Book Review: The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson

Magdalen, a poor baron’s daughter, receives a proposal from a wealthy duke. She is surprised but elated, as this will hopefully bring about a positive change for her people. But there is much treachery afoot, and she soon finds herself in the position of a servant, fighting to figure out how to prove her identity and gain back her station. Soon she makes a friend in a similar plight, and together they seek to undo the injustices done at their expense.

So I wasn’t one hundred percent sure about this book at first but decided to read it anyway. I couldn’t put it down, and got through it in just over 24 hours despite the fact that I am a stay at home mom to two toddlers. Needless to say I didn’t turn on the TV or sleep much after they went to sleep! The main characters each possess an unwavering faith in God and commitment to others that I found refreshing. The story is full of suspense and the romance is delightful, a combination I always enjoy. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone considering it. It was an easy and quick read, but of sufficient length to provide plenty of action and plot twists.

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

Book Review: Dispensationalism and the History of Redemption, General Editors D. Jeffrey Bingham and Glenn R. Kreider

Dispensationalism and the History of Redemption is a collection of ten essays from various well-educated dispensationalist scholars from Dallas Theological Seminary. It covers various aspects of dispensationalism, from its history and development to how it differs from other systems, as well as various factions within the movement. The book gives a fairly in-depth treatise for the average layman, although a seminary student would likely be well-versed in more of the subject matter. The ideal audience is those who have managed some study of theology already and are aware of the branches of systematic theology, and how various Christian factions fall within different areas of theology.

I have read my fair share of theology books, having grown up the daughter of a seminary graduate, but I still had to take the book slowly. It all made sense to me but it wasn’t easy reading. As a dispensationalist, I enjoyed reading a text that deals with so many aspects of dispensationalism, and learned quite a bit about the history of the movement and how it relates to other views, such as covenant theology.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who have enough background to get through it. If you were a little confused reading my review thus far, I would recommend beginning with a more introductory level book on dispensationalism or theology in general. Overall, I learned a lot and am glad I was able to read this book.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: Are My Kids on Track? By Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan

I have two small children, so I figured this was a book I ought to read. Parenting books are easy to find, but this one looks more at a child’s emotional development and is not your typical discipline/motivation treatise. This is definitely a book I plan on reading through multiple times. It has twelve chapters, divided into three parts. The first four chapters cover emotional milestones, the next four social milestones, and the last four spiritual milestones. All but the last two chapters deal with boys and girls separately because they each approach these areas of development differently. The authors teach stumbling blocks and building blocks for boys and girls in each area and sum up each chapter with a concrete list of things a parent can do to bolster their child in each of these objectives.

My girls are only one and two right now, but I can already see many of these fields at play in their development. Very soon I will start focusing on one chapter at a time to try to build up these skills in my own children (and me as well!) Early on, the authors make the point that many adults are stuck, having never mastered these milestones themselves. I was quickly able to identify areas in which I and certain loved ones still struggle. It was eye-opening to say the least!

Are My Kids on Track? is a book I would highly recommend to all parents or anyone who works with children and teens. Even if you aren’t a Christian I think the entire book is relevant.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the BethanyHouse Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: Invitation – Cycle One of the Harbingers Series by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, and Alton Gansky

Psychic phenomena, strange occurrences that shouldn’t be possible, and cryptic messages provide a web of intrigue for four mismatched people who end up sharing some strange adventures together. I wasn’t sure what would come with this set of stories, but I was excited to start a new series. The book is presented as four short stories in one volume. Each is narrated by a different character and meant to be able to be read in one or two sittings. Each story has its own plot but builds on the others. We have a professor who ditched the priesthood, a tattoo artist, a brainiac who sees patterns, and a loveable jock. These four friends keep finding themselves stuck together trying to solve a strange mystery or save someone.

As the first of a series, this cycle of stories hasn’t come to a grand conclusion. Each story is somewhat resolved but not completely. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would when I began reading. The authors did an excellent job coordinating on this collaboration, as each of the shorter stories was penned by a different author. The characters were well-developed as a whole and the plots kept my focus. It started getting a little complicated with talk of other dimensions, but I look forward to reading the next cycle of stories in the series.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about the unexplained/impossible. It has Christian undertones but is not overly Christian.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the BethanyHouse Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: The Angels’ Share by James Markert

The Angels’ Share is an entertaining piece of historical fiction that takes place during the Great Depression. It follows an interesting chain of events involving a family who ran a whiskey distillery before prohibition. A family tragedy has them all in a hard place, until a stranger is buried in the potter’s field next to their home and interesting things start to happen. Some people said he was a reincarnation of Christ, others simply that he had amazing God-given gifts. Whatever the case, miracles and strange things start to happen, leading a young man on an investigative journey that includes pushing his family to finally move forward with their lives. Events take a darker turn and family and new friends join together to preserve their future.

I found The Angels’ Share to be a well-informed treatise of the life in America during the 1930’s, and a thoroughly enjoyable story. Much of it is far-fetched and not likely to actually happen, but it guides readers through a transformation in the characters’ faith in God. Although parts of it get a bit dark, the story was inspiring. The past is resurrected and must be faced, and decisions for the future are finally made. It’s a struggle that is easy to connect with.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, or books that contain unexplained phenomena. It was a great read and would love to check out other work from the author.

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

Book Review: The Anxious Christian by Rhett Smith

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened this book. Maybe I would find the same arguments about how Christians aren’t supposed to be anxious because God told us not to, or how to get through anxiety without medication. But instead I found a realistic dialogue on the very real human and biological aspect of anxiety, and tips on embracing it and seeking help. The author encourages Christians to admit what they are going through instead of hiding out of shame or fear of judgment from other Christians. Rhett Smith himself has dealt with anxiety since childhood, and he references his struggles in explaining the reality behind the struggles. God can use our anxiety to push us in the direction he wants us to go. The author is able to use his unique struggles to minister as a counselor, and like every trial God puts Christians through anxiety can be a tool toward further spiritual growth.

I found this book to be extremely helpful, and it provided a fresh approach to issues of mental health from a Christian perspective. I recommend this book to anyone who deals with anxiety, whether it is severe or mild, themselves or a loved one. It also contains discussion questions after every chapter to help the reader apply the information to their own life.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255