A LASTING IMPRESSION byTamera Alexander - Book Review

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander is the first book in the Belmont Mansion series. It is the first book I've read by this author, and I must say I am enthralled. The story takes place in New Orleans and Tennessee in the 1860's post -civil war era. There is a depth of characterization which brings the story to life, and the word pictures of the author are incredibly detailed. The story itself is suspenseful, with surprises at every turn. I couldn't stop turning the pages, and was happy for the short chapters which bade me to keep reading.

Tamera had based her story around a theme, which is developed throughout. I found the scriptural elements very satisfying and personally challenging without being 'preachy'. I was happy to read this wonderful book, and look forward to the remaing two books in this series. I highly recommend this book.

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose works have been awarded or nominated for various honors, including the Christy Award, The RITA Award, and the Carol Award. Tamera and her husband enjoy living in Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children.
 
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.


Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Visit Tamera's website http://www.tameraalexander.com/, follow her blog at http://www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com/ . Join her on facebook and Twitter.

The Names of God Bible - God's Word Translation

This translation is by God's Word to the Nations, and the Names of God edition, General Editor Ann Spangler, was published in 2011. Spangler, well known for her Names of God books, has included  many helpful reference and study guides. The text itself is set up in a highly readable format. Names of God throughout Scripture are highlighted in brown, so they jump right off the page. In addition to the usual format, there is also an alphabetical listing of books of the Bible, an alphabetical list of names and titles of God, pronunciation guide to names and titles, book introductions, reading guides, topical prayer guide for the names of God, table of the names of God, and a name index. Throughout the text, key names of God are given for each book.

I found this Bible very user-friendly, and look forward to using it in my personal reading and study.

"Bible has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".



THE SHELTER OF GOD'S PROMISES by Sheila Walsh - Book Review

Having recently attended a Women of Faith event where Sheila Walsh spoke three times, I just knew I wanted to pick up a copy of her latest book, The Shelter of God's  Promises. I have just finished reading it, savouring every morsel of truth. Sheila has a lovely way of re-telling biblical stories in such a way that the reader learns something new and applicable to our lives. This book is no exception. Truth is combined with everyday stories and a dash of humour.

In The Shelter of God's Promises, "Sheila unveils the foundational promises of God that secure our lives during even the most difficult times." (Taken from cover flap)

Chapter titles include:

Promises, Promises/ I Need Something to Hold On To

Provision/ I Don't Have Enough

Peace/ I'm Afraid and Feel Alone

Confidence/ I Can't See God's Plan in This Pain

Love/ I Don't Believe That Anyone Could Really Love Me

Grace/ I Have Failed

Hope/ I'm Broken

Strength/ I Feel Things Are Crashing Around Me

More/ I Know There's Something Better

Home/ I Have a Future

The book also includes an in-depth Bible study, which is suitable for small groups or individual study.

Also available: A DVD-Based Study features ten, 25-30 minute sessions and bonus resources for promotion.

Sheila Walsh is a powerful communicator, Bible teacher, and best-selling author with more than 4 million books sold. A featured speaker with Women of Faith, Sheila has reached more than 3.5 million women. Sheila lives in Frisco, Texas with husband, Barry, son, Christian, and her two dogs, Belle and Tink.

Keep up with Sheila at SheilaWalsh.com, Twitter and Facebook.

Listen to a clip of Sheila's teaching at http://www.christianbook.com/

Sheila's book is published by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE by Melody Carlson - Book Review

Melody Carlson has done it again. She has given us a Christmas novella, a quick read to warm our hearts. The Christmas Shoppe takes place in a small town, where everyone is entwined in each others' lives, and has a strong opinion about everything. The townfolk are very protective of their town, and then a stranger comes in their midst. Well, Matilda Honeycutt is beyond strange! She is eccentric. She sets up shop right in the upscale section of town, and no one knows quite what to make of it. Finally, curiosity gets the better of the citizens of Parrish Springs, and one by one, they enter the shop and their lives are changed.

Personally, I found the story line predictable, and there were so many characters that none were developed to any depth. The story seemed to come to a close quickly, and it wasn't entirely satisfying. I feel that if one or two of the characters had been developed more fully, it would have been more satisfactory. I had looked forward to reading this book, since last year's offering, Christmas At Harrington's, was a true delight. Melody is an excellent writer, but I found this particular book disappointing.

Melody Carlson is the popular author of more than 200 books, including The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's. She was recently nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market. She lives with her husband in Oregon.

Melody's website is http://www.melodycarlson.com/. Follow Melody on Facebook Melody Carlson Books.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

IMAGINE! WOMEN of FAITH EVENT - ROCHESTER

How does one put into words the impact of this Women of Faith event? It was all that we had hoped for, and more. How uplifting to be in the midst of 8,000+ women, raising our voices in praise to our awesome God!

This was our first WoF event. We loved hearing from great speakers - Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Lisa Harper, Angie Smith, and Dr. Henry Cloud. We could relate so well to Nicole Johnson's dramatic presentations, and laughed till it hurt along with Ken Davis. We joined hearts and voices with the worship team, and were blessed by the singing of Natalie Grant and Mary Mary.

I was thrilled that WoF events give an opportunity to reach out to others. 650 children were sponsored through World Vision, donations were made to a local outreach, and Liberty University was promoted.

The concourse was full of tables with books, CD's and DVD's, Bibles, t shirts, and gifts. Just wish I'd brought more money!!

Imagine the logistics involved in providing lunch for over 8,000 women. It went smoothly.

We made use of the breaks to chat with those around us. We were so happy to note that we were surrounded by other Canadians, as well as by Booksneeze bloggers.

There were a number of 'God moments' for us personally, and we can just imagine that God was doing amazing things in many lives.
Sheila's message touched me deeply. "The Shepherd knows where we are, and He won't leave us. One day, He will bring us all the way home."

Thanks, Thomas Nelson Publishers and Booksneeze for the two free tickets. My daughter and I were truly blessed.

Imagine! Women of Faith, Rochester, NY

What a day we've had at the Women of Faith Imagine! Event in Rochester! Can you imagine being together with 8,000 women, praising our amazing God? The speakers today gave messages that challenged us. We laaughed till it seemed our seams would burst, and also shed a few tears. We can't wait for another full day tomorrow.

WOMEN OF FAITH - ROCHESTER, NY

Well, here we are, my daughter and I, resting in our hotel room in Henrietta, NY. We are looking forward to our first Women of Faith event. We are expecting that the Blue Cross Arena will be filled with like-minded women, praising God through music and drama, and being challenged in our faith by some great speakers. We told the front desk clerk that we were here for a women's event, and he asked if it was Women of Faith! He said that was really a big deal. For sure, it WILL be!

I will write more tomorrow.

I received two free tickets from Thomas Nelson Publishers, sponsors of Women of Faith. I blog for them as a part of their Booksneeze program.