Tuesday, 4 October 2011

The Last Best Hope

America
The Last Best Hope
Volume III

William J Bennett
New York Times Best-Selling Author


Thank you booksneeze.com for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.tt

Sunday, 25 September 2011

Where has Oprah taken us?

Another hardcover from booksneeze.com in return for an honest review!

Where has Oprah taken us is written by New York Times Best-Selling Author Stephen Mansfield.
Oprah is the most powerful black women in the world, and also the most famous women in the world. She has shared with us almost everything about her life, from her troubled past to her religious beliefs.
Oprah combines different pieces of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity and shares with the world her beliefs.
Stephen tells us Oprah's life story- who she is, where she came from, and what she believes in. I have gained a lot more respect for this amazing women after reading this great book.
Including the notes in the back of this book, it is almost 250 pages long. Some of the chapters are called: Oprah Rising, The Age of Oprah, Oprahs Favourite Things, and Oprahs Spiritual Family.
This book is a great read and you will not be disappointed. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get to know a little more about this amazing lady!

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Night Night Blessings

Night Night Blessings
Amy Parker

Night Night Blessings
Amy Parker
I saw this book inside of Chapters and was tempted to buy this book for my son, but had decided against it. This is exactly why I was thrilled when I saw it up for review on booksneeze.com! After I requested the book, I purchased the eBook for $1.99 and read away because I knew it wouldnt be long!

This book is 20 pages long and it is PERFECT for bedtimes. My little one was sleeping when I purchased the eBook, but he will love it tomorrow when we sit on the computer and read it after dinner time!
The illustrations are very soft and the story line is very peaceful so it helps get the child ready for bedtime. It has an enjoyable story-line and it would keep the child interested!

I can tell this would be a book my son will want to read over and over again!

Night Night Blessings

Night Night Blessings
By Amy Parker

I saw this book inside of Chapters before and I almost bought it for my son but I wasnt too sure about it. Thats exactly why I was so excited when I saw this up for review on booksneeze.com! I figured it would not have taken very long to read, so thats why after I requested this book, I bought the eBook online for 1.99$ so I could read it right away!

This book is ADORABLE! I love how it is a poem, but also a prayer. It would be a very interactive book to read with a child as they are able to repeat the sentences.

Christian Encounter Series

Christopher Columbus
Christian Encounter Series
Author: Dale Buss

If you think history is boring and reading a book about Christopher Columbus would be a waste of time, you're wrong! This book was suprisingly interesting and I loved it! It is a book that I am going to treasure until my boys are old enough to enjoy it, and then hand it down to them! This wonderful biography on the legndary Christopher Columbus will keep you interested from the beginning to the end.
This story is easy to follow due to Dale's excellent writing style, but I thought this book may have been confusing with many different characters. Buss clearly takes you through events in Columbus' life and makes it easy and enjoyable to learn about his life, adventures and voyages.
Before reading this book, I knew next to nothing about Christopher, and now I am bursting full of exciting facts about this incrediable voyageur. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about Christopher Columbus!
I give this book 5 stars because it was unexpectadly great!

Monday, 12 September 2011

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky
By Peter Liethart


"Artfully written and cleverly constructed, this biography in the Christian Encounters Series gives readers a compelling look at the world-famous writer and the social, political, and scientific forces that set the stage for his literary greatness."

I received this book from booksneeze.com in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The last book that I had chosen to review was also in the Christian Encounter Series (I had just read about Christopher Columbis, and I have to say it was much better), however it was also by a different author. The only negative thing that I have to say about this book is that I find Fyodor Dostoecsky to be rather boring However, I think Peter does an excellent job at informing readers who Fyodor Dostoevsky is in this 208 page novel.
I had never heard of Dostoevsky before and I can tell why- he is not someone I find to be very interesting. I thought this book was rather boring. I got interested during some parts of the book though, for example when I read about his gambling and money problems.
Fyodor was very Christian and I am not religious at all, and this is why I might not have liked this book as much as others probably would.
I give this book 3 stars out of 5, because of the authors writing style

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Ascent From Darkness

Ascent from Darkness
Michael Leehan

This book has the power to change your life! It is a brutally honest story of a mans 20 year journey through evil and hate, and then when he connects with Christ.
This is Michael`s first book and I am very impressed. His characters come to life and you feel as if you are a part of his story. When his characters feel pain, you feel pain; when they are sad, you become sad. I am blown away at the writing skills Leehan has, and you probably will be to.
This book covers about 30 years, so the story-line is fast paced. I would reccommend this book to ANYONE as I could not put it down. This book will push you to deal with the darkness within, and when you finish reading, you will come out with a better state of mind.
It is always amazing to hear a story about someone who almost lost everything they have, and they end up taking control of the situation, and coming out on top. This book is very inspiring and I guarantee you will love it. I would give this book 5 stars out of 5

