Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Linspired, The Remarkable Rise of Jeremy Lin is written by Mike Yorkey.

This book is about Jeremy Lin and is written by Mike Yorkey. Mr. Yorkey has written the well liked Playing with Purpose books and this new book about the famed basketball star will also not disappoint.

This book follows the beginning of Jeremy Lin’s basketball career. It talks about how he got into the NBA and how much his family history and his family influenced him. The author does well at writing about sports. He holds your attention without boring you. Even if you don’t like basketball you will still enjoy reading about this young man’s journey. I found this an interesting story and thought it was an easy read.

I gave the book 5/5 stars because the book is not just for fans of Jeremy Lin and basketball but also those who enjoy a good human-interest story. I would recommend this book for any sports fan and especially those who enjoy basketball.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review for That's Why I Am Here

That’s Why I Am Here, The Chris and Stefanie Spielman Story is written by Chris Spielman.

What an inspiring story! Chris Spielman explains what has happened in his life thus far in this very open and loving book. The author is a very well known football player but not many know about his personal life and the tragedy of his wife Stefanie’s death from cancer. This book follows Chris’s football journey and their journey together through the cancer.

This book is easy to read and flows well. There is a lot of football in it but also spiritual insight and encouragement for those going through the cancer battle. You can feel the love in the husband and wife relationship and will be encouraged by it. I gave this book 5/5 stars because I thought it was well written and the author did very well at explaining the real journey couples go through when dealing with cancer.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Review of Sifted

Sifted, Pursuing Growth Through Trials, Challenges and Disappointments is written by Wayne Cordeiro.

This is an excellent book for those involved in starting and leading a church congregation. You will read this and take away some very simple advice and also be encouraged as you work each day for the Lord.

There were many parts of this book that I found enlightening. I thought the authors’ view that you have to have a vision to really grow your ministry was a very good one. His practical advice on handling issues that come up in a congregation was well written. The author’s writing is simple and easy to understand. He offers clear advice and encouragement.

After reading this book you will realize that being called to the ministry is just as much a job as any other work you might try to do. I gave this book 4/5 stars because although it offers excellent advice and words of encouragement I thought some of it was tedious.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Downfall is written by Terri Blackstock.

I love any book by Terri Blackstock and found this book to be as well written as her others. She is superb at writing suspense filled stories that keep you guessing till the end.

This is book three in the Intervention Series and is just as good as the others in the series. This particular book follows Emily Covington. You will not be able to put this book down till you see if Emily remains safe. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages and make this a great mystery.

I will say that you do not have to read the others in the series to enjoy this one but it helps you to understand the family better if you do. I gave this book 5/5 stars because I liked the characters and the story line itself. The suspense is great and I look forward to reading more books by this author!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

From Across The Ancient Waters is written by Michael Phillips.

This is another great book written by Michael Phillips. The particular book is the first in the new series The Green Hills of Snowdonia. I have to admit I had some late nights while reading this book. I did not want to put it down and walk back into reality! There is so much great detail in this story that you feel like you are right there with the characters.

The author does an excellent job at description and character development. How the settings are described helps you feel like you are right there! The two main characters in this book, Percy and Gwyneth both change and grow as their story progresses. You can read some books and not really see this but this author in this book does it flawlessly.

I liked the adventure, romance and drama found throughout the story. I especially look forward to reading the next in the series. I gave this book 5/5 stars as it is one of the best books I have read this year!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

What’s The Least I Can Believe And Still Be A Christian? A Guide To What Matters Most is written by Martin Thielen.

I was so looking forward to reading this book. I thought it would have all this helpful easy to understand information. I put the book down discouraged and actually even more confused on certain subjects. I think the idea of the book is great but the author just does not deliver.

The author lists 10 things that he says we don’t need to believe. You will agree with some and disagree with others. I found no real support for what he was saying. He did not really back up his opinions and therefore left me feeling like they were just his opinions and not necessarily the truth. I will not read this book again and do not really recommend it to anyone. If you do decide to read it be sure to have your Bible handy so you can look up the subjects for yourself and see if you agree with what the author says! I only gave this book 3/5 stars because there really was nothing I liked about the book but gave the author credit for taking the time to write it.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

Yesterday’s Stardust is written by Becky Melby.

I found this book intriguing. I liked how the author intertwined the two stories going on, one now and one set in the 1920’s. The main character, Dani, finds a journal from the 20’s and it sends her on a discovery mission. Her life is already complicated with a story involving a local gang. There is also a romance between Dani and another main character Nicky.

All the characters are interesting and the story itself holds your interest. I did find parts to be confusing but once I got into each story and remembered the right characters for the right story it read pretty fast. I think this book would be good for anyone who likes a good mystery as well as historical Christian fiction. I enjoyed this writer’s style and will be reading more of her books. I gave this book 4/5 stars because although the story itself held my interest, I did get confused a few times on what was happing.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.