Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
MEN IN THE MAKING by BRUCE MACHART
Title: MEN IN THE MAKING
Author: BRUCE MACHART
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 1 edition (October 25, 2011)
Pages: 208
To be honest, I’m not really sure what MEN IN THE MAKING by BRUCE MACHART is about. I was only able to read the first story and a portion of the second. From what I can gather there are ten stories about ten different men. I’m just not sure what the significance of the stories is.
I didn’t get from the first story any kind of revelation. Wasn’t moved, or inspired. The reason I purchased MEN IN THE MAKING is because the titled caught my attention. I’m a writer, and I hoped to gain some insight for potential male characters for future novels. I was immediately discouraged by the foul language, and vulgar actions.
In the first story a dog dies. Not good, though I wasn’t emotionally attached so it didn’t have the affect such an incident would normally have. In the second story I was only able to make it five pages in. The story began with a guy losing his life to a tree stripper/chopper. Not a pleasant vision. When I got to, “When I was ten, my father held me in front of him at Uncle Weldon’s processing house in Odessa. After Dad had me choose the calf, my cousin Frank loaded a bullet into a special sledge hammer, and when he swung…”
That was it! I couldn’t take anymore.
MEN IN THE MAKING just wasn’t for me. But I do have to add that it was well written with wonderful description. Short stories can be very difficult to master; I’ll give the author that. I wish I could have stomached the language and the content, but I just couldn’t.
Writing is subjective. One could love a piece of work, while another could hate the very same thing. In my opinion, bad writing is bad writing. That was not the case with MEN IN THE MAKING. Just a difference of what one likes to read.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
CHRISTMAS GIFTS: SMALL TOWN CHRISTAS BY GAIL GAYMER MARTIN, and HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY by BRENDA MINTON
Title: CHRISTMAS GIFTS: SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS and HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY
Author: GAIL GAYMER MARTIN and BRENDA MINTON
Publisher: Love Inspired (October 18, 2011)
Pages: 224
CHRISTMAS GIFTS is two stories in one:
SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS by GAIL GAYMER MARTIN is a sweet romance.
When Amy Carroll is laid off from her teaching job, she opts for a temporary position near her grandmother’s home in Harrisville, Michigan. While checking in with the school, she’s introduced to Mike Russet, the father of twin girls. The twin’s antics have Amy concerned. Discovering their mother passed away some time ago gives her reason for more concern.
As Christmas nears, Amy discovers her teaching position could be permanent, but will she trust God enough to make the move from the city of Chicago, to a little town in Michigan?
HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY BY BRENDA MINTON
Elizabeth Harden had several reasons not to trust the handsome cowboy, Travis Cooper, who literally swept her off her feet during a bull-riding event.
1) Her ex fiancée abandoned her a week before their wedding.
2) She was only in town for the bull-riding event her father’s business sponsored.
3) Travis Cooped was a ladies’ man, no better than her ex fiancée.
There is no thought process needed to purchasing a book when BRENDA MINTON’s name is sprawled across it. MRS. MINTON is one author I don’t have to think twice if I’m going to enjoy the book. I could care less about the title or the blurb on back cover. I know what lies between the covers will transform me into another world. One that involves cowboy hats and boots.
From the first book I ever read of BRENDA MINTON’s, to the latest, I’ve not been disappointed. Her ability to capture my heart through the characters is amazing. It’s writing like hers that I aspire to mimic. I can’t help but fall in love with the characters, as well as the storyline.
What I found unique about HER CHRISTMAS COWOY is Travis’ ADHA. How wonderful to have such a common problem in today’s society brought out in a handsome, productive, God-fearing cowboy! MRS. MINTON was able to bring to light Travis’ “weakness”, yet hold on to his appeal as a rugged, sensitive, loving, caring, cowboy.
Not only will you fall in love with Travis and Elizabeth, but the idea of a large family brought together by adoption and love. I wait with anticipation for her next book to be released, THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BLESSING. I can’t wait to read about another Cooper!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
DRY AS RAIN by GINA HOLMES
Title: DRY AS RAIN
Author: GINA HOLMES
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 17, 2011)
Pages: 400
Eric Yoshida never imagined he’d be in the position he found himself in after his wife discovered an email from an attractive coworker at the car dealership he worked for. Though their marriage was far from perfect, he hadn’t done anything wrong. Eric’s wife thought differently and sent him packing.
