Hope For Parents Of Troubled Teens by Connie Rae

 Great resource book for Youth Pastors and leaders!

This is a “guide” not “the” answer! Although with prayer and guidance from your close inner circle you will be well on your way through the teen years that lie ahead for your family.

 As each teen is different so will the situation!

 Sorry, no blanketed answers or fixes available.

Yes, this book offers counsel to parents in the midst of crisis. It is profitable for parents to read this book before their teen’s behavior becomes troublesome. It would be helpful to lessen or limit the possible upheaval your family may be entering into.

At the end of each chapter there is a “Something to Do” section and a “Closing Prayer.”

I am happy to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers.  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

Unashamed To Bear His Name by R.T. Kendall

His focus is on not being ashamed of being a Christian and the stigma involved so that we as Christians should take up our cross for Christ.

R.T. Kendall says that he was raised in the Church of the Nazarene. He is coming across as Fundamental in his beliefs. 

The stories that he shares are interesting and well written. The book is just not my style of writing.

I am giving this book a three star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through Chosen Books.  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

Stand By Me by Neta Jackson

I would so love to write a spoiler!

I will do my best not too.

We are given an update on some of the previous characters from the Yada Yada and House of Hope series. Just little bits and pieces…oh so nice.

I think it’s great to be able to get a closer look into the life of Avis. I love her strong Christian faith. Seeing her even on bad days is so open and real. No matter how strong we are we all have our bad days.

Pairing Kat with Avis was great to see how interwoven their lives became throughout the book. They need each other… in the midst of everything. They make a great match for mentoring. Women thrive when given the opportunity to “do life” together.

What can I say Neta … It’s All Good!

I am pleased to give this book five stars.

Disclaimers:

I must admit that I know Neta Jackson and consider her to be a dear friend.

I received this book free from the publisher through BookSneeze.com.  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

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

I was unable to put the book down it was so captivating. Blue Moon Promise has it all, romance, murder, suspense, pride issues, marriage by proxy, and faith.

I was glad that the author shared with us about her own personal struggle with control issues. At some point I think we all struggle with giving the control to God and leaving it with Him. How we love to take it back.

This was not the first book by Colleen Coble that I have read. I have completely enjoyed all of her books. I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com.  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

101 Bible Adventures by Carolyn Larsen

The first thing my husband said when he saw this book was “When can I use this with the kids?” He is so excited to use this devotional.

Each devotion has:

 “What’s Up” ~ background information on that days reading

“Action Adventure” ~ scripture for the day

“Key Verse” ~ memorization

“Now What” ~ great for family discussion and reflection

 I like that the devotions are just one page in length. I know this will help to keep my children’s attention. I really like that she has a comic on each day’s devotion. It makes for great illustration. Kid’s love comics! This is a wonderful devotion for all ages.

 I am pleased to give this book a five star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale House Publishers.  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 Exceptional Life by Stephen Arterburn

This book has various ways that make it stink. There is no way around giving this book a low rating. You can read the book flap and not need to spend the money on the book.

Here are the 8 steps:

1.       Give up guilt & shame, to get hope

2.       Give up resentment, to get love

3.       Give up fear, to get trust

4.       Give up anger, to get forgiveness

5.       Give up instant gratification, to get patience

6.       Give up isolation, to get power

7.       Give up isolation, to get connection & community

8.       Give up addiction, to get freedom

Each chapter is broken down into five sections.

1. What needs to be given up

2. Why it needs to be given up

3. How to go about giving it up

4. What you’ll gain from giving it up

5. What you’ll be able to do and be once you’ve given it up

Then the discussion questions.

·         He uses two or more paragraphs when he could have said it with just one sentence.

·         His stories are long winded.

·         His dry humor truly is not funny.

·         I feel as if he is talking down to the reader.

·         I can’t believe he compares God to popcorn. (pg 36)

 I am going to give this only a two star rating.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishing.  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

Miracles Are For Real By James L Garlow and Keith Wall

I was a little apprehensive about reading a book on miracles. It’s not that I don’t believe in them I just don’t push for them either. I was surprised to find that the authors discussed miracles without pushing them on the reader. Each of the chapters features at least one true story of someone that experienced a miracle. They chose to use people that they know personally or were referred to them by someone with credibility and integrity.

They wanted to show us:

1.      God is alive, well, and intensely interested in your life.

2.      Not only do miracles happen, but they still happen today.

3.      The best way to live is to believe that a miracle could happen at any moment.

I think this is a comprehensive look at miracles, and makes for a great small group discussion.

I am happy to give this book a four star rating.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House.  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