thomas nelson book review

Book Review & Giveaway – A Charles Dickens & Jane Austen Devotional by @thomasnelson #win #books

December 28, 2011 by dadofdivas

About the Books

A Charles Dickens Devotional features some of Dickens’ brightest gems: Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, and A Christmas Carol, all of which are richly woven stories brimming with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Add in the topical devotionalthoughts and you have an abundance of insight and guidance for faithful readers.

Short excerpts from Austen’s classics are featured in A Jane Austen Devotional:Northanger Abbey, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Emma. Austen’s devotional also includes a daily thought and Scripture that meaningfully translates to women’s everyday lives. Time and time again, Austen shows us through her words what love truly is, a love built on action, character, and honor.

My Take on the Books

Both of these books were beautifully crafted and for those of you that use devotionals on a daily basis, you will find these books to be great additions for your regimen. What I loved about both books were the short passages that you are able to easily follow and reflect on that are tied back to the writings of the author in question. The authors of these books did a superb job at connecting both spiritual reflection with the writings of such powerful writers. I found myself transfixed in the reading of the books and it opened my eyes and my mind to the ideas that were being presented. I highly recommend both of these books for any and all who enjoy using devotionals as they are different than others that I have used in the past, but in saying that, I also say that they are well written and that the tie to well known writers assist you in staying connected to the spiritual teachings that are also being shared!

Giveaway

How would you like to win these books for yourself or for your family? All you need to do is Subscribe to this blog OR follow on Google Friend Connect. The contest will run for one week and will end on January 3, 2012.

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Book Review – Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

September 10, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

I recently read the another one of Max Lucado’s books called OUT LIVE YOUR LIFE The title was intriguing and I was eager to begin reading. First of all the book was easy to read and understand. Max gave excellent examples of how we ordinary people can make a difference in the lives of others.In fact his words were “You were made to make a difference” Max challenges the reader to reconsider your role in the world.

To begin with, Max talks directly to those of us who are not wealthy, we may have no position in society, who may volunteer already in the community, you work or worked hard, pay your taxes, attend church, etc. He puts no minimum or maximum age on his challenge either. Now of course this does not discount those who are wealthy or who have a position in our society. But the challenge is there: Love those in need and when you do you are showing love for Jesus.

Jesus came to Earth to show us how we can make a difference in the lives of others. He provided many examples in his life and Max illustrates his examples by using The Bible. So how does that apply to our lives? Here are several examples from the book.

Some needs can be met without cost: encourage someone, listen to someone, offer to babysit for a single mom, read to children or help children to learn to read and that includes adults, cut someone’s lawn for them, offer to drive them to doctor appointments or grocery shopping, stand up for what is right and remove your biases about how a person looks, his religion, his position in society or the world, serve food at a local soup kitchen, etc.

Here area few examples that would require some funding: invite someone who is alone for dinner or take them a meal, raise money ( as a nine year old boy did) to help a village in Africa dig wells so they would have clean water to drink, adopt a child overseas who needs an education and food to eat (you never know if this child we become a doctor in their own country, purchase a meal for a homeless person, gather clothing to take to a shelter, make blankets or purchase blankets for the babies of teenage mothers, women and their children in shelters, homeless people who may have a church or shelter at night, contribute money to the Heifer project so a family could purchase chickens , tools, whatever so they can make a living and raise out of the poverty they currently have in their lives, and more .

You could easily brainstorm ways to “out live your life” with family and friends. You can easily make a difference in someone’s life.But remember that you cannot out live your life if you cannot get beyond you judgments about others. You biases must cease in order to do the work of Jesus on Earth.

Please before you involve yourself in service at any level, ask yourself why you are doing this. Are you doing it to be recognized by others? Will you be disappointed if you are not recognized? If you are performing works of service to have recognition, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. Desire to serve God in any way you can. God will notice!

At the end of the book is a section of Discussion and Action, so the book can be used by groups. There are other resources available to enrich the experience and discussion also.

Will you take the challenge of “out living your life”? Would you be able to find a way to help another person in our community or in our world that would change their lives? Remember you were made to make difference in this world. You can begin today.

