Heaven is for Real Review

Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent

Publisher's Synopsis:
A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is areal place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

My Thoughts:
I will admit, I am a picky reader. When given the chance to read this book, I was intrigued. After all it had spend many weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list at #1, placed in many other Top 10 Lists across the country and it was a Christian book.  Having not read many books about Heaven, I wasn't expecting anything in particular. What I found was an easy to read book that gives insights into this child's life experiences. A quick and enjoyable read, definitely one I would share with a friend. The story of when Colton meets his miscarried sister are ones that make you believe you will see your loved ones in Heaven.

Interested in reading an excerpt, check out: http://heavenisforreal.net/.
I received this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Jolt! Review

Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That's Constantly Changing

Book Description

Author: Phil Cooke

Published by Thomas Nelson

In a world of constant change, there are 25 “jolts” that offer confidence and an advantage in business and life.

The world never stops changing. New technologies, new administrations, new rules in business and the economy. Stability, once a mainstay of American life, is now a pipe dream. For most, this causes major anxiety, worry, and confusion. In JOLT!, Phil Cooke, social media guru and cultural commentator, shows anyone weighed down by the constancy of change how it can be used to his advantage. In this accessible and relevant guidebook meant to anchor and empower every reader, Cooke unveils 25 “jolts” anyone can leverage to establish a professional direction, maximize potential, safeguard the heart and mind, reinforce values, and create an amazing future. He shows that the ability to master the fundamentals of change will be a game changer in readers' lives, opening up new possibilities, confidence, and impact.

My Thoughts:

Ready for a change? Need a push? A shove? In this book, Phil Cooke explores 25 "jolts" you can use to help push you where you want to be. This book hidden amongst the Business/Organization Behaviour section of your favoured bookstore. Rather than reading this book straight thru, I jumped chapters and began reading the ones that I was most drawn towards. Some of his stories are recycled. But sometimes those are the best kind. Sometimes the recycled story is exactly what you need when you read it. I found this book helped motivate me to change in areas I wasn't exactly expecting. Finished reading the book? Looking for more inspiration? More of a Jolt? Check out the author's online blog at www.philcooke.com

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 Final Summit Book by Andy Andrews Review

The Final Summit

A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity

By Andy Andrews

 

Book Description from the Publisher:

David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands.

This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history’s best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to discover the answer.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don’t know what to do.

My Thoughts:

This is the sequel to Andy Andrew’s book “The Traveller’s Gift”. I had not read any of his previous books, nor am I much of a history buff. Much less an American history buff. The way Andy weaves the story into history and emphasizes the historical significance into his characters in this story, it kept me engaged and entertained. Definitely a decent read. For me, I had this book a long time before completing it. I found it was just my not my preferred genre. But what I did find, unexpected-ly were the many lessons from each different character that was intertwined throughout the book. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in fiction with historical characters.

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.”

This is Your Brain in Love Review. Book by Earl Henslin

This is Your Brain in Love Review.
Book by Earl Henslin

From the Publisher:
Learn the secrets of proactive passion.


Using the latest in brain research, This Is Your Brain in Love helps couples become Master Level Lovers by encouraging each mate to bring their healthiest, most balanced and joyful self to their marriage.

Dr. Henslin speaks to the vital connection between spirituality and sexuality. He identifies the five types of lovers, with ground-breaking insights and effective solutions for the challenges presented by each:

* Scattered Lover
* Over-focused Lover
* Blue Mood Lover
* Agitated Lover
* Anxious Lover

Filled with relatable stories and humor, this is not your boring brain book! Engaging and practical, Dr. Henslin provides an amazingly accurate, scientifically-based brain test to help spot typical brain imbalances. (And yes, most everyone has at least one!)

Bonus material offers brain-researched strategies and new hope for women dealing with hormones and men struggling with sexual addictions.


