HANNAH GRACE

I always feel blessed when I win anything, especially an autographed book. The only downfall is the pressure of whether or not I’m going to like the story, knowing the nice thing would be to later let the author know what I thought of it. Having never read any of Sharlene MacLaren’s books added to my worries.

I admired the front cover of HANNAH GRACE for a while before opening the book to the first page. It only took me HALF A PAGE to realize any fears of not liking Sharlene’s writing, to disappear. By the end of the first chapter I knew not only was she an amazing writer on so many levels, I was quickly falling in love with the characters.

I love to have a picture of the hero on the cover. It bothers me to not know what he looks like beyond the story description. The front cover of HANNA GRACE is wonderful, though I missed not having the hero on there as well. Upon day two into reading this wonderful book, I turned it over to study the back cover. To my utter surprise, there in the shadows was the hero! What a wonderful surprise that was.

As an aspiring writer, I was blown away by the great lines Sharlene delivered with humor that easily flowed rather then feeling forced and stiff. The hero and heroine were everything you’d want in a character, and so much more. You were even given a sense of who Hannah’s sisters were, leaving you wanting to read their story as well.

I’ll be ordering the other two books in this series, DAUGHTERS OF JACOB KANE, MAGIE ROSE and ABBIE ANN. I can’t wait to get started on them. Sharlene has now made my list of favorite authors for I’ll be looking for more of her great books in the future.

GOD’S HEALING FOR LIFE’S LOSSES, How to Find Hope When You’re Hurting

GOD’S HEALING FOR LIFE’S LOSSES may be small in size but it’s packed full. As I held this little book in my hand and studied the cover, and the title I thought I knew what I’d find inside. Once I began to read, I quickly discovered this book was much more then a book on healing for life’s losses. It’s a book filled with knowledge, hope, love, and faith. A way of dealing with not only death but disappointment on many levels in a way that God desires.

In only a little over a hundred pages this book brought to light many things. It made me realize how human, and normal I am, and how God, and being a Christian plays into it. That what we go through is “normal” but how we handle it is a choice. We can either choose the wrong way/mans way, or the right way/God’s way.

How do you handle trials and tribulations that come your way? Do you suffer, or do you survive? I was able to reflect back on my life and realized that early on, when I was far from God, I chose to suffer alone. Now I chose to survive. I can think of many that are still choosing to suffer.

I believe this book would be an amazing tool for those stuck in suffering, and worthlessness, and despair. Those that have been struck down by addiction, or found themselves behind bars. They need to hear the good news this book has to offer.

One of the many things that stuck out to me was that not only are we given permission to “complain to God” but that we should. God wants us to come to Him in ALL things. So much of what I read is exactly what I’ve experienced in my own life. This book puts it into words, and reaffirms what I already knew deep down. What a blessings that is.

It isn’t often that I wish to be rich for as the Bible says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” but after reading this book I wish I had the funds to purchase this wonderful book for those in my life, as well as all those that cross my path that I fear are hurt, and suffering.

Not only is this book filled with great information, it also has handy worksheets. Each and every one is packed with amazing questions. It’s not just a worksheet; it gives you questions to ponder within your own life, thus giving you the knowledge and tools to better your future.

Everyone’s grief journey is unique, yet we all have the same choice. To either choose to suffer in handling things mans way, or surviving, doing it God’s way. For me the choice is easy. I’ve learned over the years the rewards of doing it God’s way. Bless Mr. Kellemen for putting this book together to teach those that don’t know, and to remind those of us that do, the importance of it.

I was shocked by the words on page 43. I’d gone through this very thing without even realizing it. How wonderful it is to have a confirmation of what I’d gone through, other have as well, and how blessed I am to have chosen the surviving rout when so many others have not.

Here are just a few great quotes from this wonderful book.

“Faith looks back to the past recalling God’s mighty works. Hope looks ahead remembering God’s coming reward.”

“God is a ‘time God.’ He does not come before time. He does not come after time. He comes at just the right time.”

“Faith is entrusting myself to God’s larger purposes, good plans, and eternal perspective.”

“Every problem is an opportunity to know God better, and our primary battle is to know God well.”

I could certainly continue to quote the words written in this book that impacted, and inspired me but in doing so, I’d have written every word from front to cover.

Knowing the truth has a huge way of lifting the heavy burden of life from ones shoulder. This is truly one of those “must reads’ to be placed on your “to read list”.

To learn more about RPM Ministies, http://www.rpmministries.org/writing/gods-healing-for-lifes-losses/

A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE COPY.

