Book Reviews, His Word

Book Review – Uncommon

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

I would go one step further to say that to be a true disciple of Christ in a world that wants anything BUT that, is an incredible accomplishment.

I was recently given an advance reader copy of “Uncommon: Pursuing a Life of Passion and Purpose” by Carey Scott. I had read her first book “Untangled” and knew I needed to read this, her second, book.

Upon initial hearing, the word ‘uncommon’ doesn’t seem like an adjective I would like used with my name. However, after exploring Carey Scott’s perspective, I believe being called ‘uncommon’ would be a high honor.

Carey offers real world, practical advice for those of us struggling with how to walk out our faith in a world which would like nothing more than to stifle it.

Each chapter highlights an ‘Uncommon’ virtue such as courage, gratitude, love, prayer, and more.

In the chapter covering Uncommon Courage, Carey gives us Esther as a biblical example. Carey demonstrates how Esther’s unwavering courage was uncommon for the time and how God rewarded this.

In the chapter covering Uncommon Leadership, Carey offers Deborah as a biblical example. Deborah’s leadership was certainly uncommon for the time. There had not been a woman in a leadership position before now. She was respected and revered. And this was uncommon.

Carey not only gives us biblical examples of these uncommon virtues, she also grants us a peek into her life. She relates to us, her readers, situations and circumstances in her own life which have required the uncommon virtues she writes about.

From the wisdom Carey Scott offers here, I know this will be a book I refer back to in the future while continuing my walk with Christ. I hope you find this resource as encouraging and helpful as I have.

I received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Book Reviews, Link-Ups

Return of the Continuums – Book Review

I recently finished two books by Jennifer Brody: The Thirteenth Continuum and Return of the Continuums. These are the first two books in a trilogy by this author.

I was given a copy of Return of the Continuums (RC) in exchange for my honest review here. I knew that it was the second in a series of 3 books, so I had to purchase The Thirteenth Continuum (TC) in order to get the full story.

I enjoyed the TC very much. It was suspenseful and had a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was anxious to start RC, the second book, once I finished the first one.

The author’s characters were full of depth and were well developed in RC. Although there were times I had trouble keeping up with the many characters and their roles, RC is an excellent follow up to TC. It is also engaging without stooping to the level of using sexual scenarios or bad language to ‘sell’ itself.

In the same vein as The Hunger Games series or The Giver, The Continuum Trilogy is a science fiction based story based in a dystopian society. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, you will certainly enjoy The Continuum Trilogy of books.

While this is not a light, fluffy read, it will certainly keep you engaged and turning the pages.

I am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy and will definitely read it when it’s released.

Book Reviews, Link-Ups

The Raven – Book Review

Back in March, I told you about a book called Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa. At that time, I told you I loved this book, and the author was coming out with a new one called The Raven. I was hoping I would be selected to read and review this book when it came out this month. Fortunately for me, I was!

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Mike Nappa nails the faith-based, suspense, edge-of-your-seat, thriller, yet again.

In the beginning, the good guys are indistinguishable from the bad guys. That is what makes the book so captivating. Right about the time you think you have it figured out, Mike drops some plot twist in your lap.

Told in differing points of view, the reader is taken on a journey through political, mob, and blue collar perspectives.

Through the main character, The Raven, we learn of the city councilman’s ‘extra-curricular’ activities. Through Sister/Mama Bliss, we learn of the heartbreak that comes with living in a crime infested area of Atlanta. Through Trudi, we learn of her unwavering dedication to truth and justice.

Why are Mama Bliss and Max secretly meeting?

Who did the gift of an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii for Samuel and Trudi come from?

What is The Raven running from in his past?

How did The Raven come to work for Mama Bliss?

These are some of the many questions that will arise when engaged in reading The Raven.

Once again, Mike Nappa writes a stellar novel that has hairpin twists and turns, some romance, an element of faith and Christianity, and is clean. Clearly, Mike doesn’t need to fill his books with gore or sex to sell them. His writing ability and his intriguing characters sell his books for him.

If you haven’t picked up on it, I would highly recommend this book! Mike Nappa has a fan in this reader.

Book Reviews, His Word, Link-Ups

Book Review – Disillusioned

Ok folks…summer took a serious toll on this gal. Kids…everywhere. Productivity…nowhere!

I have so many books that I was given copies of, in return for an honest review here in my space on the interwebs…and I’m sooooo far behind!

But, I have to tell you, the most recent book I read, Disillusioned by Christy Barritt was seriously amazing! I haven’t had the opportunity to read such an engaging thriller in a long time.

Disillusioned

The brief summary is that the main character, Nikki, has a brother that escaped from a detainment camp in Columbia. Since he escaped, he hasn’t been the same. What’s more is that it appears that he is being framed for acts of terrorism.

From the moment I turned the first page, Christy had me hooked. This was the first book of her’s that I read. Needless to say, I’ll be finding more.

The author’s writing style is easy to follow and with the way she ends chapters, you can’t help but start a new one immediately. Bookmarks? Those are for quitters.

Through every twist and plot turn, you find yourself rooting for Nikki, her brother Bobby, and their friend, Kade, who is helping them uncover the layers of deceit.

This book also has an underlying element of faith. When the story begins, we find Nikki disillusioned with her faith and religion overall. As the story unfolds, we gain a better understanding of why Nikki questions and second-guesses her belief in God and His overall goodness.

If you enjoy reading a good, clean suspense thriller, with a faith factor added in, then this book is definitely for you!

Book Reviews, His Word, Link-Ups

Book Review – More Than Rivals

Hi Friends!

Over the past 4-5 years, I’ve had the opportunity to read and review several books. The books are always given to me, and in return, I provide an honest review here.

This time, I have the honor and privilege to write my husband’s words here for the review of the book More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and White by Ken Abraham.

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I requested this book from the publisher with the intent to write my own review. I thought it sounded like an inspiring and hope-filled message. I didn’t even have the chance to grab the book before my husband did…and he was off and running. I think he enjoyed the book, considering I didn’t really ‘talk’ to him during the 3-4 days it took him to read it.

Here’s what he has to say…

This book is a story of two boys, one Caucasian,Bill Legion, and one African American, Eddie Sherwin. The setting is Galleatin, Tennessee in the 1960’s. In this time and place, race was still a dividing issue in all arenas — church, school, stores.

These two boys are blinded to race by their love of a sport…basketball. To them, skin color is far less important than their passion for playing on the court.

As quickly as their friendship begins as young boys, it is uprooted when Eddie’s family moves to the other side of Gallatin. Eddie then attends Union school.

The two boys grow into young men who both excel in academics as well as athletics.  Although they no longer have the opportunity to see each other other on a regular basis, the local newspaper coverage allows them both to continue to follow one another and their success on the basketball court.

As the 60’s come to an end, the city of Gallatin is faced with the dilemma of consolidating two schools into one.  Both Gallatin and Union basketball teams are undefeated and it seems that for the first time ever, the boys’ paths are about to cross for the district championship.  It is around this time, the town is on edge with trying to figure out how both sides will coexist.  Eddie and Bill however, remain focused on the game they both love so much.

In what truly must have been a game of the ages, neither team backed down and fought like they never had.  Their respective communities filled the stands and the atmosphere had everyone on edge.  Local KKK groups were in attendance and did not make it any easier.

Sadly, we live in a world where race is still an issue. These boys remind us what it is to be followers of God.  God doesn’t discriminate, so why should we?  This book will move you to re-evaluate how you are living life and what areas still need improvement.  I wish I could be more like Eddie and Bill.

Special thanks to my husband for his review of this book. I’m adding it to my ever-growing ‘To Be Read’ pile.