No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcoe

When Griffin is sent to stay with his detective uncle at 221B Baker Street for the summer, he is certain that his uncle must be the great Sherlock Holmes! But Griffin soon learns that Holmes lives at 221A Baker Street and his uncle lives unit 221B. Sure, his uncle is a detective, but he's not very good. That won't stop him from taking a case that Holmes has turned down. Deemed to be ridiculous, a woman claims that her husband was swallowed whole by the Loch Ness Monster. Along the way, Griffin shows his uncle just what it means to have true faith in God, even when the case challenges that. But the question remains-are monsters real, or aren't they?

 I chose this book for my two boys and they will not be disappointed. It’s a great read for ages 9 -12 years old. The chapters are short and its suspense will keep our young readers engaged. It was easy for my mind to start thinking about possible solutions to the case but I shall not be giving it away.  I also liked that it included discussion questions,   two short mysteries for Griffin to solve and a recipe in the back of the book.

I am excited to give this book a five star rating. I will also be donating this book to our Christian school.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Max on Life by Max Lucado

This time Max takes on everybody’s questions and compiles them in one place for people to find the answer. His topics are:

Hope

God, grace, and “Why am I here?”

Hurt

Conflicts, Calamities, and “Why me?”

Help

Prayer, Scripture, and “Why church?”

Him/Her

Sex, Romance, and “Any chance of a second chance?”

Home

Diapers, Disagreements, and “Any hope for prodigals?”

Haves/Have-Nots

Work, Money, and “Where’s the lifeline?”

Hereafter

Cemeteries, Heaven, Hell, and “Who goes where?”

As you can see from the topics Max is not afraid to answer some difficult questions. Max answers them with a firm love for those lives he touches. One can sense through his answers that he truly wants what is best for each and every one of us.  

I feel this is a great resource book for leaders to use with/for those we are mentoring. I am pleased to give this book a 4 star rating.  

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

This is the third book in the Lightkeeper’s series. I did not read the first two books but I had no problem starting in on the third book.  Once I started reading it was hard to put down. I loved the mystery, drama, murder, love, action and suspense that Colleen Coble wove into the Lightkeeper’s Ball.

Olivia Stewart decides to investigate her sister’s death. While traveling to Mercy Falls, Olivia decides to use her title “Lady Devonworth” in the hopes of gathering information.  Moments before arriving in Mercy Falls Olivia is already in great danger.  Through this situation Olivia makes friends with the lighthouse keeper’s wife. When disaster strikes Olivia suggests having a masquerade ball to raise the necessary funds to rebuild the lighthouse.  Olivia keeps running into Harrison Bennett, the one responsible for her sister’s death… or maybe not. Her feelings  for Harrison modify as she gets to know him, but is she putting herself in danger?  Will Olivia figure it out… before her own demise?

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

David Ponder is back. This time the fate of mankind is in his hands.

This is mankind’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride, and hate have sent humanity hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship, and it consists of only two words.

With time running out, it is up to David Ponder and a cast of history’s best and brightest minds to uncover this solution before it is too late. The catch? They are allowed only five tries to discover the answer.

Readers first encountered David Ponder in The Traveler's Gift. Now, in The Final Summit, Andrews combines a riveting narrative with astounding history in order to show us the one thing we must do when we don’t know what to do.

~~

Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I love how David Ponder takes us with him to his meeting with all of the previous time travelers. You will love meeting Winston Churchill, Joan of Arc, Abraham Lincoln, Anne Frank, and many others. Granted their time is limited and they must figure out the answer to life’s ultimate question, but …..can they do this and only use two words?...Can you?

Here’s the question: “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?”  Remember the answer is only two words.           

This is one book where you will want to journal as you read and maybe write a personal declaration. I am thrilled to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Conversation with God for Women By Marcia Ford

When I received this book I was a little surprised to see the layout of the book. The layout and composition of the book is high quality. One thing that really struck me was the fact that she used EIGHT different Bible versions throughout the book. For me that’s a bit excessive. Marcia Ford attempts to answer 55 questions and places them into seven topics.

God  -Why should we trust you?

Jesus  -Did You really die to save everyone?

The Bible –Who actually wrote the Bible?

Life – How can we do it all?

Prayer – Is there one right way to pray?

Relationships – How can we have deeper friendships?

Good and Evil – How can evil coexist with Your love?

After the question is asked she gives the “name” of the speaker that is “giving” the answer. It is one thing to speak for yourself.  It’s another entirely to speak for God, Jesus, or any Bible figure. Some of her answers I would agree with while there are others that I don’t. This is the type of book that you either like or not. I would have to give this a three star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Chase > Pursuing Holiness in Your Everyday Life

 By Jerry Bridges with Jay and Jen Howver

The Chase is a contemporary version of the classic The Pursuit of Holiness. Here is just a quick excerpt from the book that you can find on page 21. “God calls every Christian to live a holy life. No one gets out of it. Holiness isn’t something just pastors, missionaries, and a few dedicated volunteers chase after. Every Christian of every nation – rich or poor, educated or uneducated, famous or unknown – is called to be holy.”

 This is a very easy read; the chapters are short but packed with great information.  What is holiness? How are we to be holy? Holiness is not an option, it is a daily battle. How do we train ourselves to be holy? Can we be holy in an unholy world? These are just some of the topics that are covered in this book.

I think this would be a great study or devotional for college students or a new believer that wants a deeper relationship with God. They use The Message for Bible scriptures. My only cause for concern is that the type set seems to be a little off at times. Either the words are too close together or spread out too far. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to live a holy life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Who Is My Shelter? by Neta Jackson

Wow! I ♥ it! Neta has once again nailed it, leaving me wanting more, much more.

 The Fairbank family has made many changes since we first meet them in “Where Do I Go?”  Gabby’s husband Philip has one problem after another, but will the marriage survive? Lawyer Lee Boyer wants to take Gabby away from Philip. Throughout all the Fairbanks problems Gabby still has the House of Hope to manage and her work at Manna House Women’s Shelter. My favorite homeless character Lucy has a birthday and finds some information she is not looking for. Lucy has been a strong but quiet character, one I would to love to read about. Just like Elisa Doolittle’s Father says, “I’m willing to tell you, I’m wanting to tell you, I’m waiting to tell you.” Oh Neta, please do tell about Lucy.

The families living at the House of Hope have great diversity and bring various  circumstances  for Gabby to handle. This is new territory for Gabby and she receives guidance from Mabel on how to handle these things. Through it all Gabby goes to the rock, her shelter. Join Gabby as she journey’s through the many changes going on at the House of Hope.

Please note that I was not asked to review this book. I purchased this book by choice.