Grandma's Book Collection

Great Suspense Novel

2012-01-20T12:30:00.001-08:00

I have wanted to get ahold of one of Lis Wiehl's books since I first heard of them so I was thrilled when I saw her book "Heart of Ice" on the list of books I could review for Thomas Nelson. I must say that I wasn't disappointed! I loved the way the characters interacted and the story-line keeps you reading. This is the 3rd in her Triple Threat series and there are three charming main characters Allison, a Federal Prosecutor, Nicole who is an FBI Special Agent, and Crime Reporter Cassidy Shaw. Each of them are trying to figure out who the "Want Ad Killer" is.....and they would never have imagined that it is someone they have each come to know in their personal lives. And even though it is pretty clear early on who the actual "killer" is, it is written in such a way that it keeps the reader involved and wanting to see what is going to happen next. The killer has a way of charming and manipulating the people in her life and convinces them that they MUST carry out the murders for her. One murder leads to another and she thinks she is getting away with it until things start fitting together in the investigation. If you enjoy a good suspense that keeps you reading.....I recommend this book!

I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review

Great Book for Little Girls

2012-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Princess Stories by Carolyn Larsen is a wonderful book for Young girls. First of all the book is about Princesses....what little girl is not going to love that! The Author gives a brief story about each of these women of the Bible including Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth,The Shunnamite Woman, The Woman at the Well,Esther, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and more. The stories go in order of the women's appearance in the Bible and shows connections between some of the women. After each story there are 3 questions about the story that the child is encouranged to answer. The first question is about the woman in the story, the second question encourages the child to relate the story to her own life, and the third lists a Bible verse for them to read and then asks how that verse relates to the theme of the story. For instance in the story of Hagar the 1st question is "How did Hagar know God had not forgotten her?" and the followup asks the child "How can you know that God has not forgotten you?" and the verse is Isaiah 44:21 "I, the Lord made you and I will not forget you."..and then asks "What does this say about God remembering his children?" The final story is about "The Special Princess"...the young Girl reading the book. And on top of the great content of this book, there are beautifully bright colors and gorgeous drawings of the Bible Princesses. This is a wonderful way to give young girls good images of women to use as role models. If you have any little girl in your life....give them this book!

I was given a copy of this book by Tyndale Publishing company in exchange for my honest review.

NLT Facebook page giveaway!

2011-12-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
Wanted to let you know about a great giveaway happening over at the New Living Translation Facebook page.
Here are the NLT Facebook page giveaway details:

From today until December 24th at the New Living Translation Facebook page we're giving away lots of great prizes and something free for you just for singing up.

By visiting the giveaway entry page (located on the NLT Facebook page, the link is under the profile picture) and entering your name and e-mail address you'll be entered to win the following prizes:

One random person each day will win a Life Application Study Bible Family Pack (Guys Life Application Study Bible hc, Girls Life Application Study Bible hc, Student's Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible Large Print hc).
One Random person each week will win an Apple iPad 2!
Everyone that signs up gets a free download copy of the Life Application Bible Study – Book of Luke!

The Realms Thereunder

2011-11-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead....it took me much longer to read this book than it normally takes and I was so happy to be done with it! I absolutely could not get in to this book....it had a crazy story-line and just did not make sense to me. The main characters have found themselves in a different dimension and while trying to figure out how to get home they run in to all kinds of strange characters and obstacles. The idea sounds like a good story-line for a book...but I wasn't impressed with the way it was written. There were way too many characters and they basically all did the same thing over and over....there was much too much killing and blood....and the ending left you thinking that there will be another book where the main characters Daniel and Freya will do the same thing for another 300+ pages! I did get a little enjoyment out of the chapter with the gnomes and he did throw a little mystery into the last chapter...but other than that I did not enjoy the book. I'm sure that there are people that would enjoy this book.....but I cannot recommend it.
I was sent a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

When the Hurt Runs Deep

2011-11-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

The subtitle for Kay Arthur’s book “When the Hurt Runs Deep” is Healing and Hope for Life’s Desperate Moments! All of us have found ourselves in those desperate moments from time to time…deep hurts that may have been caused by our own actions or the actions of others. Have you ever asked God “why me”? Have you ever wondered if the pain would ever go away? Do you ever find yourself wondering if you have anything left to hope for? This Author understands the questions because she has gone through those moments herself and through her own insight and the Words of the Lord she helps the reader to work through the tough spots and walk towards Hope and Healing. Through key principles she helps us to see that pain doesn’t have to destroy us, but that it can be a path that leads us to greater strength. She gives us 12 amazing “Healing Truths” to remember when your hurt runs deep. One of my favorites is #6.…”Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God’s notice. You can trust that He will bring to account everyone who has hurt you, in His time and in His way.” If you are hurting and need Hope and Healing I recommend this book!

