"Then Sings My Soul Book 3: The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith" by Robert J. Morgan

I love several things about the "Then Sings My Soul" series. 1) I love the textured pages and vintage feel of the books. 2) I love the mix of classic hymns and contemporary hits. 3) I love the in depth histories, analysis, and history of the hymns included. 4) I love how each hymn has the music and lyrics included. This book (and series) would be a great gift for any music lover. I have used this book for church meetings, home devotionals, as well as just quiet reading time. It seems that the author really researches,ponders, and studies each hymn, providing background information as well as his personal thoughts.

* 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."

"No Wonder They Call Him the Savior" by Max Lucado

I really enjoy Max Lucado's style of writing. He talks "to" the reader, not talks "down to." He is obviously very knowledgeable about the bible, but doesn't write in a way that makes you feel preached to. This book, for me, was no exception. Mr. Lucado was an amazing ablility to get his point across succinctly and quickly, leave you with something to think about, and then move on. I really enjoyed the essay like feeling of the chapters, it is a book that you can come back to and not feel like you have to go back and reread pages to remember where you were. I really liked how Mr. Lucado shares his theological views with out forcing them on you. It doesn't matter if you practice the same brand of Christianity as he does, the basic truths are the same. Mr. Lucado is not trying to convert in this book, he is trying to have each of us bring our hearts closer to Christ, however we go about accomplishing that. I would recommend this book for anyone, Christian or not, who just wants to feel uplifted.

{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 Waiting Place: Learning to Appreciate Life's Little Delays by Eileen Button

This book is basically an autobiography written in essay or short story form. As I read through it, I was drawn into the stories, found myself rooting for the author as she makes it through the struggles of her life. But, I thought that there would be more of a "point" in the end. I thought that she would explain how she turned to God in these waiting moments and how she found peace and comfort to get through both happy and hard times. I wasn't left with that impression in the end. I liked the way Ms. Button seems to find joy in the waiting, and shows us how life is in the journey and not the destination.

{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."}

"Daddy Dates" by Greg Wright

I hear so many parents saying that they don't know how to connect with their children. I find that this is especially true for Dad's and their daughters. What an inspired idea Greg Wright had in the idea of "dating" his children.

I enjoyed reading about what worked...and what didn't...for the author's family. I think this concept could be applied to any parent and their children. When you are dating someone, you do so with the intent of really getting to know them, understanding who they are and what they stand for, and having a fun and enjoyable time for you both. This is exactly what parents need to do for their children, but also what children need to gain a deeper understanding of who their parents are.

Two concepts that really stuck out to me while reading this book were;

1) Listen to your children. A lot of times I think kids feel like they are not really being "heard." Dads, in your single days, when you really liked a girl, you were an attentive listener. You knew that this was the way to get a girl to feel appreciated, special, and important. This is also true for your daughters (and sons!)

2) Just like when you were dating and got dragged to "chick flicks," the ballet, or any kind of "capade," you need to really pay attention to what your daughter (or son) wants to do. You will learn a lot about your child from what they choose to do, and it will make them feel like you really care about what interests them.

This book is funny, sweet, touching, and offers hope for any Dad who has ever felt like his sweet baby girl has gone crazy!

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

"Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions" by Max Lucado

Max Lucado is known for his amazing insight into the gospel of Jesus Christ, his ability to connect to readers on a spiritual level, and his unassuming way of inspiring us. In "Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions," he once again shares his inspiration answering numerous real life questions with love, thoughtfulness, and scripture. What I loved about this book is that it answers real questions from real people. Max Lucado does not try to "preach" or "convert" with his answers, he just gives inspirational answers based on his understanding of the gospel of Christ. I think this would be a great gift to give a graduate, as a wedding present, to new parents, or to anyone who is struggling with seemingly unanswerable questions. Max Lucado seems to have a genuine love for his readers, and for Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. That really shows in his writing, especially in his answering tough questions for this book. I really enjoyed this book because of the variety of questions answered, such as "Is God willing to use anyone to change the world? Even people who've lived ungodly lives?" and "I applied for a job and got rejected. I asked my grandmother for a loan; she turned me down. My boyfriend says we should split up. I'm having a hard, hard week. Is God even listening to me?" and "I grew up in a home with no discipline. My parents let me do anything I wanted to do, and I did. In raising my kids, I don't want to follow their example. I don't want to over-discipline either. What is the balance." And many, many others. I believe that anyone could find something relevant to their own lives in 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