Would you like to receive a complimentary copy of God’s Healing for Life’s Losses? Dr. Kellemen has offered to make 12 copies available to 12 random people who leave a comment on the blog at which they read the book review. Leave a comment below to give yourself an opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of GOD’S HEALING FOR LIFE’S LOSSES.

Please check back at a later date to see if you're a winner.
God bless, and good luck!

Kym

COURTING SUSANNAH

Just as I had recently posted in my last blog post, a poorly written book can give me hope. Why? Because if that story can get published, then so can mine one day.

Once again this proves to be true.

One of my favorite writes is Linda Lael.Miller. I love her characters for their feistiness. To date I've read eighteen of her books...no make that eighteen and a portion. I was shocked after reading so many of her books to fun across one that started out with her usual "bang" just to quickly dissipated. And I do mean quickly. I actually had to look at the cover several times to be sure it was one of her books. Sadly, I put it down and moved on to another book.

Since then I've read a few more, and to my relief they were the quick page turners I'd come to know and love. Hey, anyone can have a bad story once and awhile. Writing is not easy, and so much plays into it. In her defense, it was a book written many years ago.

Several days ago I started another one of her books, and right away I sensed something was off...different. After a couple of chapters I looked to see what year it was published. 2000. That would make sense. Once again, something early on in her career.

So now I'm struggling to make it through this book. I have about a hundred pages out of a little over three hundred to go. I feel as though I have too much time invested to quit now. Besides, I want to know how it turns out, and honestly, it's giving me great hope so how can I abandon it.

It gives me hope in that I feel as though I'm reading all the mistakes I've been making in my own writing and to think that once Linda Lael Miller wasn't the amazing writer she is today makes my heart sore. If she can go from where I believe I'm at, to where she is now...whoo hoo. So can I.

What an inspiration!

SWEET HOME ALABAMA

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! It's funny, and filled with the kind of characters that love one another but just don’t know it. That makes for a great movie. Josh Lucas and Reese Witherspoon do an incredible job at battling it out until they realize what they want is to give it another go.

The whole concept of finding your true love in a childhood friend is so touching. Jake's undying love for Mel is one every girls longs for. A knight, though not in shinning armor, who does what it takes to win his princess.

GIVE ME A COWBOY

SITLENT PARTNER:

As usual, Jodi Thomas didn't disappoint. Once again, she's written an amazing book. This story was well written, fast paced with characters you will fall in love with, as with all her books. Whenever I see a book by Jodi, I pick it up without a thought.

LUCK OF THE DRAW:

This one was okay, but in my opinion not well written.

TEXAS TEMPEST:

This one was nothing short of amazing! This is the second book I've read by Linda Broday, the other being the preceding book, Give Me A Texan. I would put her writing right up there with Jodi Thomas...she's that good. This story was wonderfully written. I'm an aspiring writer, and was flabbergasted by all the great lines she delivered. The story was fast pace, a great storyline, with wonderful characters.

ROPING THE WIND:

Another great story. I also liked her last story she wrote in Give Me A Texan. I caught myself often smiling because of the great lines she delivered. Great story, well written, with wonderful characters.

Don't miss out on these great stories, written by talented authors.

PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME

What a great movie, filled with action and romance. Great acting as well. Loved the whole concept behind it. There was never a dull moment, keeping you on the edge of your seat at all times.

Do you want an action packed story with adventure and just the right amount of romance threaded throughout...then this is the movie for you.

THE UGLY TRUTH

When looking over the shows that were playing some time ago, trying to decided what my 13 year old and I were going to see, we came across this one. We both like Gerard Butler after seeing him in a few movies, including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Thank goodness I decided to look at the movie trailer. I quickly realized it was not appropriate for my 13 year old. When I later saw it at my local library, I checked it out, remembering that I had been interested in it. It didn't take long to realize the mistake I would have made if I'd allowed my daughter to watch it, much less if I'd seen it in the movie theater. It was far beyond inappropriate for her, and I would have turned three shades of red watching it in a room full of people.

With that said, it was hysterical! Very funny! Great acting and put together well. I haven't laughed that much in a long time.

HANNAH GRACE

I won, I won, I won.

I just won an autograph copy of Sharlene MacLaen’s book, HANNAH GRACE.

It sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to get started on it.
For more about Sharlene and her books you can visit her sites.

Blog:
http://sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com/

Website:
http://sharlenemaclaren.com/

SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS

I've been a James Patterson fan for years but was pleasantly surprised when I began reading this one. This is not his usual work though he did an amazing job. I could not put it down. I was lead to believe one thing and shocked to find out in the end that I was wrong. Just one of the reasons why this book is so amazing. Don't miss out. It's one that will stick with you forever.