If you want this book as a part of your own library you can find it on Amazon!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Terms of Use for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Book Review – The Heart Mender

May 14, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book

The Heart Mender tells the story of a German U Boat officer who is betrayed for refusing to kill Americans while sinking supply ships destined for Europe in the Gulf of Mexico during in 1942. Shot by a fanatical Nazi and left for dead at sea, he washes ashore in Alabama. A beautiful young woman, whose husband had been killed by the Germans in the war, finds his near lifeless body. The enraged and shocked woman is prepared to leave him to die but after hearing him say an unusual phrase in his delirium, she changes her mind and hides him while he recovers and tries to elude capture.

The stage is now set for two people forced together on a collision path that takes them on careening through action and mystery packed sequences of life, danger, loss, and devastation. Together they explore the excruciating pain of their respective past lives and deal with treachery and the threat of discovery in a tense struggle for survival that ultimately brings them face to face with the most crucial decision of their lives.

In The Heart Mender, Andy Andrews’ entertaining story telling skills and inspirational talents are once again unleashed and he presents the most powerful lessons of life.

He shows us how it is possible for people to overcome anger and hate.

The Heart Mender is a mesmerizing masterpiece of adventure and intrigue that points a way to a new era of peace, hope and happiness for all of humanity.

Andy Andrews delivers an important message to all of us at a crucial time-the power of forgiveness and the universal healing that can be achieved only by letting go.

The world will be a better place if we can put this wonderful lesson into practice.

Andy Andrews says you forgive for you – it is simply the greatest gift you can give to yourself.

“There is not a shred of evidence from any expert or book-including the Bible, by the way-that demands a person ask for forgiveness, deserve forgiveness, or even be cognizant of the process for forgiveness before you can forgive them.

Forgive and forget is not reality. Forgiveness does not erase history or excuse what happened.

Forgiveness means relinquishment. It is that simple. It means giving something up. You simply give up whatever power it holds over us. If you forgive somebody for something he or she did to you, that means you choose to never again allow that event to determine how you feel or how you act or even how you treat that person. You may remember the wrong, but by choosing to forgive, you have disarmed it. Then it can no longer determine what you think, what you say, or what you do.”

About the Author

Andy Andrews, hailed by a New York Times writer as someone who has quietly become “one of the most influential people in America,” is a best-selling novelist and in-demand corporate speaker for the world’s largest organizations. The Traveler’s Gift, a featured book selection of ABC’s Good Morning America, has been translated into nearly twenty languages and was on the New York Times bestseller list for seventeen weeks.

Andy has spoken at the request of four different United States presidents and toured military bases around the world, being called upon by the Department of Defense to speak to the troops. Arguably, there is no single person on the planet better at weaving subtle yet life-changing lessons into riveting tales of adventure and intrigue—both on paper and on stage. He lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons.

What People Are Saying

“The Heart Mender is a sweeping adventure filled with many emotions. The compelling narrative unites the past and the present in a fantastic must read!

Bonnie Tiegel, Senior Supervising Producer, Entertainment Tonight & The Insider

“The principle woven into this incredible story has changed my life.”

Tim Brando, CBS Sports Host and Commentator

“With the skill of a virtuoso, Andy Andrews continues his string of successful writing performances in this, his latest entertaining masterpiece. The plot, characters, and storyline combine to summon the reader into an unforgettable experience.”

Robert Silvers, Executive Publisher, The Saturday Evening Post

My Take on The Book
I had never read any novels by Andy Andrews in the past so I didn’t know what to expect. I found the book to engaging and filled with much historical fact.

As a person who enjoys adventure historical fiction, this book was one that I really enjoyed. As a reader I came to find myself connecting with the characters and the author does a good job at creating vivid images that draw the reader even further in to the world surrounding the 1940’s.

I can say that I was engrossed in the story and found that I did not want to put it down, which for me is the sign of a great book!

I will mention that I have seen some other reviews that compare this story to another of a different name and they question whether this and the other are the same books? I cannot comment on that as I have not read the other account and as of this time I have not hear nor found any substantiation of this claim.

So if this book sounds like one that you might like for your own collection you can find it on Amazon!

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Book Review – Searching for God Knows What

May 12, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book

New York Times best-selling author Donald Miller explores the origin and meaning of redemption in this fully revised and redesigned bestseller.

Hysterically funny, wryly provocative, and disquietingly insightful, Searching for God Knows What invites readers to examine their deep need for redemption, to feel it, know it, and live like it is true in their lives.