I was given a copy of “When the Hurt Runs Deep” by Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review.

The Betrayal

2011-11-02T13:18:00.001-07:00

New York Times Best Selling Author Jerry B. Jenkins has another hit! The Betrayal is a fast-moving novel that is set in the Chicago PD Precinct 11. Detective Boone Drake has just led a major sting that brought down the top people of the biggest street gangs in Chicago….and also leaders of the old crime syndicate. He has been seriously injured in a shooting while protecting the key witness in the operation. It’s apparent there is a leak within the Chicago PD and Boone tries to put the pieces together. Things point to someone close to Boone and he is wondering who he can trust. Could it be Haeley Lamonica, the new love of his life? Through this action-packed story you will find the answer.
I had not read the previous book in the Precinct 11 series, but I did not feel that it took anything away from my enjoyment of The Betrayal. The only complaint I would have about the book is that there were a few too many characters involved and became a bit confusing at times. Other than that it was a book I enjoyed and would recommend to others.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of The Betrayal by Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

Women of Faith 2011

2011-10-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our Women of Faith weekend was fabulous! What a blessing to be able to share it all with my daughter Sarah. Laughter, tears, worship, fellowship, encouragement.....all of it was just what we needed. Sheila Walsch reminded us that when we feel lost our Shepherd knows right where to find us! Nicole Johnson brought us to both laughter and tears through her dramatic skits. The Worship Team led us in amazing worship and Natalie Grant thrilled us with her voice. And Mary Mary......well, they just make my feet want to dance! Down to earth Lucy Swindoll reminded us to live in this moment.....that this moment is a gift....and we don't want to miss it by regretting the past or by yearning too much for the future. And Angie Smith.....What a precious addition to the Women of Faith Family! Her story touched our hearts and her humor touched our souls.
This Women of Faith weekend will always be a special memory for me......and I'm already looking forward to the next one!

2011-10-21T06:34:00.001-07:00

It’s going to be an amazing weekend!! Not only do I get to spend it with my beautiful Daughter…..but we get to spend it at Women of Faith in St Paul. I have been to Women of Faith several times and I have never been disappointed. Wonderful speakers, great music, and amazing fellowship with thousands of other Christian women…..what could be better? At Women of Faith I have cried at things that have touched a place deep in my heart, I have laughed at things that I can relate to, and I have developed long-lasting relationships with the women I have shared the experience with. I have listened to Steven Curtis Chapman share the experience of the tragic loss of a child, I have received help with my anxieties from the encouragement of Patsy Clairmont, and I have been revived in my spirit watching the antics of Anita Renfroe. So if you have the chance to attend a Women of Faith this year……do everything in your power to get there. You won’t be disappointed…..and you just might be blessed!

A Conversation With God

2011-08-03T22:03:00.001-07:00

Who wouldn't want to have a conversation with God and find out what the real answers to life are? Of course, this book isn't actually written by God, it’s written by Alton Gansky. I was a little skeptical when I first saw the book….how could a mere man speak for God and know how God would answer our questions about life? But the author actually does a really good job of searching the Bible (which is, of course, God's Word) to find the answers to questions that people wrestle with....."God, How can we believe you created us?"...."How do we know the Bible is accurate?"....."Is Jesus really Your Son?"...."What is Heaven like?"....."Is there really such a place as hell?"....and many others. The author also has Jesus, Luke, Peter, Lazarus of Bethany, and many other Biblical characters answering the questions as well. As you read the book you may want to check for yourself the actual Scripture passages that the author has gleaned the answers from……they can be found at the back of the book. So....if you have unanswered questions or know someone who is struggling with questions about Christianity and you want to know how to help them, take a look at this book.

