Readers Cannot Put Down The Polygamist's Daughter

Anna LeBaron's true account of her life is so surreal that I had a hard time believing it.   Her father was known as the prophet of evil, Ervil LeBaron who not only had multiple wives but who was also a murderer.  Contrary to what any religion would enforce, Anna lives in a constant state of fear.  Under the guise of a branch of Christianity, Ervil dances with the Devil.  Readers won't be able to put this book down.  I, personally, have a great distaste for anyone who uses religion to appear one way when in reality they are out to destroy.  My heart broke for Anna.  This book proves not to judge a book by its cover and also that the human spirit can overcome much.  I was given the awesome opportunity to read this book for the Tyndale Blogging Network in exchange in my personal thoughts.  Not for the faint of heart.

Our Lives Had Once Been Beautiful and Our Lives Are Beautiful Still

   
           September Vaudrey's, Colors of Goodbye has moved me more than any other book I have ever read on loss.  Her loss is a parent's worse nightmare, that of losing a child.  Katie, her amazing daughter (a daughter that any parent would be proud to have) dies suddenly of an aneurysm at the young age of 19. Any doubt of the Vaudrey's faith in God is relinquished when reading this true account.  September shares her raw struggles which match what many Christians face when facing tragedy yet I have never seen in publication.  Mom Vaudrey questions whether the loss of her daughter is somehow because of something she did in the past.  Read along as genuine friends reassure her that it is not her fault.  From the point of impact of the accident on God makes himself known with visions and miracles to aide the Vaudrey family through their heartbreak.  Real evidence that God is there and that God is Good (Author's words) even when we think He is not.  Ms. Vaudrey's growth through her pain offers Hope to all that the sun will shine again and that they don't have to give in to bitterness and anger.  This stellar publication offers tools to help all those facing horrendous loss.  Special Kudos to Katie Vaudrey for leaving a life of ripples and to September Vaudrey for having the courage to share their story.  I am more than honored to have been able to review this book for the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my thoughts.  Think upon these wise words from the writer,
'"God never promised me a lifetime with my daughter.  He never promised me any of the blessings I get to treasure everyday. He promises us comfort in sorrow, strength when our faith fails, inexplicable peace, His presence in storms and life in all its fulness for those who follow him---but not a pain free life.  And the things he promises, He delivers."'

Having a Martha Home the Mary Way

Ironically the book, Having a Martha Home the Mary Way, is written by Sarah Mae who did not like cleaning the house.  For those who do not know scripture, in the Book of Luke chapter 10 we read that Jesus was at the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.  Martha was busy preparing and serving the meal to her guests while Mary chose to sit at Jesus's feet and listen.  Of course this irked Martha and she made it known.  Jesus's response to Martha was that Mary had chosen the better part.  It's not a surprise that the author choose this title for her book.  Perhaps the one thing I have taken from this book and would like to apply to my own life is that, we all have responsibilities we have to do.  Jesus looks at our hearts and what is our priority?
Sarah Mae shares with us how we can incorporate our spirituality into our everyday chores.  She draws strength from scripture daily to motivate her to get her work done.  The book includes a 31 day plan where the reader works on different, smaller projects each day.  This way it doesn't seem so overwhelming.  I enjoyed reading this publication for the Tyndale Network in exchange for my views. It was very good.

Jessie Minassian Addresses How the Media Views Beauty Vs The Scripture Definition

           Our young women buy into the lies brought on by the Media about beauty.  Trying to strive for perfection, they fall short of unrealistic goals and end up believing they are ugly and will never meet the bar.  Jessie Minassian tackles these issues which have plagued young adults for ages.  With the aide of scripture she defines the true meaning of beauty.  This author uses reverse psychology (i.e. '"How to Look Ugly"') in order to magnify how ridiculous some of notions society implicates.  She gets an all star review from me for hitting the nail on the head when addressing this topic and re-teaching teens.  This book is complete with questionaires with  room to add honest answers.   I am grateful to have reviewed this publication for Tyndale.  Definitely a book that will help young people accept themselves for who they are.

The Daniel Fast for Weight Loss

                 Most Christains can identify with the rewards of spiritual fasting.  The type of fasting that draws us closer to God by sacrificing all food for a small period of time.  Fasting was second nature to me, growing up in a Church that held many fast services however I had never heard of The Daniel Fast.  Normal fasting requires giving up all foods and intimacy in marriages for a day or so to show our sincere desire to God. Susan Gregory explains in her newest book that the Daniel fast is a partial fast of certain foods for 21 days.  The foods come from the scriptures Daniel Chapter 1 verse 12 and Daniel Chapter 10 Verse 3 which we are to refrain from.  It's basically a fruit and vegetable diet which does not allow any meat, dairy or sugars.  The author has supplied the reader with some recipes.  In the past, followers would fast for their spiritual welfare although it is very true that you will lose weight on this lean diet.  I have one problem, in that I feel fasting is sacred and holy and that our hearts should be set on the spiritual growth rather than on the bonus benefit.  The Daniel Fast is definitely unique and different to any other weight loss program that I have read about or even tried.  The food is healthy but the program is strict and I wonder how many could actually complete the 21 days.  I was given the opportunity to review this book for the Tyndale Book community in exchange for my thoughts.