Miller weaves phenomenal characters and true-to-life spectacles into his acclaimed memoir style to enrich, inspire, entertain, and ultimately challenge readers to see life in a new way. He shows that one of the greatest desires of every person is the desire for redemption, to have brokenness repaired. Instead of the chaotic relationships, self-hatred, wreckless consumerism, and anxiety that overrun a life without redemption, Miller uncovers the beauty and power of the Gospel to fulfill one of our deepest needs.

My Take on The Book

I have had the chance to read a number of Don Miller’s Books lately and continue to be amazed at how well I enjoy his style of writing and his approach to talking about spirituality.

This book allows the reader to examine their own relationship with a higher power and know that there is no correct way that this must occur. Instead, Miller focuses on what the Bible says and allows the reader to examine these passages in a fresh light. What I enjoy most about the way Miller writes is how he intertwines humor and real life experience into one to make the read even more enjoyable.

Some books on spirituality tend to be in your face and preachy, but Miller never takes this tact. Instead he lets the reader come at their own pace and allows them to do what they need to do to get to know their higher power better in their own way.

If this book sounds like something you would like in your own library you can find it on Amazon!

Book Review – The Money Answer Book

April 28, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book

This question and answer book is the perfect resource guide for equipping individuals with key information about everyday money matters.

Questions and answers deal with 100+ of the most-asked questions from The Dave Ramsey Show—everything from budget planning to retirement planning or personal buying matters, to saving for college and charitable giving. This is Dave in his most popular format—ask a specific question, get a specific answer.

My Take on The Book
I have listened to Dave Ramsey on the radio and have looked at some of the concepts that he has put forward in his other books (though I have not yet read them completely through).

In saying this though I found the Money Answer Book to be a great resource for anyone (whether you know of Dave or not) that provides some down and dirty answers to what you should be focusing on when it comes to your money.

The book is short and a very quick read. It helps that each chapter is well laid out and easy to understand. Overall, this book makes me want to read some of Ramsey’s other books to see what I can do to take control of our family money situation!

Read a few pages of the book below to see what I mean!

If this book sounds interesting to you you can find it on Amazon!

Book Review – Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret to a Man’s Soul

April 20, 2010 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

About the BookGod designed men to be dangerous, says John Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires—aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a “nice guy.” It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, Eldredge gives women a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be—dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.

My Take on the Book
I didn’t know what to expect in reading this book. I liked what the author says at the very beginning: “Do we really need another book for men? Nope. We need something else. We need permission. Permission to be what we are – men made in God’s image.” From the very beginning of this book, as a man, you are taking on a journey into a realm of what God has in store for any man in today’s society. Thus, for me, as a man, a leader, a husband and a father this book truly engages men in some very relevant topics that touch today’s men.

While I had not read the first edition of this book, I was impressed with how frank the book was and how well it brings out the struggles and issues that men today grapple with. The book raises some great questions on how men can hold themselves accountable to why they are the way they are. The book definitely raises some questions that made me think and made me struggle a bit, but for me this is the hallmark of a great book.

I would recommend this book as a gift to any man of any background. It provides strong encouragement for men to be what God created them to be.

If this book sounds like something that you would be interested in you can find it on Amazon!

Book Review – Mom’s Bible: God’s Wisdom for Mothers

February 11, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book
Available in the New Century Version and drawing on solid Bible teaching, it encourages women at every stage of life to strengthen their relationship with God. A perfect gift for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or whenever it’s time to say “thank you” to a special mom.

Includes these special sections:

Book Introductions: historical, emotional, and spiritual context for each Bible book
Walking In…: ways that are pleasing to God
Our God Is…: discovering who God is and what He does, based on His words and actions
Godly Character: exhibiting godly qualities in daily living
Passing It On: creating a legacy of faith to inspire the next generation
Moms in the Bible: lessons from some of the Bible’s most famous mothers
Insights: short, practical thoughts on Bible passages from a mom’s perspective
Wonderful Counselor: issues facing moms from the perspective of a Christian therapist
Questions Kids Ask: answering the tough questions about God, the Bible, and Christian life
First Touch Verses: verses to mull over throughout the day
Topical Index

My Take on the Book

One of the things that I liked about this Bible was the focused attention that it provides the reader to the different parts of the Bible itself. With questions and general FAQ’s there were passages that I finally found myself understanding after struggling with them in the past.

While there are other Bibles on the market that probably are similar to this, I liked that this Bible was focused on motherhood and think that this would be a great gift for any mom or mom-to-be that was on the path to know God better.

The Bible had a smooth translation that was easy to read, and I believe that anyone would be able to use this as a stepping point to telling the stories within.