"The Final Summit A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity" by Andy Andrews

Fans of "The Traveler's gift" by Andy Andrews can FINALLY find out what happened to our favorite traveler, David Ponder, after his amazing journey. "The Final Summit" picks up several years after David Ponder makes his travel into history. The archangel Gabriel returns to bring David to a summit with the other travelers from history. Some are fairly obvious, such as Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln. Others you may never have heard of, such as Joshua Chamberlain, and Erik Ericson, but all are amazing and inspiring. The summit must come up with the correct answer to the question that will save mankind. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that I LOVED the book. I loved the discussions that take place in the summit, and I LOVE the final solution. The only thing that concerns me about this book is that if you haven't read the first one, there are a few little holes that you can't necessarily fill in just reading this second book, and you are missing out on some amazing lessons that are hinted at in this book but never fully explained. I would recommend this book to just about anyone, teenagers and up.

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

"Heart of Ice" by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

The triple threat club is a group of three friends with a passions for crime fighting in common; Allison Pierce is a federal prosecutor, Nicole Hedges is an FBI agent, and Cassidy Shaw is a television crime news reporter. They met in high school, reconnected at their 10 year reunion, and have been fearless friends since.

Cassidy meets cool, beautiful, and charismatic Elizabeth Avery at an exercise class and quickly becomes entranced by her. As the story progresses we discover that Elizabeth has some very deep dark secrets. The triple threat club has to pull together and work to discover just how cold Elizabeth's heart is.

This book is the third in the "Triple Threat Club" series, but if you have not read the others (I hadn't,) you can pick it right up without being lost. I loved how developed the characters are. They each struggled with personal issues that affect their decision making, and objectivity. However they are able to work through their problems and come together to figure out Elizabeth's deceptions and how she relates to a string of murders in their area.

I really enjoyed the mystery and crime solving part of this book. I found that part to be well written and engaging. I was less thrilled with the infusion of Christian values. This felt forced and unnatural. There were just a few places where a character would talk about her faith, or mention the Bible that felt oddly juxtaposed into the story. It almost seemed like an afterthought and did not feel genuine. The Christian references could have been more smoothly woven into the story, and would have felt more natural if they were brought up more often. For this reason I gave the book 3 stars. "Heart of Ice" was entertaining and I would definitely be interested in reading the rest of the 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

"Time With God For Mothers; A Devotional" by Jack Countryman

This is a sweet little book of thoughts and inspirations for mothers. Each is accompanied by a Bible verse from the New King James Version. I found the book to be sweet and inspiring. I love that it is formatted so that you can pick it up and read a few pages, or just one little devotional, or sit down and read it cover to cover. It has a lot of good advice worked in, such as "Jesus does not want any of us to lead unproductive or unfocused lives," (pg. 33) and "When you desire God, you spend your time and energy getting to know Him better and doing what pleases Him." (pg. 67)

What I really love though, is at the end of the book where it lists scriptural references for "Mother's Prayers in the Bible," and "The Responsibilities of Motherhood," and "The Promises of Motherhood." This book is hard bound, with glossy pages. Each page is beautifully illustrated with flowers made from beads and jewels. It would make a perfect Mother's day gift, or a nice gift to your mother or daughter, or for yourself!

DISCLAIMER: 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.

"Regret Free Parenting; Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing It Right." By Catherine Hickem

Every mother has wondered “Am I doing a good job? Are my kids happy? Do I show my kids the path they should follow in my words, deeds, and actions?” In her book “Regret Free Parenting; Raise Good Kids and Know You’re Doing It Right” Catherine Hickem teaches moms how to parent “intentionally.” She offers practical advice and helps parents to establish a plan, all with out seeming “preachy,” or “holier than thou” which is a common issue in parenting books. Hickem boils it down to two very basic principles.

1) Your success as a parent is largely dependent on your relationship with God.

2)You can not be a parent with out being “involved."

I really enjoyed this book, and found it reassuring, practical, and helpful. I almost felt as though I was listening to my Bishop’s wife or my own mother giving me loving advice as I raise my children.

DISCLAIMER: 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.