SEASONS IN THE MIST

I must admit I had a hard time with the choice of words written, though true to their time. I am one for simple words. With that said, Deborah Kinnard wrote a fascinating novel. One that will take you back to the 1300's. I learned some fascinating things along the way as the characters swept me back in time. I really felt as though I were there, myself. Her thought to details had the words playing across my mind as if I were watching a movie, they were that detailed and true to the times.

COWBOY FOR KEEPS

NO SUPRISES HERE

No surprise…that once I heard this book was coming out, I couldn’t wait.

No surprise…that once I saw it at the store, I snatched it off the shelf.

No surprise…that once I got it home, I had to start it…wait, I started it at the store.

No surprise…that once I started, I couldn’t stop.

No surprise…that I finished it in less than three days.

No surprise…that I loved the characters.

No surprise…that I loved the story.

No surprise…that it was well written.

No surprise…that there wasn’t one thing I’d have changed.

No surprise…that I can’t wait for the next to come out.

I guess I’d have to say in this case, no surprises were a good thing.

THE PAINTED VEIL

To be honest, the cover intrigued me when I spotted this movie at my local library. I took it home and it sat on my dresser for a week or so before I finally watched it. Several days later, the movie still resonates in me.

THE PAINTED VEIL is one of those stories that takes you slowly along for the journey. But that is not too say it is without context. There are many gentle, yet powerful messages woven throughout. One is set upon this emotional string of liking, then disliking, and then really feeling for the characters.

This is one of those “you don’t want to miss” movies. If it is in book form, I would have loved to have read it for I have no doubt that if I had, it would have been one of those powerful, forget-me-not books.

THE PAINTED VEIL is not just a great movie, it’s a great story that one would be wise to take note of the life lessons taught.

JULIE and JULIA

I’ve never really cared for Julia Childs or a Meryl Streep, so when I head of this movie coming out I wasn’t interested. A friend of mine told me she read the book as well as watched the movie, and gave it a rave review. When I happened to see the movie at my local library, I picked it up. I was still hesitant to watch, having little free time. Finally I did, and I’m glad that I did. It’s a wonderful movie, great acting, and a great story.

LESSONS FROM SAN QUENTIN: EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED IN PRISON

Wow, what an amazing book. I was quickly drawn into Bill's story of transformation from a selfish, godless human, to one devoted to his faith and living for God. This is a must read for all that are in the prison ministry, know of someone in the prison ministry, or are or have been in prison. I only wish it were currently available in paperback so I could order several copies for the inmates that I write too.

What a wonderful message of how God can transform our lives if only we allow Him too. Everything in this book is what I believe in, yet Bill has brought it to life in the pages in a way that will penetrate your soul, and having you saying, "yes, only God".

I hope that after reading this book and others like it, you will gain some insight to those that find their way into the prison system. That they too are people loved by God and created for a purpose, and deserve respect. There's not one of us who hasn't sinned or made mistakes.

If this story has tugged at your heart and made you think about those locked behind bars in a new way, check out the prison ministries available through your local church. I'm the coordinator for the adult prison pen pal program though my church. We go through, Christian Pen Pals. Check out their website at, christian-penpals.com. Their a great organization that matches inmates with Christian volunteers. It's a wonderful ministry, one that will bless you beyond the blessing you will bring to others.

A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

This was my first experience listening to fiction on CD. I picked this up at the library knowing I had a long drive ahead of me...seventeen hours to Wyoming. It was a good story, and most likely would have been better if I would have been able to read it, thus giving it more attention.

I haven't read a lot of Sandra Brown but what I have read, I've liked. This story was well written with a good story line. Always loved that "best friends discovered they love one another," scenario. Something I'm currently writing.

I don’t think I’ll be rushing out to hear more books on tape. I actually have thought about getting the book and reading it since I liked the story but wasn’t able to give it more attention. Maybe one day when I finished reading the stacks of books that await me on my bookshelf.

COUNTRY IS MY ROCK - TRENT TOMLINSON

This is a great CD. I don't usually listen to the radio but happened to have it on between CD's and heard, Just Might Have Her Radio On. When I returned home, I found the video on Youtube, then searched other songs by Trent. There were several great songs on the CD, and quickly purchased it. Trent has a amazing talent for singing moving songs. Can't wait until his next CD is released.

IF ONLY

This is an amazing movie. One that will shock you to the core! One of those movies everyone should see. Don't miss out...watch it.

THE LAST SIN EATER

What a great book. It was a bit hard to get into but there was just enough to keep you going, needing to get answers to questions. The ending was very meaningful, impacting me in such a way the story is still with me long after I stopped reading it. It really came together in the end. One of those books everyone should read. Once I discovered the movie was out, I had to see it. Of course as it always is the case, the book was much better then the movie, though I’m still glad I saw it. I suggest you read the book first; otherwise the movie won't make as much sense.

