Randy Alcorn is an author I never pass up a chance to read…. this book is another great example of why that is…
Sheila
Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.
In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God–Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?
These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.
In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.
Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.
As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.
Author Bio:
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.
Book Tour
My Thoughts:
I am a huge Randy Alcorn fan. I have read (I think) every book he has written. I find him to be down to earth and yet, has a wonderful faith quality to him that I always get a different perspective on how to look at things. This book, If God is Good, of course, is no exception.
Reading through Randy’s book he once again astounds me on the level of research he puts into his work… yet I don’t feel like I am reading a heavy book. Randy – truly has a way with words. Using scripture and personal life stories, I find this book to be one I can turn to again and again…
I savored every word as the characters unfolded before me and became a part of my heart….
~ Sheila
Savannah Compton is devastated when her sister and best friend Allison falls into a coma after a tragic accident. Or was it an accident? Even with a charming and handsome detective at her side, it seems Savannah may never discover the truth. But if she doesn’t, her family could be in even more danger. And Savannah’s past holds its own secrets that could change everything.
Now she must prove her innocence to the one person who is beginning to matter most. Join Savannah as she struggles to summon hope and rely on faith, even in the darkest of circumstances, and learn how the bond between sisters can overcome anything.
My Thoughts: I love how this book came to be in my hands. Author Cami Checketts came to me and asked if I would like to review her book. I looked it up on line, read the same few paragraphs as you just did above, and said yes.
Upon reading this book – I was so thankful that I did say yes to it. Cami writes a great suspense novel with characters that will stay with me a long time. I was really impressed that this is such a clean novel and what I mean by that is – there is no strong language, no graphic scenes that made me squirm and no sexual content.
The characters are well described and I as the book opened its story to me I felt as though I knew Allison and Savvanah. Or – at least wanted to. The bond they carried as sisters and friends really tore at my heart and reminded me of the sister I once had. I loved how they took care of one another, and when Detective Noah is added – well, it only gets better.
This novel is filled with suspense, romance, and a close up look of what happend to a family when tragedy hits close to home.
Cami Checkett writes in a style that if I were to ever write that book that I hope to, I would be honored to write as well as her. I will definitely be looking for more from Cami Checkett.
A portion of the proceeds from The Sister Pact will be donated to The Child & Family Support Center. For more information on this worthy cause, please go to www.cachecfsc.org
Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of three wild boys. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.
Her hobbies include: playing with her children, reading, running, water skiing, weightlifting and being involved in church.
Please click here for my interview with author, Cami Checkett.
Cami has graciously offered me an autographed copy of The Sister Pact to be sent to one reader!
To enter:
1) comment here with how you would like the book autographed
2) to earn an extra entry – on a separate comment leave a link to where you have blogged or twittered about this giveaway
3) earn an extra entry by becoming a follower of this blog (or if you already are) be sure to let me know in a separate comment)
4) a fourth entry if you comment on any other non giveaway post on this blog and let me know here
Have fun! USA entrants only – no po box numbers. Giveaway will end on October 11
A beautiful book that would make a lovely gift for the father of the bride… ~ Sheila
Babies come in two kinds-boys and girls. We know that going into parenthood. Still, most dads get a little nervous when the nurse places in their arms a tiny bundle. They can relate to boys…football, toy trains, etc. A girl, on the other hand…well let’s be honest. What in the world does a father do when he’s invited for imaginary tea? Robert Wolgemuth puts these anxieties to rest, relating all the wonderful times that are waiting to be hand with a special little lady-your daughter. He focuses on what works, like “reading riddle books” and tenderness; and what doesn’t, like comparing her to other girls and harsh punishment. Best of all, this is a book about making an investment in the life of a little girl who, some day, will become one of her daddy’s closeset friends.
My Thoughts: This was a different read for me for several reasons. One it is written for a father. I am not a father. It is about fathers and daughters. I also do not have any daughters.
What is amazing about a book like this is that I dont have to be a father or have daughters to appreciate what Robert Wolgemuth is writing about here. In She Still Calls Me Daddy, Robert really brings his own personal stories to life here, as he shares with great passion and faith about having daughters, raising daughters, and then letting them go. I really enjoyed this book and as someone who never had the opportunity to have my father walk me down the aisle or have my dad meet my husband… it was bittersweet as to a relationship we could have had.
