The Mudville Report

The Christmas Note

2011-11-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

This is my first Donna Vanliere book that I have read. I have heard of her book the Christmas shoes and will here the song a 1000 times before the year ends. But I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.
This story is about two women who are going though some very trying times. Gretchen has just moved into condo to be closer to her mother. Gretchen has two kids and a husband that you really don’t get to know a lot about until later in the book.
Living next door to Gretchen is Melissa, she live by herself and keeps to herself. Not much a social person.
The story is told from the vantage point of both ladies. It starts when a man shows up on the door of Gretchen’s house asking her is she is Melissa. Man has been trying to get in touch with Melissa but has been unable to, he asks Gretchen if she will relay a message to Melissa. “Please tell her that her mom has past away and that she needs to come clean out her apartment.” Gretchen faced with the task to tell Melissa the heartbreaking news feel that is really not her place to do so. She gets up the nerve to do so and this is where the story takes off.
I really enjoyed this book and it is a good way for you to get into the Christmas sprit. I thank Thomas Nelson for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Book of Man

2011-10-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

“George Washington was often on his knees praying, as great men often are.” Is a statement from Dr William J Bennett’s new book The Book of Man. Dr. Bennett gives great insight on what it takes to be a man. Dr Bennett quotes Plato saying “Who teaches the children and what do we teach them? Plato goes on to say that it is out duty to teach the younger children. If we do not teach them then trouble is sure to follow.
As we can see that trouble has found us, and had left us thinking were did we go wrong? Who is to blame? Who will fix it?
Those answers are found in this book. Step up and be a man! Be a man and take care of your own needs and not wait for others to fix them. Now is the time to stand up and be a man.
I love this book; I love it because it is full of little stories about life and how to deal with it. There are stories about US presidents, sports athletes, military men and everyday men. This book is a must have and I highly recommend it to anyone that is a man or has a man in there life.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and the Booksneeze.com people for my free copy of this great book.

Bonhoeffer

2011-09-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

There is nothing I like more the a good biography but when you add history, heroism and good Christian values to the same good there is nothing better. That is what Eric Metaxas has done with his book Bonhoeffer.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is not a common house hold name not one that too many people will say they know a lot about him. He is not someone that you are going to learn about in any history textbooks (I didn’t anyway). In fact when I was given the chance to review this book by the Thomas Nelson Company (my review here is my one and I give an honesty feedback on the book in exchange for a free copy. Sorry legal people make me say this) I didn’t have a clue who Dietrich Bonhoeffer was, but after reading this book I have the up most respect for him.
This book his one that is hard to put down, it is one that you will find time to read. I learned some much about Germany post WWII and some about it during WWII. I learned that is spite of all the hell Hitler but the people of Germany in namely the Jews. There was a great man that had no fear to stand up to Hitler and help bring him down. Bonhoeffer is that great man and this book with teach you all about him. I must say if you are thinking about buying a good book this is the one to get. It will not leave you disappoint but will give you a great respect for a man that knew God and loved Him.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for my free copy of this great book.

The Final Hour

2011-08-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed The Homlanders series by Andrew Klavan. The final Hour is the last installment of the series. What a great book and what a great series. I hear that it will be turned into a movie and if they can keep it somewhat close to the book it will make for a blockbuster.
These books are more geared towards young teenage kids. But adults will love these books as well.
A little bit about the books, Charlie West is a high school kid that goes to sleep and wakes up the next morning tied to a chair and threatening to be killed. Charlie escapes and goes to the police which in his mind are the good guys but comes to find out they are after him as well.
The book are action pack and have a great message to young kids to not give up and never give in. I really did enjoy this series. The book is an easy read and one that you will set down to start and can not but down not matter how tried you are at nights.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my free copy of this book. My review is that of my own.

Surviving your Serengeti

2011-08-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

Surviving your Serengeti by Stefan Swanepoel is a must read. This book is well written and one that is very easy to read.
The book takes you an on journey through the African Serengeti. As you go through this journey of learn about the animal in the natural habit you find that they are a lot like us and that we can relate to them. It was amazing to me that there is so much common ground between us and the animal talked about in the books.
On the Surviving your Serengeti web site there is a quiz that you can take after you read the book to see what type of animal you are. I suggest you read the book and then take the test. I bet you will know which animal you are after you have read the book. You will find that common ground between you and the animal you relate to.
Thank be to Thomas Nelson publishing for my free copy of this great book. My review is that of my own.

