The River by Michael Neale

Another incredible book by Thomas Nelson Publishers. This is the story of Gabriel Clarke. Gabriel was born in the Colorado river area the son and grandson of River Guides. Gabriel's mother who was not sure of the river life left him when he was young. Poor Gabriel watched his father die when he was five while trying to save a kayaker. He was forced to go live with his mother in the midwest in a small farming town. His mother grew to love him but his childhood was troubled, lonely and full of grief. Without giving too much away the story is how Gabriele makes his way back to the River area to realize his heritage and background. His wise mother gave him his father and grandfathers journals and leads him to acceptance, forgiveness and hope for his future. I absolutlely could not put this book down. It was riveting from the first page to the last. As a watcher of hawks and a believer that God sends me hawks as reminders when I need them, I was particulary drawn to the hawk reference in the story. I know that God uses them in real life, not just Gabriele Clark! I received this book free from Thomas NElson publishers in exchange for a review. I am in no way obligated to give it a favorable review.

The Reason

The Reason by William Sirls This book is no less than amazing. I couldn't put it down and be ready to have the tissues in hand. The story takes place in a small town in Michigan where a blind pastor, his loyal wife and mentally challenged adult son attract a family of misfits by their faith and kindness. But a stranger in town, a carpenter working a the local hospital, comes to town and suddenly everyones world is turned upside down. Miracles start to occur after the church's cross is mysteriously fixed in a manner of seconds. Those who never have believed before are suddenly believers. It is hard to describe to much as not to give it away but this book is nothing short of spectacular. I think I was impressed just as much by the author's story at the end of the book as I was the story. I really can't recommend this book enough. If you are struggling with the things of life or if life seems without hope. This books is for you. Yes, it is fiction but it brings the message of God's hope loud and clear.......as the theme of the story says....."only believe". I received this book free of charge for Booksneeze. I was in no way obligated to give it a good review!

By Faith not by Sight

By Faith Not by Sight is the autobiography by Scott MacIntyre, American Idol contestant. Scott's story is so inspiring. What he has accomplished blind most sighted people never even imagine. I think the real story though is the story of his parents. His mother thought he was blind from an early age and the doctors kept telling her he was alright. Once the diagnosis was made she went beyond the call of duty to do what she had to do for her child. Once she realized that he had the gift of music she even went further beyond. The most memorable part of the book was when they took him and left him in England. I dread putting my teenager on the bus let alone leaving him blind in a foreign country. What love and will power those parents must have.

I have to admit the first part of the book was very slow for me. I had a hard time sticking with it. But the second part picked up and was a little easier to read and stick with it.

There is a reason that biographies are my favorite books. Other peoples story are the most interesting and the most inspiring.

I received this book from Booksneeze and was in no way required to give this book a good review.

Redemption by Bryan Clay

As I have stated many times....biographies are my favorites! This didn't let me down.Redemption is the story of Bryan Clay. A rebellious child whose parents divorce made him a bitter, challenged child. His mother never stopped praying for him no matter how rebellious he was. She was told by a counselor to put him in a sports program to keep him out of jail so a local track club was her only option.Little did she know that her decision would lead to two Olympic medals.Bryans life was a constant rebellion against God. His story and how he learned to surrender not only to God but to his coaches, family members and friends is an incredible and beautiful story.Being the mother of a rebellious teen, I could't put this book down. It also gave me hope that God does answer the prayers of a praying mother and cares about those hard to handle teenagers.I am giving this review in exchange for this book through Booksneeze. I am no way required to give it a good review.

Stand by Me by Neta Jackson

Never met a Neta Jackson book I didn't like and this one is no exception.  She has such a gift.  Her characters are so believable and I have to admit that I am Jody Baxter in real life.  I truly recommend that you start with the Yada Yada series and read them all.  But be prepared!  You will do nothing else but read once you start.  You can't put them down.  Then go to the House of Hope series.  Which leads us to Stand by Me, the first in the Souled out Sisters series.

Avis Douglas, principal of an elementary school and leader of the Yada Yada prayer group is reaching a critical point in her life.  Her and her husband Peter are at a crossroads and need to make critical decisions in their lives.  But Avis daughter and grandson are missing and then through in the mix the group of college kids who move into their building for the summer.

It moves me because the character is a leader and well thought of person but makes mistakes and has doubts just like we do.  God doesn't let her down though and sees her through.  You will love this book.....five stars!

Heaven is for Real dvd Based conversation kit.

After reading Heaven is for Real you can help but be very obsessive about heaven and how real it is. My junior high sunday school class have read the book and discussed it in great detail so when the dvd based conversation kit became available I jumped on it.

Pro's---You can't watch the Burpo family and not believe them. It erases all doubt. This is just a normal midwestern family who love Jesus and are very brave in telling their story. No doubt this has effected their lives.

Con's---The conversation kit is way too complicted. The dvd is conversation starter enough. If you followed the plan in the book it would just be boring and repeat itself. I think the whole thing just needs simplied and it would be so much easier on the leader of the class.

My junior high boys had mixed reviews but all in all kept their attention. That is quite a feat for 14 year old boys!