Friday, August 19, 2016

Follow Me Is Contradictory

Follow Me
David Platt
Book Summary: For many Christians, following Jesus is seen as best done from a distance. We want to be disciples as long as doing so does not intrude on our lifestyles, our preferences, our comforts, and even our religion. But what if we really took the time to look Jesus in the eye and see who He truly is? What if we really listened to Jesus’ words and heard what He is truly saying? Jesus’ invitation to follow Him was—and still is—an invitation into a relationship marked by self-denial, personal intimacy, single-minded ambition, and ultimate joy. When people truly engage with Jesus’ personal invitation to follow Him, everything changes, for He is worthy of all our trust and all our affections. Building on the lessons in Radical, this book will motivate all of us to experience the grand purpose for which we have been created: to exalt the glory of God by spreading the gospel of Christ—to make disciples who are making disciples.

Review: This was a little shaky at first. He starts out talking about how you make the decision for God and later says God chooses who is saved. With these unexplained conflicting concepts he sets the stage for leaving America and go to foreign soils to convert people. He repeatedly speaks of making disciples of people, yet he never says what that looks like in specifics. He spent a lot of time stressing moving to foreign countries because they are excited about the gospel, while this is true, it does not mean that we abandon our home country. Wouldn’t we be chasing a high as if we are the converters of man and not the Lord. Jesus told a parable of spreading seeds. Not all had permanent firm growth. Discipleship is not a week or 2 it is several years. One must become soaked in the Bible not dunked and be expected to know the entire Bible. I think creating disciples is important, but how that works is becoming soaked in the Bible and since it is such a rich book speed can not replace prayer and time. While I applaud his excitement, this begs the question why leave your pulpit if you think the American church is lukewarm. That should make one more committed to the local church. Could this be to catch the high of conversions? To me that is not my purpose. Planting seeds and walking with people to come to know Christ and/or grow in their knowledge of Him.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Tyndale House for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Without Warning Is Just the Beginning!!

Without Warning
Lynette Eason



Book Summary: Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business. Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again. Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller. Eason exercises complete control of her readers' emotions as they race through the pages to discover the truth.


Review: Great fast paced story. A great follow up to Always Watching and yet a good stand alone book. It was a thrilling mystery and with some intense moments. While the who done it was easy to solve the ‘why’ was the biggest mystery for me. Even the final surprise was something I expected. But, Ms. Eason taught me in her last series to expect the unexpected!! Her books hit to the quick and make turning pages the only way to make my heart stop pounding!! I loved Daniel, he was a great hero. He needed protecting and yet not really. He was able to take care of himself and yet when the assault comes from a distance no one can defend themselves. Definitely a memorable story!

I would like to thank Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Annabel Lee was Exhilarating!!!

Annabel Lee (Coffey & Hill Book #1)
Mike Nappa


Summary: Fourteen miles east of Peachtree, Alabama, a secret is hidden. That secret's name is Annabel Lee Truckson, and even she doesn't know why her mysterious uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He's left her with a few German words, a barely-controlled guard dog, and a single command: "Don't open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me.” Above ground, a former Army sniper called The Mute and an enigmatic "Dr. Smith" know about the girl. As the race begins to find her, the tension builds. Who wants to set her free? Why does the other want to keep her captive forever? Who will reach her first? Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill need to piece together the clues and stay alive long enough to retrieve the girl--before it's too late. With its stunning writing and relentless pace, Annabel Lee will captivate readers from the first page.


Review: Saw this book at Lifeway and I really wanted to read it, but I could not get it that day. For a great deal on Amazon I got the ebook. Less than a week later here we are. I stayed up late to read a portion of it! I was hooked! Well written, with enough hints I had ideas about what was a shadowy mystery. The only problem was a stupid mistake that Trudi made and I could not believe she did it!!!!! That bugged me! But it helped bring about the climax. I was holding my breath and I still wish that some things did not happen. However, I realize that had they not happened the majority of the book would have been unnecessary. It was a fast and furious ride for the most part and I enjoyed every minute of it!!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Murder Freshly Baked was Lethal!!!

Murder Freshly Baked
Vanetta Chapman
Book Summary: When delicious baked goods become lethal, it's time to find a killer.
Kindness is a virtue
Meanness is a sin
Better watch your bakery pies
For poison I've slipped in
The Amish Artisan Village in Middlebury, Indiana, has been decorated with every color of balloon and flower for the Race for a Cure. As manager of the Village, Amber Bowman is thrilled to see the turnout—and relieved to have something to distract her from the “Poison Poet”—an individual who has been sending notes containing bad poetry to warn of poisoned baked goods. Then Ryan Duvall crosses the finish line of the race—and falls down dead, murdered in broad daylight. But who did it? And why? The police suspect Preston Johnston, but Amber refuses to believe her employee could do such a thing. Amber once again looks to her young Amish friend Hannah Troyer to help her find the killer—and to determine if it's the same person leaving the cryptic poems and pies. Can they help the police before the Poison Poet strikes again? Both Amber and Hannah will need to draw on their faith as they fight to preserve the peaceful community they've built at the Amish Artisan Village.

Review: Fantastic end to a great series!!! I will miss Amber & Hannah! What a fun combo along with Pam, Preston, Tate and all the other characters that makes this a fantastic series!!!! The suspense of from the start made me rush to get to the grand finale! It was not surprise that Ryan was the victim since the book starts with that event. The rewind made for a puzzling that was fun to put together. I Loved how the series ended with all strings tied up. The transformation from the first to last book was great. I especially like that despite it being part of a series it was a stand alone book. Yes, much had changed, but it does not ruin the mysteries that take place in the previous books. It is almost sad to say goodbye to these characters.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Zondervan for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. 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.