A SHEPHERD LOOKS AT PSALM 23

Don't miss out on this little book. It may be small in size but it's big in impact. The correlation between a Shepherd and his sheep, and what we mean to God is uncanny. In this book you're given a glimpse into the true dept of God’s love for us. You’re also bound to learn some amazing things about Shepherding and sheep. I was so taken by this book that I bought several copies to share with others, not wanting them to miss out on this great message.

THE ROMANCE WRITERS' PHRASE BOOK

This book was a bit of a life saver. It's helped me to express what I've read so often and wanted to write, yet couldn't find the right words at the moment I needed them.

Yes, one could think of it as cheating but really, couldn't we say we've all cheated. Don't we get much of what we write from our own experiences from watching others, from other stories we've heard, and from all those books we've soaked up over the years.

Face it, for most of us, writing is a learning experience. One that with time we grow and learn and get better which only comes from trial and error and persistence. Until we get to be the writers we aspire to be, why not use every possible tool we can that's available to us. Eventually you won't need this book but until then it's a way to get over those humps.

This was definitely one of the greatest writing tools I've invested in.

THE

MERE CHRISTIANITY

It's hard to believe that I've had this book sitting on my bookshelf for nearly six years. Had I known what I was missing I would have picked it up sooner. But as we Christians know, it's all in Gods' perfect timing. I may very well have not been ready for it six years ago.

This may be a small book in terms pages but it is packed full of wisdom. I often had to reread a sentence and even paragraph before I was able to grasp what the author was trying to convey but it was well worth it.

MERE CHRISTIANITY is for all believers no matter where they are at their walk with Christ, as well as for seekers. All who read this amazing book will walk away a better person for it. At least I would hope they would. A great tool for all Christians.

As a lover of music, I loved what C.S. Lewis said in chapter ten, titled HOPE:

"All scriptural imagery (harps, crowns, gold, etc.) is, of course, a merely symbolical attempt to express the inexpressible. Musical instruments are mentioned because for many people (not all) music is the thing known in the present life which most strongly suggest ecstasy and infinity."

Music is a huge part of my soul, who I am. To read of it in scripture and know Gods' intentions in regards to it goes way beyond words.

THE COWBOY

Okay, let me just say if you don't have time to read, don't even open up this book. Why, because you won't be able to put it down!!!

I love Joan Johnston's books, and this one was no exception. Right from the very first page I was hooked, and every page after, right to the very last.

I zipped though this book in only a few short days, and I'm not a fast reader, have three young kids, work part time, etc., otherwise I probably would have read it in one sitting. I had a very hard time doing anything after I started it, and could not stop thinking about the heart gripping characters long after I'd finished it.

Now I have to run out and buy the others from this series. I can't wait to read about the other characters in the stories.

THE FORESHADOWING

It was my first read by this author, and he blew me away with his writing as well as the story. My twelve-year-old daughter begged me to read it, and once I started I quickly realized I wasn't going to regret it.

This book was not just well written but also a great story that will keep you turning the pages. I wasn't quite sure how old Jack was but would have loved to see him and Alexandra end up together. What an amazing story, one that will leave you pondering, and all fuzzy inside. Definitely one I'll never forget.

ISOLATION

I have been a fan of Travis Thrasher's for some time but had not yet read anything other then his "love stories" (which are amazing!). Of course I knew that I'd be in for a treat.

Right from the first page I was instantly drawn into the story. There was so much mystery I couldn't stop reading, needing to find out where it was all leading. As the story unfolded my mind raced to different theories.

The last part of the book shocked me as several things were slowly revealed. I can't believe I actually liked one of the characters, feeling drawn to him and wondering about his story...well, I got HIS story, alright! And much more!

Here I was reading ISOLATION, a book about supernatural things that very morning, I kid you not, I'd just read about Shadrach, Meshack, and Abendnego in my Bible. I must confess that I grew up singing their song in Sunday school but when I started reading about them in the Bible that morning I was initially confused. The section I was reading was titles, The Four Men in the Fiery Furnace. I said to myself...what four men...there were only three in the song: Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendnego. Of course as I continued to read I learned it was Jesus they were referring to as the fourth man.

A shiver shot through me as I read the final pages of ISOLATION. I'm not entirely sure if it was because of the words Travis used to describe God being with Zach, or the fact that I'd just read about that very thing that morning. If I had to guess, I'd say it was the combination of the two. The wonderful message Travis so magnificently depicted, and having just read it that morning.

That story from the Bible will now be forever cemented in me because of reading it in both fiction and non-fiction within hours of one another. Wow, it still gives me the chills.

A WALK TO REMEMBER and CLIFFSNOTES

A WALK TO REMEMBER

Hard to believe that after seeing three of Nicholas Sparks’ movies this is the first book that I've read by him. This is also the first book that I've read AFTER seeing a movie. It's always been the other way around. I've never been interest in reading a book after seeing the movie. I mean, why would I?

