a cast of men who struggled and fell, and yet were consistently used by God to accomplish His purposes.  These historic men faced the same emotions and questions that contemporary men face.  Through their lives, we can see just how God's power is perfected in our weakness, then and now.

The authors use personal stories to illustrate what they are trying to covey to their readers, and supply practical applications for them as well.

The book is well-written, and a good resource for counseling,  and for those who may be struggling with their Christian walk.   

It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it does teach the reader a lot about grace, and forgiveness, and using these men's mistakes to help us in our own lives. 

I also don't understand why they consider Job a "messed up" man of the Bible, me, I think he was a blameless character, used by God to show us that we can be tested by Satan, and win.

All in all a good book with practical application.


I received this book free from the publisher. http://www.kregel.com I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reframe

Many of us know God, but how deep is our relationship to God?  How much time do you give God each day?   This is a splendid book written by Brian Hardin on how to get you into a glorious relationship with God.  

Honestly, this book will make you rethink your relationship with God, and how much time you give to Him everyday.   No more run of the mill devotions, done on the run.  Sit down and take some quality quiet time with God.   In his book Brian Hardin will coach you through the process and truly let you see how important this is in our lives as Christians.

An amazing book that is good for both  mature Christians and those who  are new in the faith.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Wicked Women of the Bible

From the back of the book:




What can Jezebel, the Bible s wickedest queen, reveal about God s holiness and power and even about his sense of humor? What about the Woman at the Well the one with five husbands and a live-in lover? And what of the prostitute whose tears bathe the feet of Jesus in front of people who despise her?

There are also wicked good women like Deborah, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, Esther, Mary, and more. What do their lives tell us about God s invincible love and his determined plan to save us?

In her book Ann Spangler, a best-selling author, has compiled a list of so-called "wicked" women of the Bible.  But not only that she includes those who have had sin in their hearts, women you may not have thought to be included in this book.  The author has done thorough research and has kept her writings close to the facts in the Bible.

What I like is she gives you thoughts to ponder after each chapter.  I would recommend this book for  women's Bible study, or on your own study.  This is a book I will keep on my reference shelf.


 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Crimson cord

In this novel we are introduced to Rahab, whom we know is the great-grandmother of King David.  We are shown glimpses of her life and through some events that happened; the walls coming down in Jericho, Rahab saving the two spies, and the eventual marriage of Rahab to Salmon, and the birth of Boaz.

This is a factitious novel on one of the main characters in the lineage of Christ.  I have to admit it does take courage to write about people in the Bible, and to use supposition to write a novel around it.  The author is a great writer, she keeps the audience captivated, but I wasn't really into the novel because it is mostly fiction, mixed with a few facts from the Bible.   The novel is well done and captivating, true to the historical times, but when it comes to the Bible, I don't like to "add" to the
scriptures.

I only keep repeating this, so that everyone will know that it is only partial fact and not all true history.  This is a great story of forgiveness and grace.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.