John Rosemond Takes Baby Boomers On A Sweet Venture Down Memory Lane

                     John Rosemond's "Grandma Was Right After All" takes an in depth view of old fashioned parenting vs today's parenting.  Many of us baby boomers remember this era as the pre Dr. Spock days when parents only goal was setting boundaries in order to prepare their children for their future.  At that time discipline was the highest form of love.  Many thought that parents were too stern but in the long run, their methods worked  As a by product of the seventies I was blessed in that regard.  The author playfully discusses the many sayings that were common to everyone's parents.  Rosemond takes us on a fun journey down memory lane.  How awesome life would be if this old fashioned parenting were still implicated today. Kudos to the Tyndale Blogger Community for allowing me to receive a copy of this excellent book in exchange for my review.  What a Remarkable Read~

Abby Johnson Takes Stand Against Abortion

As a former Planned Parenthood Leader, Abby Johnson did everything to justify the reason she was assisting in abortion so that she could live with her conscious.  She would fool herself by telling herself that if she didn't help these women out that they would go to an illegal abortion doctor and possibly die.  She even convinced herself that she was doing God's will and would attend churches which purposely didn't have a strong stand against abortion.  In her true account "Unplanned" Abby reveals what opened her eyes to the real dangers and damages of abortion and how she was spiritually transformed.  Her testimony is strong and loud and she shares that everything about Planned Parenthood is a lie.  I was given the opportunity to read this tremendous experience from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest opinion.  I highly recommend this book.

The Sentinels of Andersonville Engrosses It's Audiences Into A World Few Have Known

 

Tracy Groot reveals her exceptional penmanship in this rivoting historical novel.  Andersonville Prison inmates suffer unbearable conditions resulting in the deaths of 13,000 union soldiers.  So convincing is this Christy Award-Winning Author's characters that the reader actually experiences their emotional turmoil.  Rarely has a fiction book arose such response,  This masterpiece will surely be named among the classic's.  I was able to review this book for Tyndale Blogging Network in exchange for my honest review.  I would love to see this book made into a movie.  A definite must read,

 

Lauren Scrugg's ~ Beautiful Inside & Out

 

As the founder of  LOLO Magazine little did the very gorgeous, Lauren Scruggs know what was awaiting her in the near future.  Not only was she a natural beauty but she would have to summon up all her inward spiritual beauty to survive a horrendous accident where an airplane's propellars cut off her hand and disfigured her face.  Ironically her career centered around appearance.  The rich Christian stories of faith that her parent's taught her would now become her comfort and hope.  A few weeks prior to the accident after breaking up with her boyfriend James, he had a premonition that something awful was going to happen and he begged her to be careful.  While on the airplane, Lauren began to feel overwhelmed with panic and anxiety.  Not understanding why, the only thing she could do was pray.  After surgery, Lauren slips into a coma.  The writer fills us in on young Lo Lo's life.  It wasn't always easy.  She is a twin to Brittany and they are inseparable.  The Scrugg's family faces adultery, divorce and after many prayers remarriage.  The second time around the entire family choose Christ as their main priority.  Christ would also become the reason for Lauren's healing.  This true account will inspire many never to give up in the face of adversity.  Lauren reminds us what true courage is.  She fights to regain her career back and comes back on top.  I am thankful to Tyndale Blog Network for the opportunity to read such a sensational book!

The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim Is a Book You Won't Want to Put Down

 

The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim will keep you reading into the wee hours of the night.  Meet Rachel Stoltzfus who was raised in the Old Order Mennonite community who shuns her once her secret of a pregnancy out of wedlock spreads.  Her biggest accusers , one being the bishop confronts his own secrets of sin will it change his heart?  Will he find forgiveness and embrace Rachel and her child?  This book will bring out raw emotions in you as you feel the abandonment that Rachel encounters.  She refuses to name the father to protect him.  Would you do the same.  The book is somewhat lengthy but with the cooler months ahead of us, this would make for the perfect read.  I had the great pleasure of reviewing for the Tyndale Network. 

Heaven Hears Proves That Nothing is Impossible With God As Pat Boone's Grandson Overcomes all Odds

 

 

Ryan Corbin's story retold by his mother, Lindy Boone Michaelis in 'Heaven Hears ~ The True Story of What Happened When Pat Boone Asked The World to Pray For His Grandson's Survival' proves that nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible with God.  The evidence of God's power is magnified throughout the chapters of this inspiring testimony.  Ryan's desire was to serve the Lord and he spent many hours reading the scriptures in hopes of completing a screenplay which depicts the Life of Christ in Modern Times.  His devotion pays off as he completes this project.  One sentence in his play stands out because of what lies ahead in his future, '"I think something is going to happen to me"' becomes a self premonition or perhaps God was getting him prepared for his future.  On June 19, 2001 there is a horrific freak accident.  Ryan steps through a skylight and falls three stories onto a cement floor.  The impact leaves the doctors wondering if Ryan will even survive.  In his comatose state, his family reaches out to everyone to pray.  Pat Boone is invited on the Larry King show where he pleads with the TV viewers to pray.  Miraculously, Ryan awakens but he has a long tough road ahead.  Some doctors claimed he would remain a vegetable.  His amazing faithful mother would not succumb to the doctors diagnosis.  She knew that her Father in Heaven could do all things.  Heaven Hears will renew the reader's faith and comfort mother's to know that their children are in God's hands.  It was a joy to read this book for Tyndale Book Network.