That I’m a romance writer, and having two of his movies A WALK TO REMEMBER, and THE NOTEBOOK, on my list of all time favorite movies, I craved to read the written words. I aspire to write such novels one day. With that in mind, I set out to read A WALK TO REMEMBER and right after it, The Cliffsnotes.

The book was very good, so good I couldn't put it down. Into the second day of reading it I stayed up well past midnight to finish it. I even cried, though I had known the story well.

I was surprised at how different the book was from the movie...both in good and bad ways.

In the end, I would have to say that both the movie and the book stand alone. Both were brilliant, wonderful stories, each bringing something different to the final product.

I've just started the Cliffsnotes and can't wait to get a glimpse into how an author created such a masterpiece. I plan on reading THE NOTEBOOK as well. It will be interesting to see how different that novel is from the movie, as WALK TO REMEMBER was.

All in all, A WALK TO REMEMBER will remain to me an amazing story with characters that came alive and I believe will never leave me.

CLIFFSNOTES



I was excited to get THE CLIFFSNOTES and begin reading it after finishing the novel, A WALK TO REMEMBER. It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be but found it helpful just the same. I was hoping for more of an outline of the novel from the author. It did give a complete description of the entire story though it was not in Sparks’ perspective. The section that I got the most from was towards the end, The Character Analyses, and the section on, Critical Essays.

THAT'S WHY

I literally just received this CD in the mail about three hours ago, and I can't stop listening to it (Well, that was the case when I first wrote this review.)!

I bought the CD because I was fortunate enough to have discovered Craig Morgan, recently. In watching YouTube, I came across his new video/song LOVE REMEBERS, and instantly fell in love with it. That song alone was worth purchasing the CD but a few others seemed like they would be good as well. I have now been listening to it for three hours and can't seem to stop.

My favorites so far:

Love Remembers
God Must Really Love Me
That's Why
Sticks
Summer Sundown
Every Red Light
It Took A Woman
Planet Her
Ordinary Angels

Okay, so I ended up listing every song except one, so I might as well add that as well.

Look’ in Back With You

Which by the way is also great.

Thank you Craig Morgan for this amazing CD, and to your family for supporting you so we can be blessed with your wonderful voice and music. It's so nice to have such an amazing writer and singer that knows his priorities in life. God, the family.
God bless.

Don't miss out...pick up this CD today. And while you’re at it, check out his other CD's. I highly recommend them!

HIS COWGIRL BRIDE

Love, love, love this book, though I had no doubt. I've read every single book by Debra Clopton, and each one delivers the same. A wonderful story, well written with characters that you're sure to fall in love with, and HIS COWGIRL BRIDE was no exception. As with any Debra Clopton book, once I start I have a hard time putting it down. Each time I read one of her books I say, wow, those were my favorite characters by this author. They just keep getting better, and better. I just LOVED Tacy and Brent.

SING ME TO SLEEP BLOG TOUR UPDATE

Hello Everyone,

I received back the answers to the questions I present to author, Angela Morrison. You don’t want to miss this. Make sure to stop by on February 25th for a blog tour with Angela. You can post questions; she’ll be stopping by periodically to answer them.

Secondly, Angela is offering an autograph copy of SING ME TO SLEEP. Don’t miss out on a chance to win.

Hope to see you on February 25th. Until then, happy reading.

Kym

SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S

This is a very cute idea of a story. Yes, a little far fetched but hey, what fairytale type Cinderella, isn't. It was well written, though I didn't expect anything less with James Patterson's name on it. Always loved the extremely short chapters. I love to stop at a new chapter which is one of the reasons the short chapters are so great, yet at the same time I always find myself saying, "Just one more chapter". Especially because they're so short.

This book was fast paced. I couldn't wait to see what happened, next. Loved the characters, and how everything played out. I read some not so nice reviews about the whole "imaginary friend" thing. All's I have to say is, get over it. It's a wonderful fictional love story. Kind of like finding the prince charming ever little girls dreams of. And really, haven't these people been taught...If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything!

I loved this heartwarming story. It's now been added to my favorites list of James Patterson books along with, Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas. Both are stories that will stay with me forever.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

Want an authentic cowboy romance? Then STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART is just the movie for you. A heartwarming story that will win your heart and make you wish you could pick up and move to a ranch in Wyoming.

Yee haw!

Both Andrew McCarthy and Teri Polo did an amazing job in their roles, giving you the impression that Andrew was a true cowboy and Terri a woman from the big city.

When it comes to romance and healing of the heart, all things are possible in this cute story.

If every there were a perfect ending, STRAIGH FROM THE HEART has it. It will make your heart swell and your eyes tear as two different world collide, yet in the end, love prevails.