I think this book would make a wonderful gift for the father who is soon giving away his daughter.
This book was sent to me for review by Thomas Nelson
Reading this book – I ask myself, how many miracles sent my way do I miss? How many opportunities have I missed when I felt a need to say something and didn’t? ‘You Were Born For This’ was a great reminder. ~ Sheila
Summary
His New York Times phenomenon The Prayer of Jabez changed how millions pray. Now Bruce Wilkinson wants to change what they do next.
Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by a direct intervention from God. Around the world these acts are called miracles—not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn the “protocol of heaven.”
In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can be a “Delivery Guy” from heaven in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth.
Author Bios:
One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta.
David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado.
My Thoughts:
Many years ago I had read The Prayer of Jabez and really liked how Wilkinson put things into perspective. Now here I
Blog Tour
am again with another amazing book by Wilkinson sitting next to me as I type. While what Bruce is saying is to me – common sense… apparently it needs to be said as I for one tend to forget that we are to be constantly looking for ways to serve Him… ways to do His work here on earth and yet days go by where I dont go the extra few steps to talk to that neighbor out watering her flowers or the person I know is going to want to talk and talk and I just do not have (or take) the time to listen. *OUCH!*
There are topics in this book that I can and will use for my team training I am currently doing for our Fall Honduras Mission. I love the term “Intentional Miracle Workers.” This book really was a great read for me and a definite keeper for the book shelves. This is one I can refer to time and again.
And YES! Thank you to Staci for also sending me an extra copy to giveaway! To enter this giveaway:
One entry for answering this question: What can you do to be more open to miracles that are around us everyday?
receive a second entry by becoming a follow of this blog (two entries if you already are a follower but you need to tell me)
earn another entry by blogging or tweeting this giveaway.
That’s it. Giveaway will close October 17
This book was sent to me for review by Staci Carmichael from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
What started as an uncertain read for me turned into a powerful look into a future that kept the pages turning long into the night! ~ Sheila
The unthinkable has happened. Tactical nuclear weapons have fallen into the hands of terrorists, and both the United States and Israel have been targeted. The Biblical prophecies are TRUE and the march toward the apocalypse us unstoppable.
Moshe Eldan is a “Lightning Driver”, the self-described vernacular of an elite group of
Israeli F-16 fighter pilots. It is his job to protect and defend his beleaguered country on a daily basis, but not even Moshe sees what is coming. Attacks along the Lebanese border, by Hizbollah fighters, is on the increase, but it’s only a diversion from the greater danger. Iran has nuclear weapons, and they plan to use them. Join Moshe as he desperately attempts to stop the most deadly terrorist attack in history. His only hope is found in beginning a new mission, one that will take him straight toward an encounter with the Truth.
Tyler Dempsey is a suburban Kansas City pastor, just trying to work through the grief of losing his little brother to the war in Iraq. His world is jolted by new revelations of old, Bible prophecies. But when he takes it to his apathatic congregation, trouble meets him head on in the form of a brewing church conflict. Unknown to them all, the United States, and specifically Kansas City, are in the sights of vicious killers bent on nothing less than bringing the greatest nation on the planet to its knees. Ty can see it coming. Can you?
Strap in tight as Moshe and Ty are strangely connected in this first book of the “Lightning Chronicles Trilogy.” You will never forget what the Bible says is about to happen!
Blog Tour
My Thoughts: This one was a bit of a stretch for me… I am not a nuclear, blow up the world, terrorist threat, type of reader. Yet, when I was offered this book to review…. I couldn’t think of a good reason to pass. There were elements of the book that spoke to me:
Biblical Prophesies (I have a friend who wrote a book along these lines a few years back and I loved it!)
A Pastor dealing with grief ( it is a good story line – I always like to read how Pastors react when tragedy hits their own home… I think fictional or otherwise – it does show a Pastors true character)
This book surprised me and once again I got a good lesson in judging books by their covers. I was wrong to think I would not enjoy this read. I actually did. The characters were well developed and the relationship that develops between Pastor Ty Dempsey and Moshe Elden (fighter pilot) is an interesting way to put together this book. I found myself quickly reading through the pages in an intensity that matched the plot… I had to know what would happen next. This book kept me reading late into the night.
