The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis

Everyone know C.S. Lewis, at least from The Chronicles of Narnia. That was me. I have read some of the Chronicles of Narnia and also The Screwtape Letters. I was only familiar with C.S. Lewis on that level. When I had the chance to read The Surprising Imagination of C.S. Lewis, I was very much enlightened to the creative and imaginary individual he was.

This book is by no means an easy read. It is very challenging, and I read just a little at a time. The authors really take you deep into the imagination of C.S. Lewis by looking at several of his works and the types of imagination used in creating the characters and worlds you enter. I found myself being challenged on what types of imagination I use in my everyday life.

I have to commend Jerry Root and Mark Neal for the amount of research done to write this book. It is very well written and detailed. I look forward to reading other C.S. Lewis books and seeing them through a different light.

Disclosure – I received a free copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover

Let me preface my review by saying I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan.  If you know me well, you know I’m all about numbers, budgeting, saving, etc.  I have listened to his radio show for years.  Love Dave Ramsey’s plan!  I have already read The Total Money Makeover, but when I saw it up for review, it was a good time for a refresher.  Dave’s plan is really idiot proof.  If you don’t know anything about budgeting and need a place to start, get this book.  Follow his plan.  You will see results.  It’s a slow process, but stick with it.  There have been times when I have tried to do things out of order of the baby steps, and boy, I have seen the repercussions.   I have an accounting degree, but Dave makes this so simple anyone can do it.  It is the book I probably recommend most to people.  I have given people copies of it.  I just cannot say enough good things about this book.  I think my favorite quote of his is “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”  My husband questions me sometimes when I throw a big snowball at our debt, and we are not out enjoying something frivolous.  But I just reply, you’ll thank me later.  

I received a free copy of the ebook for review from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Snow on the Tulips - A Must Read!

I have read very few historical novels.  When I saw Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma, I was intrigued by the setting and time period.  The book takes place in WWII Netherlands.  The novel was so well written and developed.  I loved the strength of the main character Cornelia.  She risks everything to save Gerrit but never expects to develop such a special relationship with him.  The emotional battle she experiences throughout the book makes her so easy to love.  Her brother Johan is a young man eager to fight for what’s right. I loved Gerrit’s faith shown and tested time and time again.  Each character is developed so well, and you really feel like you know them on a deep level.

This book is such a great combination of history, suspense, and romance.   Liz Tolsma does such a great job of painting the scene of WWII Netherlands.  It really takes you to a different time and place.  She definitely put a lot of work into studying the time period.   It is such an easy read where you get caught up in “what’s going to happen next!”  This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and cannot wait to see what Ms. Tolsma has out next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

Second Chances

I have always loved Max Lucado's books.  Second Chances was no different.  This book is a collection from his previous writings.  I have to say his collections are my favorite.  This book has short chapters from other books.  There are little nuggets of truth you can easily apply to your life.  Second Chances talks about the many instances where people messed up.  God showe his grace through each story.

I especially liked the short chapter on Job.  I'm one who tends to ask why and question a lot, but this chapter rang so true in my life.  If you're feeling like you've messed up too much in life, this book is for you.  You'll see God's grace shown time after time through Max's writings.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program in exchange for my unbiased review.

Unglued Devotional

I recently had the opportunity to review Lysa TerKeurst’s Unglued Devotional. I was familiar with Lysa already through Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ve always enjoyed her devotionals but had never read any of her books. I was not disappointed. Lysa has such an easy going way of writing. It makes you feel like you’re talking to a best friend. It’s for any woman. The Unglued Devotion made me feel like I’m not the only woman experiences these things. I related to so much Lysa writes about. She truly has a gift for writing and empathizing with her audience. There is so much wisdom jammed into this little book. With the day by day devotionals, it’s easy to keep up with and apply to your life. I think any woman can relate to this book. It’s a definite keeper in my devotional collection.

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.”
 

Stumbling Into Grace

I saw Lisa Harper back over the summer at the Women of Faith conference. She was such a great speaker. So, when I had a chance to read her book, Stumbling Into Grace, I was excited. She writes the same way she speaks, very conversational and so funny. This book was such an easy read. It was funny and spoke such truth at the same time. It was not a super spiritual in nature, but that was a welcome change for me. The book read more like a conversation between Lisa and the reader. I would highly recommend this for someone who has heard Lisa speak and enjoyed her personality.

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.”

A Conversation with God for Women

I recently had the opportunity to review A Conversation with God for Women by Marcia Ford. I have to say, I enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated. I really liked the conversational style of writing, switching from God to Jesus to the various other Biblical figures throughout the book. The questions are definitely focused more towards women, and I found myself thinking quite often how many times I have asked God that same question.