If this books sounds like something that you would be interested in, you can purchase it at Amazon.com or at the Thomas Nelson website.

Book Review – This is Your Brain In Love

January 2, 2010 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book

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 brainesearched strategies and new hope for women dealing with hormones and men struggling with sexual addictions.

My Take On The Book

This book is filled with great stories from the professional practice of the author which show true visions of passionate love between couples. I was particularly interested in reading about the different types of lovers as he explains it. I also liked the questions that he poses in each chapter that allow you, as the reader, to identify what type of lover that you are, and in doing so,what you can do to be more passionate in your relationship with your spouse.

I have seen many examples of love that can get stale in relationships, but from what I have read in this book, I feel renewed to the idea that this does not necessarily have to be the case, and instead, you can rejuvenate your love (and passion) with your spouse that may have been missing for some time.

The books’ religious connection and the idea of spirituality and sexuality was new for me, but it makes sense. As for many of us we are doing what we can to be spiritualy connected to both our spuouse and a higher being.

Overall, this book is very practical, and provides hands on material that can help all individuals who are in committed relationships. This book is a keeper!
If this book sounds like something you are interested in, I encourage you to read more about it on Amazon, or at the Thomas Nelson Product Page.

Book Review – The Sweet By & By

December 21, 2009 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About The Book

A redemptive story from multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans.
Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she’s thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson’s love.

But then Jade’s hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade’s wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past–the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heartipping pain of first-love’s rejection.

Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they’ll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by.

My Take On The Book
Though I am a man and I am reviewing this book, I will say that the book is somewhat geared more toward a female audience. Though saying this, the authors did do a good job at building the storyline and characters, and as a reader you truly are drawn into the book itself.

You find yourself relating to the relationship and familial issues that the story brings up and through the authors’ vivid imagery, you begin rooting for the characters and hoping that all will work out in the end.

The book does evoke emotion from its’ readers as well, and if you are a person who likes to have their heart tugged at, this book will accomplish it as well.

For most of my male readers, this book may be a bit to feminine for you, but I am proud to say that I read it, and I will probably pass the book on to my eldest daughter as she gets older, as it is a story that does relate some strong messages.

If this book sounds like one you would like to own, check it out at Amazon, Thomas Nelson Publishing or Half.com.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Terms of Use for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Book Review – Living Life in the Zone

December 21, 2009 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Book

Living in the zone—that state of mind when almost everything seems to be working for you—is every man’s desire. But how does a man live in the zone as a Christian

This 40-day spiritual journey is a sports-filled prescription designed to remove stress and give men confidence to embrace their daily adventure. The book, divided into four sections—Marriage, Children, Work, and Faith—is:

Designed to strengthen both churched and unchurched men

Brief enough for men to enjoy but with spiritual depth
Filled with issues that are real but often not discussed in church
Concentrated on a daily spiritual to-do list

Divided into four sections: Marriage, Children, Work, and Faith, each daily reading includes:

thought of the day
words of wisdom on a particular subject
biblical perspective
insight for living it out
questions to ponder
today’s call to action
prayer requests

Real life stories focusing on the faith journey of famous athletes, coaches, businessmen, and other public figures encourages men that they too can handle adversity, walk in faith, and live in the zone.

Includes input from celebrities such as Tony Dungy, Lee Corso, Chris Mortensen, Bobby Bowden and more.

My Take On The Book

As a person that is church-going, I am continually looking to find ways to draw myself closer to God. Some days it is not always easy! This book though has a lot of great ideas and is written in such a way that any man could easily relate to it. The book does not hit you over the head with scripture, but instead allows you to step back and see how biblical teaching touches your life daily and how you can incorporate scripture into your life daily.

I truly liked the daily journey that the book takes you on. It allows you to take a few minutes out of the day to reflect on how you can be a better person and a person that God would want you to be. While I am not through the 40 days, I do plan to continue reading this book, and do feel that though I am reading this by myself, that this book would be a great read for a men’s group as well.

I also liked the consistency of each chapter. As I mentioned above, each chapter is broken down into sections that are consistent. I looked forward to reading the Coach’s corner in each chapter that I read to see what the “coach” would have to say!

So I would definitely recommend this for men out there that are trying to connect with God in some way, the journey is worth it!

If this book sounds like one that you would enjoy you can find it on Amazon, Thomas Nelson Publishers.