The Final Hour

2011-08-03T21:41:00.001-07:00

Andrew Klavan is one of my favorite Thriller authors….and he certainly did not disappoint me with Book Four of the Homelander Series….”The Final Hour”. Teen-ager Charlie West is in prison for the death of a friend. And not just any prison, but Abingdon Prison, where beatings are a daily occurrence and death seems to be moments away. Because of something he sees in flash-backs of a time before being sent to prison, he knows that the remaining members of the Homelanders are planning a terrorist attack on NYC. But getting someone to believe him seems impossible. He feels like there is no way out until an unlikely group within the prison asks him to join them in a prison break….and he makes the decision to go with them. Through many twists and turns, including flying and landing a small plane, he finds help on the outside and at the very last moment stops Prince from setting off a device of poisonous gas in Times Square on Year‘s eve….and in so doing saves millions of lives! A great ending to a wonderful series.
So….if you love a fast-paced thriller that leaves your head spinning….this book is for you! I highly recommend it!

Out of A Far Country

2011-06-09T11:05:00.001-07:00

“Out of A Far Country” is written by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan, a Mother and Son who traveled a troubled and dangerous road through homosexuality, drugs, and prison that eventually led them both back home. Christopher was the Son of Chinese immigrants who felt as a young child that he was somehow different from other kids and these feelings led him into a gay lifestyle. His Mother Angela was so distraught with her son’s choices and the fear of what might happen to him that she tried everything in her power to “change” him. When she felt like she was absolutely at the end of her rope God showed up in an interesting turn of events and she realized that not only was her Son a Prodigal, but she was as well. She gave her life to the Lord and gave her fears for her Son to God and began to trust Him with he results. Angela started praying and fasting for her Son, spending many hours on her knees in her makeshift prayer closet. When Christopher was imprisoned for drug dealing instead of being fearful she had a calm assurance that God was going to work in his life while he was in prison…..and He certainly did! While in prison Christopher found out that he had been infected and was HIV positive…..but more importantly he found God in prison which turned his life in a direction that he never thought possible and eventually it led him back home.
This is a powerful story of hope, love, forgiveness, and redemption….it is amazing to see the way God works in the lives of this Mother and Son. I highly recommend this book.

"When Sparrows Fall"

2011-05-20T18:37:00.002-07:00

I am reviewing the book “When Sparrows Fall” by Meg Moseley that I received free from Water Brook Multnomah Publishing Group. I first thought that this was going to be a typical story about a young widowed Mother who falls for the Brother-in-law when he steps in to help. That did happen, but it became much more than that! Miranda, who had been repressed by an overbearing husband and a controlling Pastor, had some secrets in her past. But she wasn’t the only one with secrets. The Pastor also had some and because of the scandal that would ensue if his indiscretions were found out, he was leaving town and taking his entire congregation with him. When Miranda took a terrible fall off the cliffs behind her home her husband’s brother was called to help. She had only met him once, but in that one visit she saw someone who she could trust her children with. And she also found that she could trust her secrets with him as well. Together they worked through the mire of her life, helped the Pastor’s wife leave her abusive husband, and let the Church members know why the Pastor was moving them away. This is a good love story with several intriguing twists…..I recommend it!

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

2011-05-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Andy Andrews is a New York Times best-selling author and his latest book is "The Final Summit". This book takes place 28 years after David Ponder found the Seven Decisions for life in "The Traveler's Gift". In this book Gabriel appears to David and gives him the ominous challenge of finding the answer that will allow humankind to carry on...and the answer must be in the form of two words. As in the first book the main character in this book meets people from the past who are there to assist him in coming up with the answer. Fellow "travelers", including Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, and George Washington Carver, give David what they feel was the key to their success and what they believe to be the critical answer. After several unsuccessful tries and as time is running out, they finally come up with the correct 2 word answer that will save humanity!

This book is at times a bit confusing, but it is interesting, fast-paced, and fun to see who is on the scene next to help David Ponder! If you enjoy parables, suspense, and a bit of history....you will enjoy this book!

Voices of the Faithful

2011-03-10T11:24:00.001-08:00

Do you have a heart for Missions and want to hear more about what is happening on the Mission Fields…….then you will want to read Book 2 of “Voices of the Faithful”. It is a series of daily devotionals compiled by Kim P. Davis and written by Missionaries currently serving in other countries. This book not only inspires the reader to courageously spread the Good News to those on our “mission field”, but it also is a wonderful source of information about the cultures of other countries and religions. In reading this book I have learned things about other religions that I had never heard before. One thing that really made an impression is that when Muslims are being wooed by the Holy Spirit they have dreams about Jesus……then as they are later approached by someone with the Gospel message they understand who the Missionary is talking about. It is also made clear to the reader that new believers in many countries do not have the freedom to express their new beliefs…..in fact, they are many times shunned by family, persecuted by governments, or perhaps even martyred for their new faith. This is definitely a book that I am recommending.