The book was a very easy, enjoyable read. It uses everyday language, which it obviously eludes to in the title. But I truly liked the feeling of reading how God or Jesus might answer a question. Ms. Ford bases the answers on Biblical truths and really sheds some light on difficult questions women have. I really liked that she did not try to tackle the "tough questions" in a way that would please people. But rather, she shed light on the possible explanation on why God allows such things as suffering, abuse, and so on. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with questions on life's problems and road blocks along the way.

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.”

Lazarus Awakening

I was excited to read Lazarus Awakening after reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I was not disappointed. Joanna Weaver has an amazing gift describing the heart of God. She has really brought the story of the family of Bethany to life with her books. I have not read her second but intend to on how much I have enjoyed the other two.

In the book, she talks about God rolling our own stones away. Moving past barriers in our lives and fully accepting God’s love for us. It really helped me to look at areas in my life and realize they are barriers to fully loving and trusting in God. The Bible study at the end is also great for personal reflection or a small group. I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing in exchange for a review. These are my own opinions.

Love & Respect

Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is the best marriage book I’ve read in a long time. The concept is so simple, but yet so many of us miss it in our relationship to our spouse. The premise of wives giving your husband respect and husbands giving your wives love is so straightforward but makes complete and perfect sense. The author speaks of the “Crazy Cycle”. Boy could I relate to that. I am positive most of us can.

I would highly recommend this book to any couple, married or engaged. It is such a simple concept and easy principle to put to work in your relationship. It is not often there is a non-fiction book that I do not want to put down. This was one. I enjoyed it and already seeing the effects of giving my husband the respect he deserves and needs.

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.”

Love and War Devotional for Couples

This is a great little devotional for couples to do together. It is a very easy read and does take long to do each day's study. My husband and I read it in the evenings together.

As I said, it is very easy to read together. It is broken into an eight week study with readings for five days. I have not read Love and War which it is based off of, but I did get some great applications out of the book. The prayer at the end of each day was my favorite part. It encourages my husband and I to pray together.

I would recommend this to any married couple. It is so easy to do together and will draw you closer. I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing in exchange for a review. These are my own opinions.

Unto the Hills

I can easily see why Unto the Hills by Billy Graham is a classic devotional. The words are timeless and applicable to any day in time. As I read through the book, I could easily tell that this would be one I could enjoy year after year. I love daily devotionals as they easy to read and keep my attention. This one is no different. The thoughts and lessons delivered in the devotions are simple and enduring. It is written in such a loving manner. I really cannot say enough good things about this devotional. I would recommend it to anyone at any stage in their life. It will be applicable.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://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 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

On This Day in Christian History

On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan is a fantastic little book that any history buff would love. It enlightened me so much to events in Christian history I had no idea about.

The book is in a daily devotional format but also has a topical index in the back which I found very helpful. Also the format makes it less overwhelming. I would recommend this to anyone interested in figures in Christian history, not only the history of the church. There are so many events detailed in the book that it will inspire any Christian. It will also give you some new heroes to look up to. It is a quick, easy read for every day of the year.

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.”

Saint Francis

Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge animal lover. I am a vegetarian on top of that, so I’ve always admired Saint Francis of Assisi. When I had the opportunity to check out Saint Francis by Robert West, part of the Christian Encounters Series, I was very excited. I have never been one to enjoy biographies, but West is definitely a talented writer. I felt more like I was reading a fiction novel because he told the story of Saint Francis’s life like a story. I did not know much about the life of Saint Francis, and unfortunately, lots of details of his life are possibly rumors, hear-say, and the like. But West did a great job interweaving fact and fiction. I really did enjoy reading this book. I look forward to checking out other books in the Christian Encounters Series.

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.”

You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be Review

Max Lucado just has an amazing way with words. I love how his books feel like they are speaking directly to you. You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be is no different. This is such an easy and encouraging read. This little book truly makes you feel unique and created for a special purpose. It is great for anyone who feels like they do not know where they are going with their life, stuck in a rut, or just need some encouragement that God made them for a reason. God made only one you for a unique purpose despite what the world may be telling you. This is a fantastic gift book and will warm the heart of anyone who reads it.

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.”

Mystically Wired Review

As my first book to review from Booksneeze, I chose Mystically Wired, Exploring New Realms in Prayer by Ken Wilson. I chose it because I want and need to focus more on my prayer life. The book is basically two sections. The first being very science based and research oriented. The second giving guidance and suggestions to put into practice in your prayer life.

I found the first section to be quite confusing. I am not a very science-oriented thinker, so some chapters were hard to comprehend. The second section was much better with the advice on developing your prayer life. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on worry, as this is something I deal with on a daily basis. The appendix is nice with all his suggestions outlined. Unfortunately for me, the book was challenging to read with some much science. I found it to be somewhat wordy, at times, to get to a simple point. It was almost as if you needed a summary of each chapter to understand what you just read. That’s probably why I appreciate the appendix so much. I will probably go back and re-read the second part and definitely put some of the suggestions offered into practice.

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.”