KATE WALKER'S 12-POINT GUIDE TO WRITING ROMANCE

This is a wonderfully written book. I've been writing for some time but it wasn't until I read this book that I realized why my writing wasn't working. This is a MUST read for anyone who wants to write fiction. Easy to read, to understand, and right to the point.

Read it...you won't be disappointed...in fact you'll wish you'd read it sooner.

I was told she's coming out with an updated edition, so watch for that.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE & SWEET WIND, WILD WIND

The first story, TOO HOT TO HANDLE is an amazing story. Right from the beginning I was hooked and hooked bad. I couldn't put it down and read it in only a few short days. This story was fast paced, well written, with a lot of tension between the main characters. The only thing I didn't like was that it was a little too heavy on the sexual talk but because of the rest being so great, I couldn't put it down, and loved it.

The second story SWEET WIND, WILD WIND, I started to read but soon realized I’d read it before but even so, I had a hard time putting it down. I have so many books I want to read, I can't justify reading the same one twice...at least not at this stage of my life. It too is a great story, fast paced, well written.

THE DREAM GIVER

A friend of mine borrowed this book to me, and I'm thankful that she’d chosen to share it with me. It's an amazing book! One filled with life lessons, what life is all about, and the paths in life we take. I agree wholeheartedly with all that was writer, and was so moved by this book I've shared it with many others. My only regret is I don’t have the funds to purchase one for everyone in my life.

Truly, this is one of those must read in ones life, books. And the sooner the better.

IT'S AMERICA

I was so happy when I discovered Rodney came out with a new CD. As soon as I spotted it at the store, I purchased it. Even though I had yet to hear any of the songs on it, I knew I’d like them. His first album was so great, how could this one not be as well.

As soon as I purchased the CD, I listened to it and soon after wrote my review. I just had to share my thoughts on this great CD. The songs are great, all upbeat, with great lyrics. There the kind of songs that makes you want to dance around the house while listening to your ipod. What a great CD to listen to while working out.

UPDATE, ONE MONTH LATER

I’ve been listening to IT’S AMERICA nonstop. The more I listen the more I love it. Great CD! Not one bad song on it.

TOMMY BRANDT

GREAT MUSIC FOR COUNTRY AND CHRISTIAN MUSIC LOVERS

I guess I’m pretty out of the loop by not watching TV, or reading the newspaper, or listening to the radio. Don’t get me wrong, I watch DVD’s, and listen to CD’s…all the time. I just rather watch and listen to what I want, not what a TV or radio station thinks I should be watching and listening too.

With that said, I had no idea there was Christina County out there. Because of facebook, I discovered Tommy Brandt. Then I checked out his music. Wow! I found several songs I liked. So many in fact it left me no choice but to purchase not one but THREE of his CD’s.

I could hardly wait to receive the CD’s I had ordered. I can’t seem to get enough of Tommy’s music. Each CD has one great song after another. He has an amazing voice, reminds me of Alan Jackson, with great lyrics. Honestly, I often forget I’m listening to Christian music until I really focus on the words. And then once I do, I just love his music all the more.

REMEMBER ME

After reading PIECES OF SILVER the ending left me with no other choice but to immediately start reading the next, REMEMER ME. I don't recall having read a book that ended in such a way I HAD to read the next. There was no way I couldn't after an ending like that.

The second book didn't disappoint. Right from the first page I was captivated as I was swiftly brought into Josef's world with lots of surprises. It's hard to believe how quickly I went from not really knowing Josef, nor liking him to feeling sympathy and warmth towards him. I thought that was an amazing feat on the author's part.

REMEMBER ME could be separated into three books. The first portion was a true love story where Lissa and Josef fall in love as they get to know one another. I loved Hank's dedication to his son as well as the changes Josef goes through. The next section of the book had Lissa and Josef off to war with all that entails. And the final section is revealing Josef's past with the inevitable trial.

So what I walked away with after reading this book is a wonderful love story as well as one of change and redemption. It was fascinating to live through a war, as well as the early 1900's with the characters. I felt as though I was right there with them.

ON WRITING

This was the first book I read on writing, and because of this book I started my first novel. Though it's been several years since I read it, what stick out in my mind the most is Stephen Kings words "just write". I had no idea how to even begin, let alone if I could finish a novel. He gave me the okay, and the courage to just start and see where it leads. I was too focused on the how's and what's...all things that had hindered me from starting. He also offers some helpful insight to how he accomplishes his own writing.