Same Kind of Different As Me

2010-09-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

A homeless black man who has never had anything of his own and a rich white man who has everything……what could they possibly have in common? What would cause these two men to become friends and end up sharing everything together? Denver Moore and Ron Hall were polar opposites whose lives became intertwined when Ron’s wife Debbie is moved to help out at a soup kitchen and meets Denver. Denver at first wants nothing to do with this upscale white woman, but over time comes to love her. In time and after much coaxing Debbie convinces him to attend a retreat where he finds salvation ….and starts to develop a relationship with God, Debbie, and Ron. When Debbie becomes ill Denver spends hours each day in prayer for her. And after her death he helps Ron to find healing and encourages him to move on.

The book is written from the point of view of both Ron and Denver……one chapter written by Ron and the next written by Denver. Each tells the same story, but each tells it from their own perspective, giving the reader insight into how the things that people go through color the way they look at life. For me the book started out a bit slow…..but the story is fascinating and compelling and I highly recommend it.

2010-06-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've just finished "The Heart Mender" A Story of Second Chances by Andy Andrews and what a treat it was! This is the first I've read anything by this author....but it certainly won't be the last. Andy Andrews is a New York Times best-selling author of "The Noticer" and "The Traveler's Gift".

As the story goes the author, while digging up wax myrtle trees on his Gulf front property, found a rusty metal box of medals and pictures from the WWII era with definite Nazi connections. Of course this sparked interest and with his curiosity leading him he starts to question some fascinating people in the region that he thinks might have some clue to the story behind the box.

The author introduces the reader to Helen Mason, a young attractive American war widow and Lt. Josef Landermann, a German soldier who she finds washed up on the gulf coast shore near her home. You will read how their lives intertwine and how they learn the great lessons of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Throughout the book there were times that I thought that this story had to be true....and at other times I wondered if it was purely fiction. To the very end of the book I am still wondering.....and hoping that it is true.

I highly recommend "The Heart Mender" by Andy Andrews.

When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh

2010-04-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

I think that as women most of us want to trust God, but much of the time it is a very difficult thing to do. In this book Sheila shows you how several Biblical characters learned to trust God in the most difficult of circumstances.....and the circumstances some of them had to live by when they didn't trust Him. She also made it clear in the book that the choices they made, whether to trust God or to trust in themselves, affected not only themselves but affected many future generations. She also shares her own personal story of going from a well-known Christian TV personality to spending time in a psychiatric ward. That's where she truly learned to trust God. She learned that the safest place to be, even though it may not look safe, is wherever Jesus is. She found that sometimes you have to go through the dark places to find the light....

Through her own experiences and those of Abraham, Nicodemus, Samson, and other Biblical characters the Author shows you how to trust God with your fears, your dreams, and your journey. And it is never too late to start trusting God.

In the book the Author includes a Discussion Guide and a complete Study Session for each chapter.

2010-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

“The Long Way Home” by Andrew Klavan is a fictional story about a young man who is on the run from both the Police and a terrorist group called the Homelanders. This is the second book in the series, but I was happy to find that you didn’t need to read the first book to enjoy the second. The book is directed toward teens, but as an adult I found it very enjoyable. It has a fast-moving plot and some exciting twists and turns. The author takes you on Charlie West’s fearful and action-packed journey to find who really killed his best friend…a crime that he has been wrongfully accused of. Charlie goes back to his hometown where he meets up with several of his closest friends who could be in danger when they try to help him find the real killer. He is shocked to find that the master-mind of the Homelanders group is someone he knows very well and tries to gather evidence against him. In the end he has to save his girlfriend from this killer, is wounded in the fight, and is once again on the run. It leaves you wanting to read Book #3! I recommend this book for teens or adults.

Saving Cicadas by Nicole Seitz

2010-01-06T23:09:00.000-08:00

Saving Cicadas by Nicole Seitz is a delightful story about an unwed Mother of two daughters (one who is a special child with downs syndrome) who finds herself pregnant once again. She decides to take a trip to her past to see if she can find some answers to her current dilemma…...and on the trip she brings along her daughters and her Mom and Dad. The story is full of surprises….just when you think you know what’s going on, everything changes and it’s not the way you thought it was at all. The author keeps you interested and wanting to read more. Every few pages takes a new twist and you find yourself wanting to read just a little bit further to find out where the story is going next.