Friday, 9 September 2011

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus - Christian Encounters
by Dale Buss

I started reading this book with no knowledge of the famous Christopher Columbus, or the "Admiral of the Ocean Sea". I finished this book exploding with knowledge of the great man, ready to share some interesting facts to others.
I requested this book from booksneeze.com in return for an honest review. I had received another Christian Encounters novel before, and it was amazing! I enjoyed every second of it, but could not wait to receive this book in the mail so I ended it reading it eBook format!
Dale Buss does a fantastic job at retelling this mans story- his life, his voyages, and his successes and failures, even though this is not a long read- a mere 176 pages.
Christopher was born in 1451 in Italy to a middle-class family and he died in 1506. He was a man of many trades. He was an explorer, a navagator, and a colonizer. People may say he is nutty, but I believe this man is very smart. He was fluent in many languages, including Portuguese, Latin, Castalian, and of course, his native language, Italian. He was very interested and avidly read about history, geography, and astrology. Buss does an excellent job at this biography on the man that changed the world.
I give this book 5 stars out of 5

Tuesday, 6 September 2011

The Grace of God

What a relief!

I requested this book from booksneeze.com in return for an honest review and I was thinking that it was going to be some intense deep information and topics covered. But it wasnt that at all! It was a nice light read and I found this book to be very enjoyable.

It was full of information but it wasnt too in-your-face. It is insightful and lifts your spirits.

Andy shares his story on how God created the earth just for us, and he did this out of Grace. We read the stories of Joseph, Moses, and Jonah and read about the New Testament.

I really liked how he talked about how everyone deserves God`s Grace but few of us receive it, this definately applies to life.

"Learn how God's grace can and will transform you.
None of us deserves what God offers, a life free from sin and hope for a glorious future, but unbelievably it's ours for the taking. Why? Because of God's grace. The unmerited favor, the lavish love and kindness he pours out on us, and has, since Creation.
But if it's so available then why do we live a graceless life? Why are our churches filled with disillusioned Christians, weary of religion's demands, struggling with personal defeat because of issues or behaviors?
Join pastor Andy Stanley as he traces grace through the Old and New Testaments, observing God's grace at work in the lives of some of the best—and worst—characters. He also uses personal stories from his own life to reveal how grace is not a natural response but is the most essential one. Together these stories unravel the mystery of grace and tell of its transforming power to set us free."

Our Last Great Hope

Our Last Great Hope
Awakening the Great Commission
By Ronnie Floyd

Book Description
Every day we encounter scores of people headed to an eternity without God. What will it take to wake us up to their desperate need for a Savior?
While the earth's time clock ticks away, well-meaning Christians go to church, pay their tithes, and pray for foreign missionaries—going through the motions of Christian life as millions face an eternity without God. If heaven is indeed for real, and only those who have put their faith in Christ will be given entrance, shouldn't we be making the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel, the last great hope for all the world?
Join pastor Ronnie Floyd as he challenges readers to face reality and begin a global movement to reach the lost. He says, "God is calling us to an awakening regarding his most urgent command found in Matthew 28:19 to go and make disciples of all nations. This Great Commission is the compelling charge given to us with divine authority by our Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ."
If the Great Commission was so important to Jesus, why have we relegated it to casual discussions and an annual campaign in our churches? An awakening has never been more needed. In this challenging book, Pastor Floyd discusses key imperatives such as:
--Get honest with yourself
--Wake up your church
--Understand the urgency
--Talk Jesus daily
--Reach the next generation now
--Minimize structure

I LOVE this book. I didnt expect that I would have but I figured I`d try it out anyways. I received this book coursey of booksneeze.com in return for an honest review. I have read a couple of books about church, but have read nothing like this before. You can tell that Pastor Floyd really has a passion for his research and area of study. He really pinpoints different problems in the church, and addresses the church individually.
This book is a call for Christians to wake up to their life's purpose to fulfill the Great Commission. Overall, the book is an amazing solid piece of work by a man with a passion for the lost.
It's an easy read and it includes facts about the importance of the Great Commission. It would be an excellent book for churches to use for small group discussion. I would recommend this book as it is inspiring although it lacks some depth.