Beyond Talent

2011-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is my first John Maxwell book that I have read. I have seen his book many times on Thomas Nelson Booksneeze site. I have never had the chance to get one because they are always gone before I can request one.
However, Beyond Talent is an excellent book. I love it and it as really made me stop and think. I liked the part in the book were he talks about our tomorrows are gone there is nothing we can do to change them. I have heard people say that many times but the way he puts it in the book it just hit me. The book is filled with many great stories, quotes and ideas. Once you start to read it you can not put it down.
I would recommend this book to all, yes it is listed as a business/leadership book but you will find many great ideas for you one personal life’s.
Thank you Thomas Nelson, I read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Max on Life

2011-04-18T21:48:00.001-07:00

Max Lucado does it again. In his new book “Max on Life” Max talk the many questions that he get and takes the time to answers them. He used the Bible and his on experience on life to fill these questions.
They are broken down in to 7 sections of life: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have not, and Hereafter.
This is a book that you will not read cover to cover it is one that you will find yourself flipping through it and land a something that you can easily place in your own life.
I thank Thomas Nelson for this advance copy of this book. I give it 5 stars.

The Band Played on

2011-04-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

I find it fitting that today is April 14, 2011 and exactly 99 years ago today the Titanic was hit by and iceberg. This is also the day that I submit my review for the book The Band Played On by Steve Turner and published by Thomas Nelson (who gave me a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review).
I remember seeing the movie the Titanic when it came out in the later part of the 1990’s I remember think about the part when the band stayed on the ship and played the hymn Nearer my God to Thee. It is a beautiful hymn and one that I enjoy very much. But I thought all of that was just Hollywood making a movie dramatic and good. I never thought that they truly happened that that there was such a great story behind each of those band members.
This book is well written and very well reached. I enjoyed reading this book. I did however feel it a little slow getting into but that last part of the book it very well done. If you are a history buff like me then you should really pick up this book. You will enjoy it very much.

2011-04-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Travelers Gift is one of my favorite Andy Andrews book. I loved how he brought to life many of the historical figures. I loved the most when David Ponder (main character in the book) was in the room with Anne Frank. The feel you get as you read as David talks with her is hard to put into words. I loved that book and have shared it with others.
Just as good as the Travels Gifts is Andy’s new book The Final Summit delivers just the same. Again Andy brings to live many historical figures. And once again David Ponder takes you on the ride. I make you think that is you were able to fill a room with many great historical figures what would they talk about? What would it feel like to be in there presents? With this book Andy takes you there, he shares with you what it would feel like to be in that room.
I loved this book and recommend it to all. It is a book that you will read over and over again. It is one that needs to be read over and over again to fully understand the message that is in it. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my advance copy of this great book by a great author

Max Lucados Movies

2011-02-23T23:14:00.001-08:00

I have read as many of Max Lucado’s books as I can. I have always loved everyone that I have read. Just like his books he does it again with his children’s DVD series. “ A Bug Collection is the first time me and my family have watch them and I can say it will not be the last. My kids loved these movies. What a great way to teach kids about pray, respecting others, and overall being Christ like.
The one done fall I do have and I have seen many other fell the same way is the intro, my two year had a hard time stay focus as we watch that part of the movie but other then that they are great movies and I would recommend them to anyone with children. (Even great for adults too)

Thanks Thomas Nelson for my Free copy.

Civil War

2011-02-15T22:53:00.000-08:00

I am a big history buff and I love to read anything do with US history. I have read a lot about wars and I really like to read up on WWII. But I have never really read or studied much about the Civil War. It is amazing to me that I have stood in the Charleston Harbor in South Carolina look out at Fort Sumter and I never really studied the Civil War.
I loved this new book by Webb Garrison titled Curiosities of the Civil War. It is full of interesting facts about the war ones that I never heard of before and I sure ones that you would not study in school. It is a good read because you can flip through it and pick up reading right there or you can just read cover to cover. However you like to read it I am sure you will love it and find it just as interesting as I did.
This has been on of my Top 5 books by Thomas Nelson and I thank them for my free book of this book.

