Thursday, September 23, 2010

Code Triage by Candace Calvert

Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious, and adrenaline-infused—“Treat ’em and street ’em”—with no emotional complications. Life’s taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. And the clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with “the other woman” begins a whole new set of lessons.
San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith—or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh’s heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.

My Thoughts:
I can't lie that I didn't like this book very well.I didn't like it, well, simply because I loved it! When you read a Candace Calvert novel you can't go wrong. Code Triage is book 3 in her Mercy Hospital series and it accentuates the other two PERFECTLY.

I love the messages that Candace adds to her books, and the heros and heroines that she constructs with her love and care. It's amazing to read a book like this and feel like it is really happening, right in front of you.

This particular novel has everything from crime, to drama, to romance and a smidgen of mystery. But the overall message from God about second chances and His redeeming love. A wonderful thrilling new novel to unwind with at the end of a stressful day.

I highly, highly recommend this new novel to everyone out there in the reading world. You want want to miss the other books by this author, either!

~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~

~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~

The Least Among You DVD

Leaders are not chosen, they are called. Inspired by a true story.

Arrested in the 1965 Watts riots, Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) must serve probation at an all-white seminary. Although encouraged to break racial boundaries by its president Alan Beckett (William Devane), the school wants black followers not leaders. Even former missionary, Kate Allison (Lauren Holly), initially rejects Richard. A prison sentence looming, Richard meets Samuel Benton (Louis Gossett, Jr.) -- “the gardener in the basement.” As Samuel guides Richard through his many trials, Richard must choose between his dreams and his destiny.

My Thoughts:
What can I say other than WOW. This was an amazing movie. My family and I are movie lovers and, with two young grandchildren, we have to watch what we watch. So, when this particular movie became available to review, I was excited about the chance to review it. I felt that it would be a wonderful lesson for my young children to see that color is just that. Color. It doesn't make us any different in Gods eyes. We are all the same no matter our age, race or denomination.

This movie not only had wonderful actors and actresses to round out the plot, it was entertaining in the way that gets your gears in your mind to rolling. I cried a little and I laughed a little but most importantly, I felt the love of God shine through this movie and I recommend it HIGHLY to everyone.

~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Lee(The Generals) Goodness in Action by John Perry

A powerful, compact biography of Robert E. Lee, focusing on how his intrinsic goodness shaped everything from his battle tactics to his treatment of his troops.

It’s no surprise that Robert E. Lee graduated second in his class from West Point. His four years there were marked by exemplary conduct and nary a demerit. He went on to become one of the most successful generals of the Confederate army during the American Civil War, inspiring his troops with his unselfish character and devotion to duty. Lee’s string of victories earned him praise on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. He was admired for his tactical success in battle, and even after surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomatox court house, his example of conduct for thousands of ex-Confederates made him a legend. After the war, he assumed the presidency of Washington College and devoted the remainder of his life to setting an example of conduct. He remains one of the most distinguished military heroes of all time.

My Thoughts:
Seeing as how I am from the North, I would be more partial to Grant. But since, I am now living in the South, I decided to give the South a try and review this book. I was surprised at what all I learned from this book! Perry did this biography in a way that doesn't bore you to tears, nor does it drag on and on, like many biographies do. General Lee really was brought to life through Perry's research and writing. I was highly intrigued by all the things he wrote about and brought into perspective.

This is a book that I will gladly share with my husband, whom loves General Lee, as well as anyone else who may want an in depth look at the life of a famous General.

~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

Did you know that what you do today can change the world forever?

The Boy Who Changed the World opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing in his family’s cornfields with his sisters. One day, Norman would grow up and use his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. Two billion! Norman changed the world! Or was it Henry Wallace who changed the world? Or maybe it was George Washington Carver?

This engaging story reveals the incredible truth that everything we do matters! Based on The Butterfly Effect, Andy’s timeless tale shows children that even the smallest of our actions can affect all of humanity. The book is beautifully illustrated and shares the stories of Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, Vice President Henry Wallace, Inventor George Washington Carver, and Farmer Moses Carver. Through the stories of each, a different butterfly will appear. The book will end with a flourish of butterflies and a charge to the child that they, too, can be the boy or girl who changes the world.

My Thoughts:
I have two grandsons, ages 8 and 6. They love books of all kinds for kids and I think they loved this one the best! It is beautifully illustrated and the words are enough to hold the child's interest through out the entire story.