A book about Terrorists, Nuclear devices, and a Grieving Pastor? Oh my! I can not wait to get my hands on book two in the Lightning Chronicle Series!
Jimmy Root Jr., has served as an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God since 1982, including service in Nebraska, Missouri, and a seven year term as a missionary in Colombia, South America. Jimmy is the lead Pastor of Family Worship Center of Smithville, a growing suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. Married to his wife Jean for twenty-nine years, the Roots have three grown children.
Root is a 1981 alumnus of Central Bible College of Springfield, Missouri where he majored in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Theology. He is also an alumnus of Southeastern University, Lakeland Florida, where he majored in Intercultural Studies.
A lifetime student of Biblical prophecy, Jimmy is also the Professor of Eschatology, The Study of End Times, for Berean University through the Northern Missouri District School of Ministry. He is a featured speaker at Churches and other venues, and is the host of “The Bible Uncensored” radio broadcast heard on radio stations around the country.
I received this book from Dorothy with Pump up Your Book Promotions
I loved reviewing this cook book! The recipes were easy to follow and delicious! ~ Sheila
Make Ahead meals are not just for Moms who work outside of the home. It’s a way of cooking that helps all families, big and small. It all comes down to a little planning. Make a meal or two in advance when you have some extra time. Then you’ll be rewarded with quick, delicious home-cooked meals when you really need them!
I met Author Jane Doioron through Book Blogs. We started chatting back and forth about books and she shared with me that she was the author of a cook book and asked if I would consider reviewing her book. I had never reviewed a cook book before and had to wonder how I would go about doing that….
no characters….. but ingredients
no plot…. but the act of bringing all the ingredients together to create something else entirely….
a conclusion? Well…. yeah… the overall ending product.
When the book arrived I realized it was actually easy to review a cook book, just dive in and try out some of the recipes. I had company coming for dinner on Saturday so the timing was perfect! I made the Crab Melts appetizer (page 5) and the Pumpkin Bread (page 45).
The Crab melts called for Kraft Old English Cheese Spread which I could not find so chose a cheese spread from our grocery store that I believed to be close to the same as what was called for. These appetizers were not only easy to make but they were delicious and a crowd pleaser!
The Pumpkin Bread was a big recipe and smelled so good with all the spices in it while I mixed. I made it is a cake pan and cut it into strips that were also delicious and everyone enjoyed with our meal. I had enough of this recipe left to bring to the tailgate party we had a t church today. (Jane says in her recipe that this can be split into three loaves and then froze up to two months). When I make it a again I think I will do that to have it handy for the upcoming holidays.
What I really enjoyed about the recipes is that they are easy to follow and the ingredients were many things you would have on hand anyway.
Jane was so wonderful to let me review her book and she also sent me an additional copy to give away! (Thank you Jane!)
To sign up for a chance to win this wonderful book:
1 entry by commenting here on a favorite recipe you have
Earn a second entry by blogging or twittering about this giveaway
a third entry can be achieved by commenting on any other non giveaway post here
That’s it – have fun!
Giveaway ends on October 20 – US and Canada entries only please and no po box numbers
** See another wonderful review of this book and another chance to get in on winning this book
A beautiful book filled with great cocktail recipes for home entertaining. ~ Sheila
Meyer has long been a hero to New York City restaurant goers via his eclectic and acclaimed eateries—the upscale Gramercy Tavern, exotic Tabla and low-down Blue Smoke and Shake Shack. Now, perhaps in a nod to the economic climate, Meyer befriends the stay-at-home crowd with an excellent guide to the affordable luxury known as the artisanal cocktail. Resisting the capitalistic impulse to crank out a book representing each of his establishments, he instead pulls recipes from all of them, 140 in toto, providing enough martinis, highballs and infused liquor to withstand any recession. He stacks the drinks into five different categories. Favorite Classics (old-fashioned, Negroni and such); New Classics like a Pomegranate gimlet and a modern martini with cilantro-infused gin; Inspired Flavors such as the Kachumber Kooler (a favorite at Tabla made with muddled cucumber, cilantro and chili pepper); Elegant Sips, where Champagne and sherry make their presence known; and Casual Libations for the beach, the backyard or the mojito-fueled dance party. And because no one should have too many blood orange margaritas on an empty stomach, Meyer concludes with a chapter of Bar Fare. The kick from his five-spice cashews, Thai trail mix and hot garlic potato chips all require that a tall glass of ice water be added to the evening’s drink list.