For a while I did wonder about some of the things the author brought into the story that are not necessarily Biblical, (especially about humans becoming angels after death) but by the end of the book you understand what the author was trying to accomplish with the subject.

The author writes about each of the characters in this story in such a way that you fall in love with each one of them and you find yourself wanting things to work out for the best for each of them. The story is fun and fast-paced and the ending is very surprising, heart-warming, and thought-provoking. I would definitely recommend that you read Saving Cicadas.

2009-12-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

Dr David Jeremiah’s newest book “Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World” has a very timely message. All of us are touched in some way by the things that are happening in our world and he has words of encouragement for staying confident. Dr Jeremiah encourages the reader to remember that no matter what we are going through “we have a direct line to the One Who knows what happens on the next page….because He wrote the whole story!” That’s a tremendous encouragement in times like these. He quotes Colossians 3:3 …”and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” There is no more secure place to be!

Dr Jeremiah gives us 10 chapters that deal with things that we can do to live with confidence….Stay Calm, Stay Compassionate, Stay Constructive, Stay Challenged, Stay Connected, Stay Centered, Stay Confident, Say Consistent, Stay Committed, and Stay Convinced. He delves in to each of these areas with Biblical wisdom. In the Chapter “Stay Committed” he talks about keeping our focus on Jesus during troubling times. We need to focus on His connection to us, His control over everything that concerns us, His care for us, and His commitment to us.

So if you or a loved one are suffering through tough times and are wondering what to do, read this book and allow Dr. Jeremiah to lead you to God’s word for your answers.

2009-10-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

Getting through the 392 pages of the book “Green” by Ted Dekker was a daunting task for me…..at times I felt like I was just reading words and not really “getting” what was going on, at times wondering why I was wasting my time reading this book when I could be reading something I would actually enjoy, and at times kind of enjoying it. The best part came at the very end….the final chapter……384 pages of repetitive writing, too many characters, and much too much mention of blood. The book is written allegorically and you can recognize the various Biblical characters in this book. This was the 4th book in a series, but is actually book zero…..it can be read as either the beginning or the end. The characters go back and forth between the present (which is really the future) and the past ( which is really the present)….or is it the other way around? If you think that sounds confusing….the book is even more so. In the end the good wins over the evil…..which is always a good thing, but I‘m just not sure we needed everything that came before that. I have read several other Ted Dekker books….he is an excellent writer, but a little far out there. So if you like a far-out, strange, thriller….this book is probably for you. But am I recommending it? I don’t think so…..

2009-09-15T21:48:00.001-07:00

Just wondering if this will work......

2009-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading "Lonestar Secrets" by Colleen Coble.....this is my first exposure to this author and I think that I am hooked! The book certainly lives up to it's title....it is filled with secrets of all kinds. Shannon takes her young daughter and moves back to the place where she (Shannon) grew up to becomes the local vet. She has no idea what is in store for her when she rekindles relationships from her past. Especially her relationship with the man who rejected and ridiculed her in High School, who happens to be the son of the Senator....another exciting twist to the story! Shannon has a lot of trouble sharing her secrets....and she has lots of them. As she is trying to make a new life for herself and her daughter she is haunted by the fact that her friend back home is in some sort of trouble....and it is somehow connected to Shannon. There are several different plots going on in this story that keep you wondering....and reading! Two little girls who look remarkably alike, a "quick" marriage that turns into love, a horse named Jewel who looks suspiciously like a unicorn, being stalked by a big burly stranger for no apparent reason, $8 million dollars in a Swiss bank account, and an implanted chip with a row of numbers on it. If you are wondering how all of these things could possibly come together in one story and you want to find out.....read "Lonestar Secrets" by Colleen Coble.

What is my blog for?

2009-08-17T15:34:00.001-07:00

Hello to all of you world wide web travelers! For those of you who don't know me I am Marcia. I am the mother of 3 wonderful children and the grandmother to 9 (soon to be 10) beautiful grandchildren. This is my first time attempting to blog and I am looking forward to it. I will use my blog for many different things. Such as:

Giving examples of my writings
Reviewing books that I have read (I read at least one book a week so hopefully I can help you find a book you can enjoy!)
Talking about my family
Sharing fun experiences I have

So hopefully you will all enjoy my blog! Please feel free to leave comments. I love to hear what people think!

Marcia