MY SISTER DILLY

This was an amazing book. One that made me laugh, as well as cry. Can I say I loved Mac? Wow, what an awesome character. And really, all the characters were incredibly brought to life. Maureen is an wonderful writer and story teller.

I am involved in the prison ministry so to all that are, I highly recommend this book as well as to those that know of someone who is in prison, or for those dealing with a "not so perfect child".

As a Christian, it's a good example of others having been introduced to God yet stil haven't accepted Him. There is always hope and we as Christian's should be open to helping guide those that have wandered away from God, back.

I loved this books so much that I plan to purchase several copies to share with those I feel would benefit from reading it. It had that much of an impact on me.

If you enjoy this book you're sure to like others my Maureen. I loved THE OAK LEAVES as well as ON SPARROW HILL. Both are amazing stories, and well written.

I sure hope she comes out with an addition to MY SISTER DILLY. I'd love to hear more about Mac and Hannah, as well as see where God might lead Dilly and Tom.

DEAR JOHN

DEAR JOHN, wow! This is only the second book I've read by Nicholas Sparks, the first being A WALK TO REMEMBER. And thought A WALK TO REMEMBER was good and one of my favorite movies, it was nothing compared to DEAR JOHN. Then again I imagine it didn't help that I watched A WALK TO REMEMBER several times before I read the book, and that the book was very different, yet the same if that makes sense, then the movie.

After reading DEAR JOHN, I now realize what all the hype is about Nicholace Sparks'. This book was well written and so much more. I was down to the last hundred or so pages when I slipped under my covers around ten PM.

I could not stop! I had to know what happened. When I finally turned the last page, through tears, I read the clock on my headboard. It was two AM.

ROMANCE: Oh yea, it has it. Loved that the POV was John's. What a remarkable character transformation.

GROWTH: That too. John went from a self-centered adolescent to a caring, loving, selfless man.

WARMTH: How could one not feel all warm and fuzzy inside experiencing John's love for Savannah, as well as for his father?

The next morning I felt as though my life had been alter just a bit because of John's story. Honestly, I wanted nothing more than to sit down and start from page one, rereading each and every word. For now, as a writer, I've been inspired and challenged with a jolt. Its novels like these that are at the heart of where I strive to one day be as a writer.

I'm excited to see the movie, DEAR JOHH but will need to let the written words sink in and settle, first. I don't think I can handle the movie just yet. My emotions are still reeling from the written words.

HANNAH MONTANA: The Movie

I purchased this CD for my eight-year-old, but knew it was also going to be for myself. I fell in love with the song, The Climb. I saw the movie with my girls, which by the way was very good. Loved the part where the guy rushes in on his horse to capture, Miley's horse. I put this CD on my ipod, knowing I at least loved two of the song. The Climb, and Hoedown Throwdown. Can't get that beat out of head.

I know I'm in my forties...should I be revealing that...but I love this upbeat, emotional moving, uplifting CD. I listened to it the entire time I was cleaning the house the other day, and found I not only loved the two songs, but the entire CD.

I do love all kinds of music from Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan, Rodney Adkins, to Nickelback, to today's Christian music, and yes, even Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers. What would life be like without it?!?!?! I shutter to think such a thought.

FIREPROOF

Every marriage that isn't rock solid would benefit from seeing, FIREPROOF. What a great movie, bringing hope back to those who feel they are losing the battle to keep their marriage alive.

Most Christ centered people know that without God, a marriage (and a meaningful life) has little chance of surviving. Fireproof gives the hope Christ centered Christians already know...that if one makes Jesus first in their lives, God will work everything else, out.

REINCARNATION

My thirteen-year-old daughter got me to read this book. Loved this story. Once you've started, you can't stop flipping the pages to see what happened next. It was wonderfully written and a unique story. This is my first reincarnation novel and though I was leery I was quickly captivated. I loved all the similarities throughout the book, just enough to tie in the characters from one era to the next. Loved the section on Jesus, thought that was ingenious. The author did a great job at creating realistic characters and pulling you into their story. Each era was a story in itself, yet wonderfully connected.

HER FOREVER COWBOY

When I see the names Debra Clopton, I instantly grab the book from the shelf at the store and toss it in my cart. As I glance down at in my cart, I can hardly wait to get started, tempted to start reading it before I even leave the store.

Though I had already started a book at home, I immediately started HER FOREVER COWBOY. And just as I had no doubt would happen, once I started, I couldn't put it down. Oh, I have a life and kids so I HAD too, though I did so reluctantly. Just the same, I finished in less then two days! How could I not. There that good.

As I read Debra's books, my brain is turning and my hands are trembling to get to the computer and pound out a story. If only one day I too could write the same fun, captivating stories as she. So I not only thank Debra for giving me amazing stories to get lost in but for inspiring me to write. One day I hope to do the same to readers as she's done for me.