Friday, 2 September 2011

No He Can't

No He Can't by Kevin McCullough - How Barack Obama Is Dismantling Hope and Change
I have to admit, I knew nothing about politics (with the exception of reading Lies the Government Told You and The Century Turns, also from booksneeze.com/Thomas Nelson) before reading this book. I also knew nothing about Obama except he was the first black president, and his wifes name is Michelle.
This book is written by radio host Kevin McCollough. ‘No He Can’t’ is divided into four sections; Economics, National Insecurity, Erosion of Rights, and Accountability to Caesar. It is in these four sections that Kevin points out all of the mistakes, and inaccuracies that Obama has made during his presidency. This book is not just Kevin's personal opinions, as everything is backed up by quotes Obama has said himself.
Since I do not live in the United States, I am not surrounded by the news of their political world. I have always thought of Obama as a loyal president who loves his family of his country. I was very shocked to read some of what Kevin had to say, calling Barack disloyal and dishonest. I immediately knew this was not a book of praise towards the president, because of the cover- a dark red colour, and Obama's picture, looking quite mean/mad.
Needless to say, this was not the best book I have ever read. I did however enjoy Kevin's passion towards his writing... he delivers his point very clearly and does not beat around the bush. This is one man who says (or writes!) whatever is on his mind! I did not like how this book was very one-sided.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in politics or current events. Obama lovers would not like this read, thats for sure!

Barack Obama book review

I was very excited to get this book in the mail! As I have said before, I love hardcovers and this book was of a decent size, with 207 pages. It is written by

Stained Glass Hearts

I received a copy of this book from booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited to read this book. The author is Patsy Clairmont, and she has created this pretty hardcover for those who are stuggling and have a negative perspective on life. In the 13 chapters in 190 pages, Patsy gives advice and motivitation to stay strong and seek out the good things in life. In the first four chapters, Patsy paints a picture of what our need is, and the last 9 chapters she explains different ways to fulfil the need, with suggestions from her own life. I really enjoyed how at the end of every chapter, she give a song to listen to, a painting to look at, places to visit, things to look at and things to read.
I picked to review this book because of its subtitle: Seeing Life from a Broken Perspective. It appealed to me because, like many others, I had lived a life with disappointments.
Patsy is very open about her life and very cheerful. Her life has been a crazy journey and she holds nothing back in this honest tale. She tells how the Lord has brought her through her difficult times and came out on top. I also found that I aquired an interested for the arts and literature because of the fantastic examples she shares with her readers.
I would recommend this book because it is a truly good read. It could help many people keep their head up and believe.

Saturday, 20 August 2011

The Realms Thereunder

The Realms Thereunder
Ross Lawhead

This book was said to be "[A] fantastically compelling novel mixing the best of fantasy, adventure, and intrigue" (C.J. Darlington) and that it is! I normally do not like fantasy books and I did not know this book was one until I started reading. Once I figured out it was a fantasy/adventure novel, I did not expect myself to enjoy it, but boy, was I wrong!

I have read two of Ross' fathers (Stephen Lawhead) and I found his work to be brilliant. Ross is equally talent, but the father and son have different writing styles.

This book takes place in Oxford, Scottland. It is the story of Freya Reynolds, a university student, and Daniel Tully, a homeless man. Almost ten years ago, Freya and Daniel were at a church when they were abducted by knights and taken to an ancient underground city. They were missing for 72 days and presummed dead, when they both end up in East Ayreshire, Scottland. The pair went their own ways and Freya ended up studying forklore at Oxford, while Daniel ended up on the streets. This story follows the duo through an action-packed plot line, with tons of twists, turns, and pure spooky.
Love You More
The Divine Suprise of Adopting My Daughter
Jennifer Grant

Jennifer Grant is a fantastic writer! From page one, I was drawn in to this book and didnt want to put it down! I thought this story would have started off talking about their adoption process, but I had to wait a little to read about that. The first part of this book talks about the Grants' family and their past. After that section, then you get into the different adoption processes.
This book was wonderful to read. It actually made me feel really happy knowing that there are still many good people in the world giving others second chances. This never-boring book also has many ideas on what it means to be a good parent.
I have always wanted to adopt one day, and now I can definately see it happening in the future. I feel honoured that I got to read this young mothers story: about the good and bad times, about the joys and sorrows, and all the other emotions that come along with welcoming a new person to be in your life forever.
I would definatly recommend this book to ANYBODY! Anyone who is adopted, or has or wants to adopt. Any parent or anybody single in need of some enlightenment.
Thank you booksneeze.com for providing me with a free copy of this book!

Monday, 15 August 2011

Reclaiming America`s Faith & Promise!

Be The People
by Carol M. Swain, PhD

I have said before that I often love getting hardcovers for free, and this was I was really excited about! I have heard great things about Be The People so I jumped at the chance to review it courtesy of booksneeze.com in return for an honest review!

This book is a great size: 260 pages not including the authors notes and index. It is FILLED with great information. Dr. Swan gives many details about the history of America and the changes that has happened in the past that has reshaped ``America`s Faith & Promise`` and also what its citizens can do to win it back.

Even though I am a Canadian citizen, I love hearing about different countries. Dr. Swan even gives examples and situations from her own life, telling stories about the events and people she has encountered. Most of her work is cited, however I had noticed some pieces of information that should have been cited from a sourse, but was not.