All hope is lost, or so Eric believes. That’s until his wife, Kyra, is involved in an accident that erases part of her memory. Eric believes God has given him a second chance, but is plagued with worry that when Kyra’s memory returns, she’ll discover what he’s done? Or whether or not she’ll forgive him.
You’re taking a chance when you purchase a book by an author you’re not familiar with, especially when it’s a debut novel. GINA HOLMES first novel, CROSSING OCEANS, was recommended to me as a MUST read by a friend. I can’t say enough about how amazing it is. I’m forever grateful that I was introduced to this wonderfully talented writer.
When I received the chance to read MS. HOMLES second novel, DRY AS RAIN, I didn’t hesitate. I imaged it would be good, though I had to wonder if she could pull off another novel as amazing as CROSSING OCEANS.
As I began to read DRY AS RAIN, I soon realized I would be immersed in another fascinating story. One that I would lose track of time and feel as though I were living right in the mist of the characters lives.
Besides the exceptional writing, remarkable lines, three dimensional characters, and wonderful storyline, I’m forever changed by the uniqueness of how MRS. HOLMES plays out the plot. Most stories are predictable with a twist here and there. I have yet to be disappointed with how MRS. HOLMES carries out the story from the very first word to the very last. It will leave you fully satisfied, with no desire to change a thing.
DRY AS RAIN is a realistic, wonderfully amazing love story. One that will illustrate the reality of so many marriages, entwined with fears, trials and tribulations, as well as hope, grace, forgiveness, and second chances.
DRY AS RAIN has a special place in my heart with characters what will last a lifetime.
So impacted by this story, I plan on purchasing a Beta fish as a reminder that love is worth working for, and with God’s grace, there’s always hope.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
THE SHACK by WM PAUL YOUNG
Title: THE SHACK
Author: WM PAUL YOUNG
Publisher: Windblown Media; Reprint edition (June 1, 2011)
Pages: 304
How would you feel if your child was abducted right from under your nose? And how would it change your life and your relationship with God?
When Mackenzie Philip’s daughter is abducted, he’s forever changed for the worse…or at least until “Papa” summons him to the exact spot that has haunted him for the past three years. Reluctantly, Mack does as God calls him to do. At the shack Mack faces one of several questions plaguing him. “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?”
For those that are mature Christians, the answer to Mack’s question may not be a new concept, but will confirm what they already know. For those that aren’t close to God, or have drifted from Him, it will give light to unanswered questions and disappointments.
When I first heard talk about a number one bestseller about a man meeting a black, female God in a shack, I was a bit put off by the premise. I really didn’t know what to make of it, though I wrestled with whether or not to read THE SHACK, by WM. PAUL YOUNG.
Over the years THE SHACK resurfaced in my life when others asked if I’d read it or I came across it on Amazon, or at the store. But still I wasn’t ready to read it.
But God has a way of not letting up when He wants us to experience something. If you would have asked me few years back, I wouldn’t have imagined I would have read THE SHACK because of an inmate. But that’s exactly how I came to being blessed to read such a magnificent book.
I’ve been serving in the prison and jail ministry since 2004, and I’m forever amazed at God’s blessings through this ministry. Because of one inmates request through my church to receive a specific faith based book, a friendship grew. Eventually he received the book he requested and in return I received THE SHACK. If not for my promise I’d made to him to read it, I may never have done so.
I don’t recall ever having dog-eared and or highlighted a fiction book in the way I have THE SHACK. The story was amazing. The characters were three dimensional. The writing superb, and the insight to the trinity outstanding.
I’m so impressed by THE SHACK and its ability to depict Christ, forgiveness, and how to live one’s life; I intend to purchase several copies to share this remarkable book with others. I highly recommend it for everyone, no matter where they are spiritually. From those that are very far from God, to those that are mature Christians.
Author: WM PAUL YOUNG
Publisher: Windblown Media; Reprint edition (June 1, 2011)
Pages: 304
How would you feel if your child was abducted right from under your nose? And how would it change your life and your relationship with God?