The faith of Ronald Reagan

2011-02-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

I enjoy any book that has to do with the 40th president of the United States Ronald Reagan. I enjoy so much his autobiography. I was very young when Reagan was in office, but I remember him many time address the county via the TV. With just the resent anniversary of the Challenge Space Shuttle, I remember that day and Reagan address the American people that night after it happened. I was 8 years old but I remember like it happened yesterday.
That is the kind of man Ronald Reagan was, he loved this country and he love God. I truly believe with all my heart that God groomed Reagan to be the president at the time that he was. It was because of him that he help get this country back on it’s feet after suffering a recession in the late 70’s. It was him that God work through to being down the wall in Germany and to end the cold war.
The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown is a must read. It is not a book that will go deep into the presidents live but it will show you his love for this county and his love for our Heavenly Father.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for my advanced copy of this great book.

Then Sings My Soul

2010-12-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to me that you sing these songs every Sunday in church, you sing some of them at funerals, and you sing them at holiday such as Christmas and Easter. You can help but love the hymns we sing each time we go to church. But I never really stop to thing that each song has a story to tell. In his new book Robert J Morgan’s Then Sings My Soul tell you that story of the beloved hymns we sing at church.
I really enjoyed this book; I love history and love to sing the hymns (I not much of a singer but it makes you feel good when you sing). After reading this book you will stop and think about the person who wrote this and know that God had His hand in help them write there song. You can feel that as you read it. I recommend this book to all and I know that you will enjoy it as much as I have.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Heaven is for Real

2010-11-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

Is there such a thing as someone taking a trip to heaven when they are on deaths bed? Can the veil of heaven be opened at that time and we be shown the after life? Can we remember such a trip? These are some of the questions that I was thinking about as I real a new book titled Heaven is for Real. It is a book written by a father who’s 4 year old son after having emergency appendectomy talks about his trip to heaven.
Colton Burpo is the little boy that goes to heaven and talks with Jesus, sits on His lap and gets to see he horse. Colton also talks with his fathers grandfather and tells his things that is own father never told Colton before.
I have always thought can these things be real and to most people who have these experience are they made up and they are just trying to make a buck. But when I read this story why would it be made up, why would a 4 year old lie?
I really enjoyed this book and I really can say that this is real, there is still some doubts that I have but that just maybe my own understand of the after life but what a great book. I really truly enjoyed being able to ready this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

2010-10-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite parts of the book The Grace of God By Andy Stanley are when his is talking about Jonah Andy Stated: “The purpose of God’s Discipline was not to pay him (Jonah) back but to bring him back.” The other quote is “to run from God is to run from grace.
God wants all his children back, He sent his son Jesus Christ to help us prepare away back. God to me shows the most grace then any other can. That is the purpose of this book is to help us understand the purpose of God’s Grace.
I loved this book, I have to say that this is the first one of Andy’s books that I have read but I will now read more by him. With the Christmas season soon upon us I would like to suggest this book to all it would make a great gift to all.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2010-10-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

With a down economy and people cutting cost to survive it hard to cut those cost from you food budget. But with Steve and Annette Economides’s new book titled “Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half” They talk about just that cutting you food bill not you food in half. I have to say that I did not get a change to read this book; my wife saw it when it can in the mail as part of the Thomas Nelson book review program. She has taken the book, read it and began to follow there steps into how we can save money at the grocery store. I am exited to see how this will help and now that it will has she as told me how the book works and how to save money.
When I asked her to share with me a little bit about the book so that I could write the review she told me that they have a simple plan, you make a list when going to the store and you follow it, do not add to it while at the store you just stick to the list. Second, she told me that we need to start looking at the weekly store ads and find which store has the best deal. We are lucky to have a few stores by our home to were we can travel for on to the other to save the money.
I like this book she told me, it will be a great tool for our home, she has told her friends and family about this book and they have gone to buy it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The falling away

2010-10-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

This is my first T.L. Hines book and this maybe my last. I really had a hard time with this book so much so that I honestly can say I did not finish it. I not sure if it was the book so much as it was me and not understanding what was going on. I was lost from the beginning of the book. Again this is my first book by this author and that maybe why I had such a hard time.
Here is what the books is about based off of the cover of the book. “Before Dylan Runs Ahead can figure out what it all really means, though, he's going to have to stop and face the demons –both literal and figurative–that he's been running from.”
I would say that those of you that are big Hines fans you may love this book. Bur for me I not sure if I can pick up and finish this book. I really had a hard time with the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Out live your life