My husband I are not real big on the mixed drinks and due to our busy lifestyle as business owners, we really dont entertain at home often either. Last night we did however have friends over to grill out on the deck and I thought this may be an opportune time to try out a recipe in this beautiful book.
I decided on the Strawberry Ginger Mojito on page 165. It looked easy enough and I did not have to pick up too much.One of the ingredients it called for was bottled ginger. The book said I could find it in a well stocked grocery store or in a natural foods store. Our groceries stores did not carry it and neither did our two local natural foods stores…. so my recipe quickly became Strawberry Mojito. This made a beautifully red in color beverage, with a nice crisp strawberry taste – not strong tasting which is always a plus for me. Garnished with a strawberry the drink was a hit and I would make it again.
This book is loaded with beautiful pictures and I did not notice until after the get together that the final chapter is all on snacky foods to go with the drinks. I wish I would have seen that earlier! Now I know I have to dive back in to try the five spice cashews, thai trail mix and the tequila lime shrimp. Yum!
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they’re really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
Their escape brings readers to the very brink of Fingap Falls, over the Stony Mountains, and across the Ice Prairies, while villains galore try to stop the Igibys permanently. Fearsome toothy cows and horned hounds return, along with new dangers: a mad man running a fork factory, a den of rockroaches, and majestic talking sea dragons.
Andrew Peterson’s lovable characters create what FantasyBookCritic.com says made Book One “one of the best fantasy novels in a very long time,” and Book Two contains even more thrills, exploring “themes universal in nature, ranging from the classic good versus evil, to the importance of family, and burdens of responsibility.”
Author Bio:
Andrew Peterson is the author of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats. He’s also the critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist of ten albums, including Resurrection Letters II. He and his wife, Jamie, live with their two sons and one daughter in The Warren near Nashville, Tennessee. Visit Andrew’s websites: www.andrew-peterson.com and www.rabbitroom.com.
My Thoughts: It took me a ways into the book to finally capture the flow of this read. I wonder if part of that is due to the fact that I had not read book one – On The Edge Of The Dark Of Darkness. I did not even know this was a sequal until after I had begun reading….
Once the book grabbed hold of me – I flew through the pages picking up elements that I loved about Narnia. This book is well written with elements that could keep me guessing. I have to admit this was not as easy a read as I found the Narnia books to be. I struggled in points keeping track of all the action and what and the where… I think young 8 – 13 year olds may enjoy this very much…. I get the impression it would really be their thing.
On this particular book I goofed and wound up on two different blog tours with it. Due to this I have two books to giveaway. (Remember Christmas is coming – this would make a wonderful gift!)
TO Enter:
Leave a comment of what you would do with a copy of this book
receive a addition entry by blogging or tweeting this giveaway
Thank you to both Kelly and Staci for offering me a chance to review this book.
I received my review copies from Kelly Blewett, Publicist
KBK Public Relations and Staci Carmichael
Publicity Assistant
WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House
Since when did YA reads hit my radar? Since books like this – with a hint of mystery, fantasy, and the adrenaline of youth all rolled into one…
~ Sheila
—Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble—
What would you do if your nightmare turned out to be more than
just a dream—and the only way to stop it was to believe the impossible?
Anastasia Romanov knows she should be dead; she watched her family fall in a hail of gunfire. Instead, something, or someone, saved her. Trapped and scared in a magical hut with a witch who may be friend or foe, she begins to come to grips with the truth about her situation: that some fates are WORSE than death.
In her dreams, sixteen year old Anne Michaelson is somewhere else. She is someone else. The dreams feel as real as her waking life and they terrify her. This is not good for her social life! Aside from that, Anne thinks her life is pretty ordinary – until she runs into handsome, mysterious, and (okay) annoying Ethan on her way to chemistry class. Now Anne has powers she doesn’t understand, a history-altering mission she doesn’t want, and a growing attraction to a blue-eyed stranger that seems to be stalking her! And when Ethan realizes that Anne is the girl he’s been searching for, things start to get a little surreal! Despite her skepticism and reluctance, Anne quickly realizes that you don’t need to be imprisoned to be trapped! Stir in the doomed Duchess Anastasia, who is not quite as dead as the history books say, and the Baba Yaga, a legendary witch from Russian folklore, and you’ve got Dreaming Anastasia by debut novelist Joy Preble.