This is Your Brain in Love: New Scientific Breakthroughs for a More Passionate and Emotionally Healthy Marriage by Earl R. Henslin

I really wanted to like This is Your Brain in Love: New Scientific Breakthroughs for a More Passionate and Emotionally Healthy Marriage By Earl R. Henslin. From the title and the description, I thought it might be an exciting read with scientific information on how the brain works while you are in love and how that can positively affect your marriage. The book briefly discusses some science, for example the hormones and brain functions that cause our brains to recognize feeling “in love.” However, the book abruptly took a turn toward discussing sexuality within a marriage and the spirituality that can be attained. This would be an interesting topic for another kind of book, but not at all what I expected.

The remainder of the book focused on tests to help you discover your “love style.” and how those love styles affect your brain. The book lists the “love styles” as; The Scattered Lover, The Over focused Lover, The Blue Mood Lover, The Agitated Lover, and The Anxious Lover. I did not feel that any of these accurately described myself, nor my husband. The book discussed how to balance your “love style” with that of your spouse.

This was not at all what I expected when I read this book, so I found it difficult to “get into” the theories presented. It was an interesting book to read, but to me it was more opinion that scientific fact. I found that this book was not really relevant to my life or my marriage. This might be a good book for couples who are experiencing friction and are looking for resources to overcome that, but I did not feel that the brain “imbalances” discussed related to me at all.

DISCLAIMER: 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.

"Heaven is For Real" By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

The tag line on this unforgettable story says "A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back." Astounding does not begin to cover it. This story is amazing, I could not tear myself away from it, reading it cover to cover in one sitting. Regardless of your Religion, belief system, or convictions, this story will touch you. Colton Burpo was three years old when he spent his "three minutes" in Heaven. He came back with amazing details, information, and a testimony of God's love for each of us. There were many times while reading this story that I literally felt the Holy Spirit testifying of it's truthfulness.

It is interesting to read Colton's description of Heaven, God, and Jesus Christ and see it through his eyes. His words are those of a child who knows the truthfulness of what he is saying. He is not concerned with "making sense," or explaining in theological terms, because he is simply stating facts. There is no doubt in my mind that Colton saw Heaven- From his accurate descriptions of things and people he had never seen, to his ability to articulate things he could not have understood. I feel blessed from having read this story. It is amazing to me that our Heavenly Father loves us enough to provide these kinds of glimpses at eternity. I would recommend this book for anyone and everyone on your Christmas list.

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

"Outlive Your Life:You were made to make a difference" by Max Lucado

Are you having "that kind" of day? Week...month? The kind where you feel like you can't do anything right, you are insignificant, and no one cares about you? Max Lucado uses his understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his ability to write "to" the reader, and explains in this book that you, in fact, are one of the most important people to ever live. The author uses true stories as examples of real people making a difference, as well as examples from the life of Christ.

Each chapter ends with a scriptural reference and a prayer, showing us how we can make a difference in the lives of others.

I am constantly amazed at Max Lucado's ability to cut through the worldly insignificance, and speak directly to my heart. I truly feel like he wrote this book for me, and I'm sure you will feel the same. Mr. Lucado uses this book to teach us that there is no reason to be discouraged or disheartened, because Christ uses you to spread His gospel. Really, how could a person be more important? This would be a wonderful gift to give to high school seniors, new parents, any one really. I love how Mr. Lucado uses parables to teach, mimicking our Savior's way of teaching. Mr. Lucado is eloquent and well-spoken (written) and really teaches through his writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling like they need a little reassurance of their significance in this world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of theirBookSneeze.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

"You Changed My Life: Stories of Real People With Remarkable Hearts" By Max Lucado

Have you been looking for a gift to say thank you to someone who has made difference in your life? This book could be what you have been looking for. This is kind of a "Best Of" collection of stories from Max Lucado's books. There are stories of kindness, love, making a difference, and pure joy. Max Lucado is a pastor and Christian writer, but these stories transcend religion. They are stories of real people showing amazing kindness and love to others.

This collection of stories made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. Max Lucado has an ability to write as if he is talking directly to you, the reader. I would recommend this book as a gift for a special occasion or just because. There is a dedicatory page where you can write to the recipient how they have changed your life. There is also a dedication from the author that says to the reader that the book is for them because it has been given to them by someone who thinks they are special and amazing. I have seen a lot of books on making a difference lately, and it is a message we all need to hear more often. Each of us is special and important, and this book illustrates how that is true. By using real stories, it shows the reader that, like each of these stories, ordinary people can make extraordinary differences in each other's lives.