2010-09-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

I have always like Max Lucado’s books. And his new one is just as good as they get. “Out live your life” Published by Thomas Nelson Company (many thanks for me free copy of Max’s book).
“Out live your life” Talks about how common everyday folk like me and you can make a big difference in people life. We think that we have to be President, CEO or any other great leader to make a difference. But we are just as common a group of twelve men that live in the time that Jesus walked the earth. We had common jobs and did common things, but yet these men were great men. Of course I am talk about the twelve apostles.
Max’s asks a question in the opening chapter were in he says “When your Grandkids discover that you lived in a day when 1.75 billion people were poor and 1 billion were hungry, how will they (grandkids) judge your response?
This question really makes you stop and thing, and Max’s gives some great inside on that question. His teaching comes from the first 12 chapter of the book of Acts. He talks about the “common” Twelve apostles and how they were give the task of teaching and care for the people after Christ left the earth.
This book is great and I recommend that you pick up a copy and read it and most important apply it to you life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

2010-09-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

Anything with Andy Andrews name on it I will pick up and read. He is very inspiring and always has a great message to tell. Just like his two new books “The Butterfly effect and “The Boy Who Changed the World” Both tell the same story but one is for adults and the other for kids.
The boy who changed the world is a great book that I can share with my children and with my oldest just starting school I can share the message that you can make a different in life and that your life matter to all. That God made you, and put you here on earth for a reason.
With the holiday season so coming upon us these two books will make perfect gifts. I highly recommended pick them up. Thank you to Thomas Nelson company for my two advance copy of Andy’s book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect

2010-09-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

Anything with Andy Andrews name on it I will pick up and read. He is very inspiring and always has a great message to tell. Just like his two new books “The Butterfly effect and “The Boy Who Changed the World” Both tell the same story but one is for adults and the other for kids.
I love the butterfly effect; I have heard that story many times watching video of Andy tell the story, but it nice to be able to have it in a nice gift book that can be shared with all. The story short and simple but the message is powerful. Everything we do can have an effect on other later in life.
With the holiday season so coming upon us these two books will make perfect gifts. I highly recommended pick them up. Thank you to Thomas Nelson company for my two advance copy of Andy’s book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Patton

2010-08-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

I have always heard of General Patton, mostly from the movie staring George C Scott. Who doesn’t like the beginning of that movie? But I have never really taken the time to understand Patton and what his life was really like. In his New Book Mr. Von Hassell take you inside the man that Patton really was, not just the Hollywood version but the real truth behind the man.
I love to ready about WWII and I like to read about the Generals in that war. I just read one about IKE and his leadership he gave to the war. In this book I came to understand a little bet better about Bastogne and how Patton played a major role.
One thing I think I will take away from this book the most is, Patton was a great leadership and ideas to better the military with are still used today.
If you like history and WWII this book is a great read and I really would suggest it to all that are thinking about buying it. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my Free Copy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Same Kind of Different As Me

2010-07-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

After reading Some Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, it makes you stop and thinking about what you mission in here on Earth. What is your purpose that God has for you? I also make you stop and listen for the still small voice inside you the next time you see a homeless person. Will I help or will I just walk away?
For Ron Hall he could have easily walked away. But he did not he choice to listen and he found out what it mission on this live was. Denver was the same way he could have easily not listen to what was inside of him but he choose to listen. God has a work for each of us to do her on earth. IN this book you will see what Ron’s and Denver’s call were in this life.
I highly recommend this book and I thank Thomas Nelson Company for me free copy of this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lead like Ike

2010-06-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more that I like then to read books and my favorite types of books are: U.S. history, Biography and leadership books. I never really thought you would be able to find all three subjects in one book. Lead Like Ike a new book by Geoff Loftus gives you all three subjects.
I have read book and seen movies about D-day and about the great men that risked their lives to take that beach. The U.S need that beach and if we could not get it, the war would have maybe gone a different way. Take the beaches at Normandy is what help America win the war in Europe. I never knew that it was lead by a great man in Dwight D Eisenhower (Ike).
Geoff Loftus give 10 Strategic Lessons that he take from what Ike did on D-day. Geoff walks you though those step with history lesson for Ike and how they were use to be successful on D-day. Then Geoff take those same lesson and shows how they can be applied in business leadership.
I found this book the be ever insightful I recommend it to all that are in business, leadership or just want a great read about how D-day was successful.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my advance copy of this great book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Heart Mender