Joy Preble’s experience with Russian legends developed through her crazy maternal grandmother, who had been one of TWENTY children! The story goes that her grandmother’s family didn’t even notice when she ran off to America at sixteen, married badly, raised four children on her own and was the least grandmotherly of grandmothers a girl could ever hope for (despite her amusing and insane tales of the Bolsheviks and tsars). No warm and fuzzies there, only admonitions for Joy to eat her vegetables so she would be strong enough to survive the impending pogroms!
My Thoughts: This book was a wonderful mix for me – not only as a YA read – but to me it dabbled in so much more. There is history to this book with Baba Yaga and Anastasia Romanov. There is the taste of fantasy and the essence of mystery…. basically it had a lot of my favorite genre’s all roled up into one neat little binding.
I have to say I loved the story line based around Baba Yaga (I love folklore!)
Baba Yaga is a witch-like character in Slavic folklore. She flies around on a giant mortar, kidnaps (and presumably eats) small children,and lives in a house which stands on chicken feet. In most Slavic folk tales, she is portrayed as an antagonist; however, some characters in other mythological folk stories have been known to seek her out for her wisdom, and she has been known on occasion to offer guidance to lost souls, although this is seen as rare.
Strong characters, I found I really enjoyed the connections between Ethan and Anne. Tess was great comic relief and reminded me a lot of my own best friend when I was that age….
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I started it last weekend during the big 150 mile bike ride and read it during breaks and at night. For me this was a book I could not, and didn’t want to, put down.
Baba Yaga Hut - Stockholm, SwedenBaba Yaga Hut in Kukoboi
This book was sent to me from Sourcebooks
I would rate this a PG13 rating for some language and sexual content
The prologue cut to the heart of the book. I was shocked it started out this way… and at the same time knew from the very beginning I had to know the rest of this story. ~ Sheila
About the Book
Antoinette Walker has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Those that know and respect her think she has it all, a wonderful husband, children that thrive in school, and a counseling practice that is growing by leaps and bounds. When hidden things from her past begin to surface, they threaten to destroy everything Antoinette loves. Only God can give her the strength to continue to counsel other women, as she struggles with her own issues of forgiveness. Will her faith be strong enough to help her stand in the midst of opposition?
About the Author
LaCricia A`ngelle is a licensed Evangelist, writer, and the President and CEO of His Pen Publishing LLC. A native of Chicago, LaCricia currently resides in Tennessee with her four children. Girl, Naw! is her first novel.
Her writing career began when she was a child writing songs, and short stories. LaCricia has always had a God given gift of putting words together.
As a Christian Fiction author, LaCricia not only writes for entertainment, but she also writes for ministry. Her goal in every piece of written work is to draw someone closer to Christ. The characters face real situations. LaCricia writes so that anyone can read her work and get something out of it, whether they are young or old. When you read a LaCricia A`ngelle original prepare to laugh, cry, pray, and stop to say “hmmm.”
LaCricia is an active member of Damascus Road Authors working along side authors Maurice M. Gray, Dr. Linda F. Beed, and Wanda B. Campbell.
My Thoughts:
I am not really sure what I was expecting when I opened the book, but what I read in the prologue took my breath away. I am a very visual person and I could feel Antoinettes Walker’s pain from the very first paragraph and knew at that point – I had to read this book. I had to know where it goes from here.
A book on forgiveness and who really is hurt by forgiveness. I was really impressed that this was a debut book by this author. Well written and covering the issue of betrayal and forgiveness when the last thing you want to do is put your heart on the line again…. Lacricia reminds us through her characters that there is always a place we can turn to for support and guidance when the paths we travel are dark and unknown.
I actually surprised myself with how much I enjoyed reading this book. Lacricia is an author that I will watch for new writing from.
I received my review copy from TyWebb Productions
I would rate this as a clean PG book that deals with some tough life issues
Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.
Book Journey 