I Love the whole Mule Hollow series and was so glad to discovered she now has one for the men. Yea, that means she's not done yet! Love having the picture of the guy on the cover for once. Can't wait for the next to come out!

MASKED BY MOONLIGHT

This is a wonderfully written story, one you won't want to put down. This was my first read by this author and I can't wait to read her next book, Bluegrass Hero. If Allie does come out with another book to continue, Masked by Moonlight, I will definitely pick it up.

I was a little hesitant to read this book, not seeming as something that would interest me...but boy was I wrong. The story took a totally different course then what my first impression of the cover and even the first few pages, brought to mind.

I love where Allie took the story and her writing is amazing. The story is one that I could imagine actually happening, which took me by surprise. It was very insightful, giving me many moments, connecting with how I feel, yet putting it into words I could not.

I love the two main characters, and would love to read about Stewart. As bad as he was, I would love to see God work in his life, having some heroine come along to save him from the life he had made for himself. And then maybe getting a glimpse into what Matthew and Georgia are doing...like adding to their family.

TAKEN BY STORM

As I was looking for my twelve-year-old at the library, I walked by the teen section. There, sitting on top of one of the selves was a book that captured my eye, "Taken By Storm". I admit it, I'm a romance fanatic. Love to read a good romance, and not necessarily the mushy kind. Actually that's not really my preference in reading or writing.

I took the book from the metal cradle holding it and flipped it over. Not much there to give me any real hint of what it was about. Inside, there was a better synopsis.

Now I'm intrigued.

I leave the teen section with book in hand as I seek out my daughter. Mind you this is the first book I can remember, other then non-fiction, that I've personally checked out from a library in so many years I can't even remember the last time I had. I love books, and would rather own them. But the book was there and beckoned me to read it...now.

I took the book home but first needed to finish the book I was currently reading, Isolation, by Travis Thrasher. A great book by the way. You should also check out his amazing love stories. I had flipped through the pages of Taken By Storm, several times, and was actually thinking of returning it. There were Chatspot Logs, Dive Logs and poems, all amongst what you would normally see between the pages of a fictional romance. I'm so not a poems person.

When I finished the book I'd been reading, I hesitated to start this one. My daughter wouldn't allow that. She made a big deal about, "When are you going to read that, mom?" So I picked it up and started to read. And as I read, I quickly found I couldn't put it down. As I was looking for my twelve-year-old at the library, I walked by the teen section. There, sitting on top of one of the selves was a book that captured my eye, "Taken By Storm". I admit it, I'm a romance fanatic. Love to read a good romance, and not necessarily the mushy, kind. Actually that's not really my preference in reading or writing.

The writing was amazing. The story was amazing. I loved the whole idea of the story, two young people who desperately need someone, and how their paths cross and intertwine. The message of need, love, grief, beliefs and one finding their self is emotionally wonderful.

Needless to say, I loved the story of Michael and Leesie. I loved how Michael went from being a full-of-himself teen male, to one that learned to respect a woman's wishes and beliefs. I loved how Leesie was so rooted in her beliefs and though she swayed at times, stuck to them...at least most of them.

The reason for titling this review, "I'll still give it five stars", is because I did not like the ending. In fact, I was upset when reading it. The last section before the poem wasn't too bad, though not what I'd expected but the ending poem through me off. Remember, I'm not a poem person. I didn't get it, though most of the pomes in the book were actually pretty good...I got them. Maybe I just didn't want to believe how the author chose to end it.

Although the story ended as maybe it should have, and I do see the point in ending it the way it did, it just wasn't what I was expecting. I WANTED them to... Okay, I won't say it, ruining it for those that haven't yet read it. Oh how I would love to see a second book continuing their story.

Needless to say, I will be looking for the next book by this author. Being a writer myself, I'm once again feeling nudged to one day write YA.

BRIDE OF SHADOW CANYON

This was the first book that I've read by Stacey Kayne and I was not disappointed. In fact, just the opposite. Wow, what an amazing story, and so very well written. From the very first page, to the very last, Stacey took you on a wonderful journey. I love the characters. There was never ending action, and drama. I couldn't get enough of Jed, and really liked, Rachell as well.

When I later looked up Stacey's website, I was pleased to see she had another book with Juniper as the main character. I'll have to get that one. I would rank Stacey's writing and ability to tell a story with captivating characters, right up there with Jodi Thomas and Linda Lael-Miller. When I see her name in the future on the bookshelf, I won't be able to resist picking up her latest novel and purchasing it. It's always nice to find a new/exceptional author.

WELCOME

Welcome to my new blog. I decided to create a blog to strictly post book, music, and movie reviews. If you like what you see, stop by my blog, Writing From The Soul, A Little Bit of Faith, Family, Love, Writing, Reading,…and Life at,http://kymmcnabney.blogspot.com/


Blessings,

Kym