2010-05-04T23:12:00.001-07:00

I sometime wonder why we have so many self-help books that talk about day to day things like self esteem, attitude etc. But why do you never see one that talk mainly about the power of forgiveness. Andy Andrews give you that type of book in his new book (or should I say a re release) The Heart Mender. The book was formally known as the Island of Saints.
The Heart mender is a very touching story one that makes you stop and think about what you would do, how would react to something like this? The story is set in the 1940’s during WWII. German U-boat where in the gulf of Mexico, the government knew about this and said nothing (Seem like nothing has changed).
The story start with Andy finding a buried vegetable can in is yard and when he opens the can he finds a few buttons, a ring and a couple of picture with one of them having Hitler in it. Andy goes on to find out how this would have gotten here and why it was buried in is yard. But what he truly finds is a story that needs to be told, a story of how we are to forgive. This is one of those books that you will read over and over again and well learn something new every time you read it.
The book can into my life at just the right time. I really like this book, I am touched by it story, how it came to be a story. But what I am most touch by is how one can forgive when life has deal them a pretty bad hand.
Andy Andrews has a way of making you feel good after you read his books. I was turned on the Thomas Nelson Blogger book review due to one of Andy’s books title The Noticer. I have read all of Andy’s books since then. This is a book that would do you know good to borrow from the library or a friend. This book is a must to have in your home.
Thanks you to Thomas Nelson Book Review Program for this advance copy of The Heart Mender.

I would love to share this book with you. Thomas Nelson gave me a extra copy of this book the first one to stop by I will give it them.

Plan B

2010-05-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

“What would you do if you were absolutely confident God was with you?” is a question that is asked in Pete Wilson’s new book: Plan B, What Do You Do When God Doesn’t Show Up The Way You Thought He Would?
I sit and thought about this question for sometime, W all have a plan in life we call it are plan A. We want to get married, have kids, buy a big house and have a nice job that make us a lot of money. But something always gets in the way of are plan A that something is called life!
Nothing goes to plan and we sometime have to go to plan B. Sometime we never find the right one to marry, we are unable to have kids, we still live in a small house, or we just got laid off a job that we really did not like to begin with. Sometime we lose the ones we love to unexplained things. Life happens and plan A is never goes as planned.
When plan B comes about we stop and ask ourselves were is God? Why could he not stop this, why did He take him/her so early in life or why doesn’t god love me more then the other that seem to have it all.
Pete Wilson answers these questions and helps us understand the whys? This book came into my life we I needed it more then ever. I just hit my plan B and I did stop and ask Why God?
If you are looking for a great book to give someone that is down on there luck or you just need a book to help you along the way. I strongly recommend you buy this book. It was great and I never have read a book as quick and understood it like I did with Plan B.
My final thought on this is: Sometime are plan B is Gods plan A.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for an advance copy of this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be

2010-04-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

I just got a copy of Max Lucado’s book “You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be” What a great book, I see it used a lot for young adults those that are just heading out into life after high school. Like so many of Max’s books you always come away with feeling great and understanding that God does in fact love you. After I get these books from Thomas Nelson I like to give them out to friends and family. I for the most part get them back after they make the rounds but the last two Max Lucado’s I got I have never gotten back. I know where they are it just they are being read and used. That is the beauty behind his books.
I really liked the part in the book when Max said: “Magnify your Maker”. It made me stop and think what is magnifying mean and what is he telling me here. Webster tells me that it is “to increase in significance”. I need to understand that god made me who I am and there is no one else like me on this earth. God as a mission for me, a work that I need to do and it is up to me to find that work and once I do I need to hit the ground running.
I really suggest if you are reading this review thinking about buy this book I say get it, read it and understand what Max is telling you. God can make you be who you want to be and if you want to be like god then this book will help you find that.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson book review program for me free copy of this great book.

The Map by David Murrow

2010-03-15T21:13:00.001-07:00

I questioned this book at first thinking is this going to be a fiction type book or is there some truth to the book. Well I got a little bit of both. David Murrow new book titled The Map is a book that is twofold. First is start with a thrilling fiction type story, some of it seemed a little out there but you have to remember is fiction. The second part of the book gets into the depth of the The Maps that is found within the book of Mathew.
I found this book to be very interesting I have read the bible many times but know when I go back a read Mathew again I will read it a little bit different this time and really understand what Christ was try to teach. I like that there is three journeys a man must go through (please pick up a copy of the book to find out those three journeys) I never really thought of it that way.
If you are thinking about buying this book and you are reading this review I say go for it and read it and really have an opened mind as you do so. This book it great and I am going to go and get his other books and read them. Thanks to Thomas nelson Book review for my advance copy of this book.