When Mackenzie Philip’s daughter is abducted, he’s forever changed for the worse…or at least until “Papa” summons him to the exact spot that has haunted him for the past three years. Reluctantly, Mack does as God calls him to do. At the shack Mack faces one of several questions plaguing him. “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?”
For those that are mature Christians, the answer to Mack’s question may not be a new concept, but will confirm what they already know. For those that aren’t close to God, or have drifted from Him, it will give light to unanswered questions and disappointments.
When I first heard talk about a number one bestseller about a man meeting a black, female God in a shack, I was a bit put off by the premise. I really didn’t know what to make of it, though I wrestled with whether or not to read THE SHACK, by WM. PAUL YOUNG.
Over the years THE SHACK resurfaced in my life when others asked if I’d read it or I came across it on Amazon, or at the store. But still I wasn’t ready to read it.
But God has a way of not letting up when He wants us to experience something. If you would have asked me few years back, I wouldn’t have imagined I would have read THE SHACK because of an inmate. But that’s exactly how I came to being blessed to read such a magnificent book.
I’ve been serving in the prison and jail ministry since 2004, and I’m forever amazed at God’s blessings through this ministry. Because of one inmates request through my church to receive a specific faith based book, a friendship grew. Eventually he received the book he requested and in return I received THE SHACK. If not for my promise I’d made to him to read it, I may never have done so.
I don’t recall ever having dog-eared and or highlighted a fiction book in the way I have THE SHACK. The story was amazing. The characters were three dimensional. The writing superb, and the insight to the trinity outstanding.
I’m so impressed by THE SHACK and its ability to depict Christ, forgiveness, and how to live one’s life; I intend to purchase several copies to share this remarkable book with others. I highly recommend it for everyone, no matter where they are spiritually. From those that are very far from God, to those that are mature Christians.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
GIVE IT ALL TO HIM, A STORY OF NEW BEGINNINGS by MAX LUCADO
Title: GIVE IT ALL TO HIM
Author: MAX LUCADO
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 15, 2004)
Pages: 64
GIVE IT ALL TO HIM, A STORY OF NEW BEGINNINGS by MAX LUCADO, may be small in size, but don’t let that fool you. I was surprised when I completed this book to discover how much I had highlighted.
GIVE IT ALL TO HIM is about new beginnings, forgiveness, and letting go and giving it all to God.
Quote from page 26:
“Listen. The weight of weariness pulls you down. Self-reliance misleads you. Disappointments discourage you. Anxiety plagues you. But guilt? Guilt consumes you.”
This little book is a great tool for those far from God, as well as those that are new Christians. I volunteers are Illinois Youth Center Warrenville, and plan to use this booklet as a teaching tool for the girls. It’s a quick read, clear, and right to the point.
How many of us have filled a garbage bag or two in our lives with guilt, shame, hatred, worry, resentment or unforgiveness? In GIVE IT ALL TO HIM, we learn that though some may have more bags then others, we’ve all had a garbage bag or two in our lives. It gives us not only the permission to give it to God, but the insight that He wants us to do that very thing, and the freedom it’ll bring. Something most of us need reminding at one point or another.
Author: MAX LUCADO
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 15, 2004)
Pages: 64
GIVE IT ALL TO HIM, A STORY OF NEW BEGINNINGS by MAX LUCADO, may be small in size, but don’t let that fool you. I was surprised when I completed this book to discover how much I had highlighted.
GIVE IT ALL TO HIM is about new beginnings, forgiveness, and letting go and giving it all to God.
Quote from page 26:
“Listen. The weight of weariness pulls you down. Self-reliance misleads you. Disappointments discourage you. Anxiety plagues you. But guilt? Guilt consumes you.”
This little book is a great tool for those far from God, as well as those that are new Christians. I volunteers are Illinois Youth Center Warrenville, and plan to use this booklet as a teaching tool for the girls. It’s a quick read, clear, and right to the point.
How many of us have filled a garbage bag or two in our lives with guilt, shame, hatred, worry, resentment or unforgiveness? In GIVE IT ALL TO HIM, we learn that though some may have more bags then others, we’ve all had a garbage bag or two in our lives. It gives us not only the permission to give it to God, but the insight that He wants us to do that very thing, and the freedom it’ll bring. Something most of us need reminding at one point or another.
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