Sunday, September 22, 2013

"365 Pocket Devotions" by Chris Tiegreen

Daily devotions should be a part of each day we live. But, sometimes life gets in the way and the morning gets so hectic that we miss our first opportunity. This new devotional book is small and easy to carry with you to make any moment one of devotion.

This devotional is a little different from others in that it doesn't have a date but rather a day ( Day 1 - Day 365) for each reading. That enables the reader to start the book at any time during the year and be on time. The devotional readings are called "reflections," appropriate for the thought to carry through the day. There is then a short devotional reading and Scripture to start, or keep, the day running smoothly. A few of the reflections are: Eyes, Compassion, God's Word, and Trials. There is also a Topical Index at the back to help each reader find encouragement for specific topics.

I really like this devotional. Not only are the readings appropriate for my life, but it is small enough for me to take with me whereever I go. The cover is a soft leather and the orange color is inviting. If you enjoy books filled with inspiration and encouragement, or know someone who needs one, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Tyndale Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

"Red Like Blood" by Bob Bevington, Joe Coffey

Blood is the life force in our body. Without it, we would not survive. The same is true about the blood of Jesus that runs through the Bible. Without it, life will not end in Heaven. Come explore the importance of the blood of Jesus.

Our authors use life stories to illustrate the need of grace in our lives. Throughout the stories, you will discover things that need to be fixed/forgiven, then a broken and contrite heart, and then the grace that can only come from a loving God through the blood of Jesus. The stories point out that NO ONE is beyond grace and forgiveness. No one is beyond forgiveness and a new start.

This is a wonderful book on God's love and grace and how it works in the lives of people who let it in. It will make a great addition to church libraries as well as home libraries. It will also make a wonderful gift to someone in searching for grace and peace. I received my review copy from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

"Forever Friday" by Timothy Lewis

Love endures through the good and bad times because of the commitment between those involved. What would you do if your life was askew, love having been destroyed, but then you find a box of loving postcards? Could it make a difference? Adam Colby is about to find out.

Gabe and Pearl Alexander lived in Texas in the early twentieth century. Their love for each other was powerful and continual, weathering the difficulty of life together. Every Friday Gabe would send his wife a postcard, many of which contained poems he wrote for her. This commitment kept their love fresh and alive. Adam Colby found the box of postcards when he was working on getting their estate sale ready. He was totally unprepared for the messages they contained; the absolute commitment to a loving relationship. Adam's marriage had ended in divorce, causing his life to change in ways he hadn't imagined. But, reading these love notes changes him too. Will they change him in ways for forgiveness and redemption, or will they elicit more bitterness and anger? Come along and follow Adam's journey into the past and his future.

This book is a wonderful story of love and commitment. It also shows that love is worth the work. I really enjoyed the book, finding it difficult to put down. The author created believable characters and settings, making the story flow easily. If you like stories with historical love stories with meaning for today, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, September 16, 2013

"Credara: Rise of the Kraylen" by J.E. Henderson

A battle is waging. Lucifer's army has been waiting to engage and win to topple God. But a monk stands in their way. Will Agean be able to gather God's forces and lead them to victory? Or, will he succumb to his own demons and miss God's purpose for his life?

Lucifer and his rebellious angels had challenged God and lost. Condemned to an ugly existence, they have plotted their "revenge." The Kraylen are also working to destroy humankind, thus creating what they consider ultimate control. What they don't count on is the men willing to stand up and fight against them. Agean should be one of those men. He is a monk and studies God's Word  all the time. But, Agean doesn't see himself as a hero. He has his own troubles to battle and doesn't believe himself to be worthy. Agean must discover his true self and place in God's plan. Will he find himself to be a hero, or will he give up and turn aside? The battle turns on his choice.

This is a wonderful, fast-paced Christian fantasy. Here you'll find battles, wonderful characters and settings, and spiritual lessons, along with so much more. If you enjoy fantasy or books about end times, this book is for you. I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy! I received my review copy from PR by the Book in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

"NIV College Devotional Bible" published by Zondervan

College can be a stressful time for anyone, but having a good Bible to lean on is a huge help. Zondervan has come out with an NIV Bible designed for college students. It is a traditional Bible with a twist.

Devotional Bibles are usually targeted for specific audiences. This is no different. As a student is reading, he may come across a devotion on a passage that is totally appropriate for a college student. One example is "The Decision," based on 2 Kings 17: 14-15. Other areas of student life are also hit with short devotional passages; giving strength, encouragement, and hope to the reader. Other helpful extras are: a Table of Weights and Measures, a Subject Index, Reading Plans, and a place for notes. It would make a wonderful addition to any student's room.

I enjoyed getting to know this Bible. The devotionals are short but powerful and easy to read. The extras at the back helpful as well. If you have a college age student, you should check this out to find out if it is right for your child. It would make a wonderful gift, and should be in church libraries. I received my review copy from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

"Memory's Door" by James Rubart

Reese, Brandon, Dana, and Marcus are back in this second book of James Rubart's "Well Springs" series. We met them when they first dealt with the battle for the souls of men in "Souls Gate," and now the battle is joined in greater fierceness and combat. Who will win?

Our four main characters are the "Warriors Riding." They have learned to fight spiritual beings, slip into the souls of other people, and do so many other things. But, that fighting may be taking its toll. Each of the four is having a problem, causing an uneasiness and even some fear. The demons are crafty, wily, and sneaky in using things to make strong believers fall for the lies and suddenly find hidden secrets come to light. The "Wolf"is after them and wants nothing less than the total eradication of their lives. Who can stand against this demon horde? Will the Warriors regain their confidence and strength? Will the battle ever end?

Another thrilling ride into the world of spiritual warfare! James Rubart knows how to weave all the parts of a story together to keep his readers paying attention to the details. I love his characters and the passion each brings to the story. This is Book 2 in the series, and I recommend reading Book 1 ("Soul's Gate") first so that you know who the characters/setting are. Readers of all types will enjoy the series.I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.
Book Info
About Memory's Door: The prophecy brought them together---to fight for the hearts of others and set them free.
But the Wolf has risen, and now their greatest battle begins.

The four members of Warriors Riding have learned to wage war in the supernatural, to send their spirits inside people's souls, to battle demonic forces, and to bring deep healing to those around them.
But their leader Reece is struggling with the loss of his sight. Brandon is being stalked at his concerts by a man in the shadows. Dana's career is threatening to bury her. And Marcus questions his sanity as he seems to be slipping in and out of alternate realities.

And now the second part of the prophecy has come true. The Wolf is hunting them, and has set his trap. He circles, feeding on his supernatural hate of all they stand for. And he won't stop until he brings utter destruction to their bodies . . . and their souls.

". . .this is a seriously heart-thumping and satisfying read that goes to the edge, jumps off, and 'builds wings on the way down.'"-Publishers Weekly review of Soul's Gate

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/nYxEu

About the Author: James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of five novels, including the best-seller "Rooms" and award-winning "Soul's Gate," the book that precedes "Memory's Door" in the Well Spring series. Rubart and his wife have two sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.

Find out more about James at:http://jameslrubart.com/books/ 
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