A Century Turns

2010-02-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

I never really stop to think about how much this country has changed in the last twenty years. The era that Mr. Bennett starts I was just starting me teen years, never really gave any though to what was going on here in the USA let alone the world. I remember some of the things he talks about but some I do not remember. This book is a great tool that I can use to teach me kids what went on in American when I was growing up.
I have read the books America the Last Best hope by the same author and this book is the end piece to those books.
I have always really enjoyed William Bennett’s books, and really love his history books and how he makes them come alive.
A Century Turns is a must have for any history buff like myself or just those that want to know what has happened to this country in the last twenty years. This book needs to be study by are young people and know that we have changed dramatically in the last twenty years.
I am grateful that I was give a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson publishing and say to all who read this review to get a copy of your own and really come to understand this book and the history it teaches.

This your Brain in love

2010-01-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

I am sometime a little worried to read self-help book, mainly when they written by a Doctor! Doctor like the use the big words and write them in their books. A lot of times you are spending more time looking up the word then reading the book. But with Dr Earl Henslin new book This Is Your Brain In Love, Dr Henslin, did not need to use the big words here. He made the book simple and easy to understand.
I really like this book it opened my eyes. Many people would say when buying this book or having this book on their self: “I don’t need this book, It is not for me or it is for a friend. I can see that some people would be ashamed to have this book, but the message in this book is one that everyone need, whether you have a strong loving marriage like Anne and David did in the book or if you marriage is at the breaking point. There is a message for all in this book.

Dr Henslin talks about five “lover types they are
1. The Scattered Lover
2. The Overfocused Lover
3. The Blue Mood Lover
4. The Agitated Lover
5. The Anxious Lover

He breaks down each of these lover types in chapters and it is very interesting to see where you find yourself and your spouse. This book is a must read and again it is for all marriages there is something we all need to learn, and marriages is something that we learn from each and ever day.

Thank to Thomas Nelson Book review for my free copy of the book

Sweet By and BY

2010-01-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

It has been said many time that it is better to leave thing that you have done in your life in the past. In Sara Evan new book titles The Sweet by and by Jade and her soon to be husband felt that is what would work best for them, they would start the lives together not know much about each other part. But as the story unfolds we find that the skeletons that lay in you closet can never be left there forever. Slowly they start to come out for Jade and take her on an emotional roller coaster only to find out that the struggles that she goes through only make Jade a better person in the end. We come to find out that the past is who we are and we should not be ashamed to live up to it.

The book we me started out a little slow, but then towards the middle it began to pick up and lay out the story of Jade and her past. I really felt that Sara Evans did a wonderful job, and look forward to the next book in this series.

This book was give to my by the Thomas Nelson book Reviewer. The comments made here are my own. I was not paid to review this book. Please visit brb.thomasnelson.com to find out more.

Where is God, is not a question but rather a protest

2009-12-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Where is God is not a question, rather it is a protest.” Is a statement from Dr John Townsends new book titled “Where is God” First let me say that even the cover has you looking for “God” The title is the same color and the background and has you searching for it. Just like many off us today we are searching for God and wanting to know if in fact he is there.
But Dr. Townsend helps to illustrate the point that God is in fact there. We are the ones that are standing the way of allowing God to enter our lives. The World is going to hell in a hand basket and we can only stop and ask “Where are you God, way have you left” But God in fact as not left, he is there waiting for us to call upon Him.

Dr Townsend tells a story of a lady that was pushing her husband to communicate with her, she was terrible upset with the fact that she was not getting what she wanted and was at breaking point. But Dr Townsend put it best when he stated that God does not push us to communicate with him, he lets us know that he is there and waits for us to come unto Him.
At this point in time when there has been so much sadness in the world a book like this is just want is needed. This book should be bought and read and reread and come to truly understand that the question of “where is God,” is not the questions we need to ask, the question we need to ask is found in this wonderful book.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson for my Free advance copy of this book.

NKLV Greatest Stories of the Bible

2009-12-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

Thomas Nelson’s NKJV Greatest Stories of the Bible is a must have in every home. In the introduction of the book it states: “Designed as a treasury of the most well-loved and impactful stories from the bible.” Is goes on to say “this is not a bible….this heirloom edition uses scripture portions from the NKJV to tell the story of God and His interaction with humankind.”