You could read just a few stories and set it down until another time, but if you are like me, you will not be able to stop until you have read it cover to cover. We can all use a little bit of uplifting, and I found that in 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

"The Butterfly Effect: How your life matters" By Andy Andrews

Have you ever thought to yourself "I just don't matter?" Do you sometimes feel like no one cares what you do? In this beautiful story, Andy Andrews tells us why every one matters. Decisions you make today will affect generations to come. You can be a positive force in the universe.

"The Butterfly Effect: How your life matters" gives some real life examples of how one action affects every thing else. It is truly inspiring to read. I love how the author keeps reaffirming that you matter, that each of us makes a difference, and that we can all be remembered by our actions.

The story begins by explaining what the butterfly effect is. It explains how a butterfly flapping it's wings causes a perpetual motion that could in theory start a hurricane thousands of miles away. Just as one action today could cause a revolution tomorrow.

This is a wonderful book to give to your loved ones. It is reaffirming, uplifting, and inspiring. I love how it gives examples of real people to show that this is not just a theory, that each of us really does matter.

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

Beth Webb Hart's "Love, Charleston"

When I first started reading "Love, Charleston" I did not expect to be impressed. On the surface, it looked like a love/family drama story with a little Christianity mixed in. Once I began reading, I could not put it down. While the story does follow the basic pattern I expected, widower pastor finds love at the church he wasn't sure he wanted to preach at, the story also brings in some real world, and unexpected, concerns. As a mom who has struggled with post-partum depression, I was brought to tears by one of the character's harrowing experience. The story also finds several characters dealing with the repercussions of adultery. While the characters are good citizens and fine Christians, they become "real" to the reader, because they are not perfect. Their struggles ring true and there is something we can relate to.

In the story, Pastor Roy Summerall leaves his small town church to be the pastor of a major Charleston congregation. He is a widower who has been raising his daughter alone for five years. He is not sure he will "fit in" in Charleston because of his "good ole' boy" country ways. In Charleston, he reconnects with sisters Anne and Lish, and their cousin Della, whom he knew as a child. Anne is a never married bell ringer at his church in Charleston, Lish is a doctor turned stay at home mommy blogger, and Della is a struggling writer who makes ends meet by teaching English at a posh all girl's school. The characters become real through their struggles. Roy must learn to love the congregation he had resented as a youth. Anne must question her faith and the promise she received from God that she would find a husband if she would just "stay and wait." Lish, who by all accounts, is a perfect super-mom finds herself in a battle with severe post-partum depression bordering psychosis, and a philandering husband. Della, who thinks she can provide a better life for herself and her daughter by leaving her husband for her former fiance finds that love and faith can truly conquer all. Roy and Anne find themselves falling in love through a series of letters and emails, while they both help Lish with her mental problems. I enjoyed seeing the characters evolve and grow, however the story feels unfinished. The end leaves us still wondering about Roy and Anne's future, about Lish's recovery, about Della's new book. The story is strong until the last chapter, which feels as though it was rushed for resolution. Overall though, I enjoyed "Love, Charleston."

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

Fearless by Max Lucado

"A father and his two small daughters are at play. He's in the water; they jump into his arms. Let me restate that: one jumps; the other ponders. The dry one gleefully watches her sister leap. She dances up and down as the other splashes. But when her dad invites her to do the same, she shakes her head and backs away.

A living parable! How many people spend life on the edge of the pool? Consulting caution. Ignoring faith. Never taking the plunge. Happy to experience life vicariously through others. Preferring to take no risk rather than any risk. For fear of the worst, they never enjoy life at its best.

By contrast, their sister jumps. Not with foolish abandon, but with belief in the goodness of a father's heart and trust in a father's arms. Such was the choice of Jesus. He did more than speak about fear. He faced it."

(Max Lucado, Fearless, pg. 81)

Max Lucado's understanding of the gospel of Christ, and his ability to make it relevant to our lives never ceases to amaze me. In "Fearless" Lucado is able to preach without leaving the reader feeling "preached to." Lucado mixes scripture references with his own thoughts and experiences, helping the reader to better understand how Christ's teaching apply to us.

"Fearless" teaches the reader how to let go of the things we can't control, and give our fears to God. There are rational fears that we will experience, but when we let our fears overtake our faith, we do ourselves a disservice. Lucado uses parables to teach, following the example of our Savior.

Max Lucado asks us to imagine our lives without fear, and then explains how that is possible. I am giving "Fearless" 5 stars, because it left me feeling inspired, uplifted, and hopeful. It helps me to remember that God loves us and will not abandon His children.

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