I do agree with the past few reviews of what I have heard of this book... It is fantastic! I have learned a lot, but I found some parts dragged on a little too long, but if I had been really interested in those parts then I dont think I would have minded at all lol. I guess she just puts a little in there for everybody, so sooner or later, you will find something that you love reading about!

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Surviving Your Serengeti

Surviving your Seregneti
by Stefan Swanopoel


This great read by Stefan offers '7 Skills to Master Business and Life.'
I review Thomas Nelson books from booksneeze.com in return for my honest opinion on the book. I am always extra happy when I receive a hardcover and so I was definately happy when I saw this book! This New York Times bestseller is a "fable of self-discovery". The 7 questions this book contains are:

Are you experiencing a challenge that you wish to overcome?

Do you want to discover your hidden survival skills?

Do you have a goal you have yet to achieve?

Would you like to discover your instinctive strenghts?

Can you benefit from problem-solving thinking?

Do you know someone who has potential to excel?

Are you looking for a positive message to share?


Even though the font of the letters is quite larger and the book is a mere 166 pages, it is jammed packed with information! I very much enjoyed the story-line that came along with the book. It is not just clumps of random information, like most self-help books contain, but there is a very enjoyable story that follows Ashley, Zacharia, and Sean.

This book is perfect if you want to learn a little bit more about yourself in ways that most would not think is possible! I give this book 4 stars out of 5. It would have been perfect if the book was just a little longer

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Regret Free Parenting

Regret Free Parenting is a great easy read by Catherine Hickem. I requested this book from booksneeze.com in return for an honest review. As a new mother (my son is only two months old) I have noticed the huge amount of parenting books and it can often be overwhelming trying to pick the best one that will give the best benefits. Most of these books, articles and magazines give advice on how to handle certain situations, but Regret Free Parenting offers more than that. This excellent read offers confidence, and is a great stress-management tool when you feel you need it.
Hickem does this by explaining seven principles that mothers, new and old, should focus on while parenting. These seven principles are: understanding your purpose, knowing and affirming your child, keeping vision, developing emotional intelligence, maintaining your parent position, addressing your fears, and being dependent on God.
Through this read I learned that “Regret free” does not equal mistake free. Everybody makes mistakes and even though we make mistakes we can still raise our children to be healthy and happy. This book is one that I will continue to read again and again, and definitely suggest to other mothers and fathers. I feel a lot better about myself, my child, and our future together after reading this book. Thank you Catherine Hickem and booksneeze.com!
I was very excited to receive Unsinkable from booksneeze.com in return for an honest review!
      Right away this book sucked me in and it was very hard to put it down. This novel is written by Abby Sutherland and Lynne Vincent. It is the story of 16year old Abby's dream to sail solo around the world (Abby's brother completed this mission in his teens in 2009). Through her journey she encounters many problems and I am envious of her courage, strength, and determanation.
      Abby's parents, Laurence and Marianne wanted their kids to grow up experiencing the whole world and its different cultures. When Abby was 13 she realized her dream of sailing solo around the world, and she set off in 2010 to do so.
      This book comes complete with many colour pictures of Abby, her family, her journeys on the seas, and her boat. Right off the bat, I got confused with some of the 'sailing lingo' used, but after I finished reading this book, i discovered there was a guide to the nautical terms used. I wish I had discovered this sooner!
      This book is written in three different perspectives, with little pictures to let you know when the narration is changing. The three narators are Abby herself, Lynne Vincent, and those who rescued her.
      Abby is a very motivated girl, and her stories in this book are very honest and open. I would recomment this book to others, and will continue to read it over and over again!

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom by Susaan Veness

This book is an absolute must have for lovers of Walt Disney World!
I have been once (in Florida) with my family and I had the time of my life. "Whether you are a die-hard Disney fan, a casual visitor, or a guest" this book will be your number one tour guide! This book points out things that most people fail to notice, and it will teach you where and how to find them!
I learned so, so many things I never even would have imagined about the greatest park in the world. Almost every paragraph gives an exciting fresh fact about Disney World, and sometimes you will have to read the sentence twice because you wont believe your eyes! This book is just over 250 pages and comes complete with maps of different parts of the park.
 Even though I learned many things about the "happiest place on Earth" I have to say I already knew some of the facts stated, so dont be suprised if you dont finish reading this book with your brain full of "600 secrets". What I found interesting was learning about why things were designed the way they are.
 The style of this book is kind of like a walk-through of the four parks, explaining what you'll see and why. I really liked this book because of all the history I learned.
 The next time I visit WDW I am 100% bringing this book along and pointing out all the great interesting things I learned with whoever I go with.
Thank you booksneeze for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review! I loved it!