This book is very well done. The cover give you the old worn family bible look and the it reads like a novel and not the way normal scriptures verses are writing. I have read the King James Version of the bible my whole life this is the first I have read a New King James Version and the way this is done helps me to understand the bible better then I have before. I love this version and it will make a great family gift to all of my brothers and sisters this year for Christmas.

Thanks Thomas Nelson for an advance copies of this great book. Please visit www.thomasnelson.com for more.

2009-11-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Story of Christmas by Gwen Ellis is a great book for young kids. I received my copy of the book and had to wait until the kids were asleep in order to read it( that is because I could not get it away for them) The next day they woke up and want to watch the DVD which is very cute and they loved it. The Story of Christmas is a great way to start off the Christmas season. This book will help to teach my kids the importance of Jesus and how He is the reason we celebrate the holiday. I highly recommend this book to all weather you have kids or not this book take the simple mean of Christmas and help you remember that it is about Jesus not all the other things that go on with Christmas. Also this book would make a great Christmas gift to all those you know.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Book Review for my Free copy of this book.

The tallest of Smalls

2009-10-22T22:35:00.001-07:00

The first book I ever read by Max Lucado was “You Are Special” I enjoy that little book so much the meaning that was brought out in that book still with me today. Much like that book Max has done it again with his new book “The Tallest of Smalls”. It is a parable take for Max’s book “Fearless” that was release a few months ago.

This book is geared toward young children and teaches them that they do not need to be part of the tall and mighty that God made them just the way they are for a reason. This book is very well done and the illustrations are wonderful. With Christmas only a few months away this book is a perfect gift.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Book Review for the free copy of this book.

2009-10-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

“The most forgotten element of success” is the subtitle to Deborah Norville’s new Book title The Power of Respect. She starts off the book by tell the story of a group of Collage students taking a test that they had study for and was ready to take. The exam was handed out and when the last question the test was read all the student was surprise to see the questions that no one know the answer to.
Deborah talks about all aspects of respects: the Power of respect in our relationships, business, school, leaders and the two main one I feel which is self and in the home. I like how she starts the book off with respect in the home. It is where it all starts.

This book is a wonderful book and a quick read. I really recommend this book to all, it show you how you can get what the Lord states “do unto others and you have them do unto you”
Thanks Thomas Nelson Book review to this free copy of The Power of Respect.

Find your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham

2009-10-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

This is my 5th or 6th book now that I have reviewed in the Thomas Nelson Blog Book Review. When I saw Marcus Buckingham’s new book “Find Your Strongest Life” I was thrill to be able to read it. Yes I did judge a book buy its cover-well buy its title. I did not know until the book arrived that is book was gear more to women to me say will me a man. So I sit it aside thinking how can I give this a fair review? Well read it and find out! This is what I found
Marcus states in the introduction of the book that there are nine life roles that will measures you they are: Advisor, Caretaker, Creator, Equalizer, Influencer, Motivator, Pioneer, Teacher and Weaver. As I read those 9 roles I stop and thought they cover two important women in my life. First be my Mother and next my Wife (not in any particular order).
Marcus talks about how you take these roles and find your lead role you then anchor yourself to that lead role and build upon it from there. This book is as old commercial years ago said “maybe strong enough for a man, but it was make for a woman” sure applies to this book. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Company for letting me review this book.

I recommend this book to all women who need a little pick me up!

From Peanuts to the Pressbox By Eli Gold

2009-09-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Like most boys growing up that watch sport you are always focused on the All-Star play. You practice just like and you watch his every move. The biggest dream you have is that you will grow up and be just like him. Eli Gold was just like that but instead of watch the player he focused more on the broadcasts call the game. In his new book titled “From Peanuts to the Pressbox” Mr. Gold talks about how as a kid he would spend many hours at sporting events watch and listening to broadcasts.

This book takes you a ride like no other. Eli takes about how he learned from the great broadcast of all time, with the likes of Mel Allan, Howard Cosell to Marv Alberts. He talks about the time spend with Bob Wolff-best know for call Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 world series. Bob spend time with Eli and taught him the trick of the trade.
The best message from this book is to follow your dream. Find ways to make it come true. For Eli it started sell peanuts at Madison Square Gardens to host NASCAR live and on to be the Voice of the Crimson Tide.

