Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman

This is a set of three amish romance novels.  I do not recommend it. Can't even finish reading them; only got through half of the second book. Don't waste you time. Character development is poor. Drags on too long. Characters are frustrating. Also, these books take place in an amish society so if you are lookng for a christian novel with a gospel presentation, it's not here.

I received this complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing through their BookSneeze program. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here 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.”

Sweet Sanctuary By Sheila Walsh and Cindy Coloma

Wren Evans has a very stressful and difficult life, among balancing a job as a librarian, and just barely making ends meet, she is a single mom trying to get her talented son into a music school. Then things take a turn for the worse when her husband that dropped out of the picture ten years ago when her son was born suddenly pops into the picture wanting to be involved in young Charlie's life. It also doesn't help that her grandmother shows up on her doorstep one day to tell Wren that she will throw her a birthday party soon. Add a certain love interest and a disastrous family reunion long in coming and you've got life in the shoes of Wren Evans.

Allow me to be blunt. I did not enjoy this novel. I won't completely blame that on the author as much as on myself and my own personal pet peeves. I found myself becoming frustrated with certain characters and the slow progression with the love interest (though in Wren's circumstances it's expected). Though I will admit to this: I really loved the character development of Charlie, I believe it was fairly well done. As for the "Christian" aspect of the novel, it wasn't really impressive. It was there and definitely realistic but I wish it were a bit stronger. Rate? Two gold rings out of five. I do not recommend this book. It's not necessarily too long but it drags.

I received this complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing through their BookSneeze program. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here 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.”

Just received another book in the mail!

No Longer A Slumdog by K.P. Yohannan

This is just a book that I personally picked up for myself after reading his Revolution in World Missions. I'll review it for you guys though, because it is so absolutely life-changing. Stay tuned, gotta finish it first! xD

God's Love Letters to You by Dr. Larry Crabb

This is a 40-day devotional that aims to ultimately bring the christian closer to God. Each day focuses on a specific book of the Bible and has a follow-up verse to go along with the study for that day. The verse is not always necessarily from the book of the Bible that the day focuses on, however. Each devotion focuses on a short phrase or statement that you spend your time reflecting over throughout the day's journey. The actual devotion is a brief extension of the statement for the day written from the perspective of God, as if He wrote the letter addressed to you. Following are some reflection questions and a prayer.

Let's start off with what I liked about the book. I really enjoy the cover design (a stamped letter) and the overall feel of the book. I have heard the author's name mentioned out of the mouths of some very exceptional people, so I figured this would be a good read. The first day I read it, I was really surprised, it hit the nail on the head with certain issues I had been dealing with in my personal life. This really got me excited about the book but now that excitement has turned to disappointment. Not gonna lie, it bothers me that each devotion is written from the point of view of God, as if He himself had written it. I believe that it is a very tricky and dangerous thing to put words in the mouth of God that He Himself has not directly stated in His Word. Otherwise, this is a really good devotional; it would have been better if the author wrote the letters from his perspective, however, because he does share some wonderful and provocative insight.

Despite what appears to be a negative review, I would recommend this devotional; especially to struggling, relatively new believers that have been walking with Christ for at least a year or so. It will definitely be a blessing to you. It really does challenge you to truly get to know more about the heart of God and the concluding prayers are so powerful and touching, it inspires change.

As a blogger for booksneeze, I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers for the purpose of writing this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Book number one(:

God's Love Letters To You by Dr. Larry Crabb [A 40 day devotional]

Expect a review soon!

Welcome!

This blog of mine will be used to review christian books that I am currently reading. Immediately after I have finished a book, I will follow up with a review on this blog. Perhaps I'll mention the title beforehand so that you will know what reviews to expect in the future. Please note that I am a christian with very strong, conservative and Bible-based values, so expect my reviews to convey just that. If you are still interested, please stay tuned and I hope this site can be a tremendous help or blessing to you!

-Anjuhleen