The wonderful and powerful message of a sort of Pay-It-Forward deed shows children of all ages that it is best to do good, like God, and the world will become a better place for it. You can really feel God through these pages and that is a bonus for children!

This is a book that I would suggest to people for Sunday School read aloud books, a permanent home library or a story time class. It's really beautiful and will hold both boys and girls' attentions!

~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Still House Pond by Jan Watson

Lilly Gray Corbett loves living on Troublesome Creek, but she would much rather play with her best friend than watch her little brother and the twins. Her mama, Copper, is often gone helping to birth babies, and Lilly has to stay home. When Aunt Alice sends a note inviting her to visit in the city, Lilly is excited to go, and Copper reluctantly agrees to let her. Later, when they hear the news that the train crashed, Copper and her husband, John, rush to find out if their daughter is injured . . . or even alive.

My Thoughts:
Having missed book 1 in this series I wasn't quite as pleased with this book. I think, had I read book 1, I would have enjoyed this one hundred percent more than I did.

That being said, I didn't hate this book. It is one that has a powerful story line with characters that are created in a way that come to life when you read about them. The author writes with the strength and ability of a seasoned author who's hands are guided by God as she writes.

I would defintely read more books by this author. I would also recommend this book to others, only if they have read book 1 in this series. I do plan to go back and read the first book in this series sometime in the near future, followed by this one again so I can enjoy this one more.

~Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review~

~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson

May Seymour graduated from college with the world at her feet and no idea what to do with it. A mission trip to Rwanda brought her a sense of purpose in loving others. So when the genocide began she chose to remain in the village, which was subsequently slaughtered. Only May survived.

So, May journeyed to heal on the farm of Claudius Borne, a sweet, innocent old man who understood plants and animals far better than people.

Years later, having not stepped a foot off Claudius' farm, May learns an old college flame, now a death-row inmate, is refusing to appeal his sentence. Can she convince him to grab hold of life once again? Their surprising friendship turns the tables, for the prisoner, Eli Campbell, has a deeper faith from which to draw than she. Eli slowly begins to pull May from her cloistered existence. With the help of Eli, their tiny town, and ultimately a renewal of faith, May comes to life once again.

My Thoughts:
Lately I've been reading a lot of suspense novels, so having the chance to read Resurrection in May was a nice but extremely emotional break from all those adrenaline rushes. Lisa Samson is a new author for me, but one that is fabulous with her work. She is an author I will be checking into for more of her books.

In this book, I felt a tug at my heart for May. She was a tender character full of love and compassion, questions and heartache. I wasn't overly fond of Eli at first introduction, but my heart softened towards him in the end. The characters, ALL of them, were the depth and soul of this novel. Between them and a movement of God, I needed to take stock in Kleenex with this one!

I will be passing this book along to my family and friends with high kudos to Lisa Samson for an incredible story!

~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~

Monday, May 17, 2010

NCV Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan

Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan is the perfect gift for fathers, fathers-to-be, and father figures of any age. The Dad's Bible is filled with challenging and helpful information designed to encourage and uplift fathers whose lives will be a priceless legacy for generations to come. Whether as a personal purchase, a Father's Day gift, or "just because," Dad's Bible is sure to draw the reader into quality personal time with our Heavenly Father.

My Thoughts:
I recently had the oppotunity to review this Bible. I was excited about reviewing it and then passing it along to my husband. I throughly enjoyed every aspect of this beautifully bound hardcover Bible.

Between the study notes, and the layout, this is a perfect Bible for every special guy in your life. Through this particular Bible it truly shows the meaning of a Father's love, both heavenly and earthly. It is written in the New Century Version, making this Bible an easy-to-understand Bible. However, if you want to use this as a true STUDY Bible, I wouldn't recommend it....for a true Bible Study Bible I think you should read a King James Version.

Overall, this is a wonderful Father's day gift that you should get for that lucky man in your life. It is hardcover so it's at less of a risk for tearing, and it's wonderfully thought out by the author in a way to make it easily read. I definitely think you should give this Bible a try!

~A Copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

~I do not receive financial compensation for any of my reviews. I do however from time to time receive complimentary review books to read and post HONEST reviews, positive and negative. The acceptance of a book does not guarantee a positive review.~