I really enjoyed this fun, very entertaining book. I learned a great deal about live and how to follow you passions in live. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Company for letting me preview this book.

Fearless By Max Lucado

2009-09-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

“Can you imagine life with no fear” is a question asked by Max Lucado in his new book titled fearless. With today’s trying times and the world unsafe place to live, fear is something that lives next door watching you day in and day out. Fear is everywhere you look and you often time are steering at it right in the face. With Mr. Lucado’s new book he talks about how we can have no fear in our lives. He talks about the one person that feared nothing and that is Jesus Christ.
Christ did not fear because He knew who he was, he was the son of God and God did not send him here to fail. Christ knew what God expect of him and he did what was asked. We sometime stop and asked ourselves do we matter? or am I good enough?, or does God love me? In his Book Fearless Mr. Lucado say that that is fear and help you understand why and how come you fear those things. This book is one that I suggest to all faiths to read. I am thankful to Thomas Nelson Publisher for allowing me to have an advance copy of this book to read and review. I say buy this book and read it!

The Jesus Book By Stephen Elkins

2009-08-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

When this book came to the house my 4 year old open the package and took the book The Jesus Book By Stephen Elkins. He took the book and look at the awesome illustration done by Claudie Gervry. The book open up great opportunity to talk about Christ and all that he has done for us and do it in a way that a 4 year old can understand.
Stephen take a personal look at Jesus Christ and talk about the Who,What, Where, When and Why of Christ. He talk about each one using the bible to tell the story.
The Jesus book is very well done and this book is a must have to all parents that are teach their kids about the Savior of the world.
On part that I love the most about this book is the When it happened part Stephen draws a nice time line from the time creation of the world to when Christ ascends back into heaven. Ever well done and great tool to teach your kids about the gospel truths.

To top is all off this book comes with a musical CD that has over 3o songs about Jesus and it a great CD to listen to on Sundays when getting ready for church. I recommend this book to all.

This books was given to me free from the Thomas Nelson Book Review.

Everday Greatness by Stephen R. Covey

2009-08-09T11:14:00.001-07:00

I have always liked short stories that make you feel good after you read them and this is what Stephen Covey and David Hatch have done with this book with the help of one of the best magazine to date the Readers Digest. I got this book from the Thomas Nelson Book Review program. (brb.thomasnelson.com).

There are three Choice each day that we need to make:
1. The Choice to act
2. The Choice of Purpose
3. The Choice of Principles.

The great thing about this book is that you can read it from cover to cover or you can find a subject that you feel you need in your life and you can start there. I really like this book and it is fill with great stories, quotes and ideas that really hit at the heart strings.

The Hole in Our Gospel

2009-07-14T22:28:00.002-07:00

“2000 years ago 12 men changed the world” This was a statement made by Richard Stearns in is book titled The Hole in Our Gospel. Richard, former CEO of a Lenox left the company, his big house, nice cars, and I am sure a nice paycheck. He left all to work for World Vision a Christian Humanitarian charity that serves over 100 counties. Richard talks about the struggle he went through to make that choice and also about the commitment he made to God that he would serve him.

The Hole in Our Gospel is a must read for all people who know or seek Christ in their life. If you are seek for Him I say read this book, If you have come know Him I say read this book as a reminder as to why we follow him.

Richard, share experiences that he has gone through as president of World Vision, like Rodrick from Zambia who at one time was so poor that he “literally had nothing” But through World Vision was given some money to start a business and when Richard returned four years later he saw Rodrick and the good that he had done in his town.

This book is a must read!!!

The Noticer By Andy Andrews

2009-07-05T20:24:00.001-07:00

“What is it about me that other people would change if they could” was a question asked by an old man named Jones, to a young 23 year old man who was down on his luck and living under a Pier. Andy Andrews, in his new book titled The Noticer, talks about this mysterious man named Jones who’s only true gift in life is that he notices “things that other people overlook.” Mr. Andrews goes on to tell about how this man named Jones comes into peoples lives and help them see the things that are missing and to give them a new perspective.

This book is one that I have recommend to family, friends and anyone that I see that needs a little pick me up. Just like Andy’s other books they leave you thinking about life and the choices that we make. The Noticer, if read with an open mind can help you see the things that need to be changed in your own life.

2009-06-20T15:09:00.001-07:00