My Thoughts:

This book was an easy read, not blogged down with too much brain science research. Dr. Henslin weaved humour and examples while sharing some of his findings from his research. With tables and bullets and mini-quizzes it is easy to find things throughout this book. I appreciated the 10 tips for each type of lover - tips for yourself or tips to help your loved one. He provided quizzes to help you identify which kind of lover you are - Scattered, Over-focused, Blue Mood, Agitated, or Anxious. While reading this book I was reminded of the importance to take care of my physical, emotional and spiritual self. I will hang onto this book and read again when my relationship needs some help.

The wonderful folks at Thomas Nelson provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through
Booksneeze.

A Review of Fatal Judgment: Guardians of Justice (Book 1) by Irene Hannon

A Review of: Fatal Judgment: Guardians of Justice Book 1 by Irene Hannon

Publisher's Synopsis:

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

My Thoughts: 

A wonderful blend of mystery and romance. This new series, Guardians of Justice, is sure to draw you in and hold your attention. The story is embedded with twists and turns, faith and romance, murder and danger, suspense and maybe even second chances. You will have to pick up a copy of this book to find out for yourself. Just plan sometime where you can read it without the interruptions of having to put it down. Looking forward to the next installment of the Guardians of Justice series.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  

The Least Among You (DVD) Review

The Least Among You (DVD)

From: Lionsgate
 
Leaders are not chosen, they are called. Inspired by a true story.


Arrested in the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) must serve probation at an all-white seminary. Although encouraged to break racial boundaries by its president Alan Beckett (William Devane), the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison (Lauren Holly), initially rejects Richard. A prison sentence looming, Richard meets Samuel Benton (Louis Gossett, Jr.) -- “the gardener in the basement.” As Samuel guides Richard through his many trials, Richard must choose between his dreams and his destiny.
 
My Thoughts:
Interesting that the professor was a female in 1965 in an all male Christian Seminary.  "Whatever it is, God's got his hand on it."

Whenever I watch a movie set in the past, I'm always surprised how far we appear to have come in some areas, but yet how far we still have to go.

I enjoyed this movie of a young man trying to raise above circumstance, dealing with family and personal issues while trying to successfully get through his post-secondary experience in the 1960's. This story is an example of persistence through times of fear was inspiring. I enjoyed this well filmed movie inspired by a true story. I have watched this movie a number of times since receiving and it still doesn't feel too predictable.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this DVD 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.”

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family Review

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family
Includes So Many Innovative Strategies You Won't Have to Cut Coupons


By Steve and Annette Economides
Check out the Economides' website: http://www.americascheapestfamily.com/


Book Description
America’s Cheapest Family shows readers how to save up to $3,000 annually on groceries with their proven strategies, tips, tools, and tricks.

The average American family spends 10 to 15 percent of its take-home pay on groceries. Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half gives them a sure-fire opportunity to reduce that number forever. With the proven plan in this book, the average family can save more than $3,000 a year on its grocery bill.

“Can cutting coupons do that?” a consumer might ask. Of course, these money-saving experts teach coupon-clipping strategies, but they don't stop there. Readers learn how to plan shopping to save big bucks, effectively store food and save cash, identify products that save time and money, beat the grocer at pricing games, and more!

The Economides learned to deliver healthy, tasty food to their family of seven on $350 a month. In this authoritative manual, the average family can follow their lead and fill its grocery cart without emptying its wallet.

My Thoughts:
I'm one of those people, who if I can get it cheap or free, I put the extra effort in. So I was excited to read this book, looking for some other tips how to cut some of the bills. Since I do shop in the US often for groceries, I found the much of the advice useful. And some of the tips, I was already doing. There are some great ideas for a family to save some money. Great advice for someone just starting to reduce the bills for groceries. Some ideas where common sense. But if you apply just a few ideas, you will save money. I did enjoy this book and will share it with some of my budget conscious friends. My personal favourite site to find a deal in Canada is http://www.smartcanucks.ca/

The wonderful folks at Thomas Nelson provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Booksneeze. My opinions were my own.