Daisies Are Forever Book Review

Book Review of Daisies are Forever

  by Liz Tolsma


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      If you enjoy historical (circa 1945) fiction, you will truly enjoy this new novel by Liz Toslma.  She expertly takes the real life stories of two German women who survived World War II and the subsequent retaliation on Germany; and joins them into one story of one woman that takes the horrific journey from Heiligenbeil, East Prussia to Berlin, Germany. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the bloodshed is unimaginable and the turns are surprising, but it is also full of heart and the will of the human spirit to survive.  God's love, and the hope of a better future urge the characters on and into the unknown.  You will certainly come to love Mitch, think the elderly sisters are amusing and adorable, and want to rock poor Gisela to sleep on your lap.  I recommend the book for mature teens and older.  There is much reference to killing and rape.  This is an excellent story, from an exceptional best-selling author. 

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Summer.... 

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

One God One Plan One Life Book Review

Book Review of One God One Plan One Life

  by Max Lucado
"A 365 Devotional"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      Are you a teen looking to start or amp up your quiet time and relationship with God?  This book is a super place to start. Guys and girls can find 365 days of spot-on devotionals written just to them.  Each day starts with a verse.  Then follows Lucado's devotional chock-full of wisdom, life application and Godly vision.  Each day is wrapped up with "One More Thought" reiterating the devotional and giving advice that teens need.  This book is beautifully written, but more over it's sturdy and small enough to fit on the nightstand,  gym bag or airplane carry on.  The book will run you around $15, but is well worth the investment.  You will not only get a years worth of reading, but eternal rewards as well. 

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 


Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

Primal Fire Book Review

Book Review of Primal Fire

  by Neil Cole with Dezi Baker, Ed Waken, Phil Helfer and Paul Kaak
"Reigniting the Church with the Five Gifts of Jesus"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      Right now!  Don't even bother reading my review.  Just go get the book. 

    If you are in ministry in any capacity  - pastor, missionary, nursery care, Bible study leader, Sunday morning muffin baker - you need to get this book. 

    Sometimes we wonder where we fit in the Great Commission, it's God's Kingdom and within our church.  We feel pressure to "do it like her" or "be like him".  You aren't "him" and you certainly aren't "her" - you are YOU!  You were created in God's image which means you hold in your soul one of Jesus' five gifts.  This book will help you identify where you will best fit in ministry - and it's probably not what you think.  The book is so much more than that as well.  There's historical theology and Cole's exegesis is phenomenal.  Everything points back to Jesus' ministry, really equipping you to get out and do what you are called to do.  I think not only the congregation of a church, but all church leadership needs to get a hold of this book, and fast.  The hierarchical leadership in modern churches is pushing out people with gifts that need to be used in the church.  Isn't the church about furthering God's Kingdom?  Isn't that the whole point of the Great Commission?  Doesn't everyone sitting in a church wonder blankly, "Where do I fit here?"  This book will help guide the reader to what ministry position they are best suited for; and help leaders point their members to the right direction, and not stick them in a place they won't thrive.  A fire will light inside of you begging you to find your place, and urging you on for something more.  Not all of the gifts are leading a Sunday School class - some are out in the wilds and on the road.  Are you excited yet?   I recommend this book for 16 years old and up, or for a younger student seriously considering where they fit within the church and out in ministry of any kind.

(I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network as part of their blogging 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 


Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

Blessed Child Book Review

Book Review of Blessed Child

  by Ted Dekker with Bill Bright


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      I will tell you right now that this is the third, possibly fourth time I have read this book.  Obviously, I'm going to tell you I really like it. 

    This books opens with a bang, like any other Ted Dekker book you may choose to read.  The action begins at the Debra Damarro, an Ethiopian Orthodox monastery in a remote corner of Tigre in northern Ethiopia.  A boy is rescued from near death, all the while, his liberators are running for their lives as well.  Ending up in America, this rescued boy, Caleb, is unveiled to be something special.  Something so remarkable, the world has not seen anything like him before.  You must read to find out if his powers are psychic, supernatural, miracles, or purely a child that walks with God. 

    I have always loved this book for many different reasons.  Mostly because it will really make you deeply question your own ability to walk in God's kingdom.  Also, because Dekker is just a plain out amazing author.  I don't think there are many stories tellers as good as he is around today.  He may just be the best.  This book is followed up with the sequel A Man Called Blessed which is also remarkable.  I recommend this book to anyone ages 12 and up for a good adventure read that also contains strong life application.  Note to parents:  There are guns, shooting, and some mild violence by a horrid caregiver.  Grab a copy and get to reading!

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring.... 

Primal Fire by Neil Cole 

Hidden Falls (some episodes) by Olivia Newport

Blessings of The Cross by assorted authors

Rich in Years Book Review

Book Review of Rich In Years

  by Johann Christoph Arnold
"Finding Peace and Purpose In A Long Life"

REVIEW BY: C. Szymoniak

      I'd like to introduce to you, my mother, Cynthia.  She's joining me today to be a guest blogger and reviewer here.  I asked her to read this book and let me know what she thought about it. 

     "This book is about entering your older years with peace and contentment.  To find wisdom for the decisions you need to make as an older person.  Also, it encourages the reader to have a teachable spirit as we grow older, so you can offer something to life and society.  To be still, and know that God is God.  This book is a compilation of short stories, with the contributors being a variety of older people.  It gives their take on life and the process of growing older.  Each short story takes about 10 minutes to read.  Not only is there Scripture is in the mix, but also poems and anecdotes along the way, my favorite being...'Even if I don't need an proffered arm, I learned to say, I don't really need it, but I love to have your company.  My philosophy is, 'keep going as much and as long as you can, but don't let it isolate you."
    "I really enjoyed this book, and found that I would read different passages through more than once.  I wanted to soak in the treasures within the pages so that I to could be a comfort to others and keep an open spirit and teachable heart as I approach my older years.  I would recommend this book to a caregiver, men or women, and anyone that has a godly-character and would like to express it in their older age.  I did find the book uplifting, but do think that it only pertains to the group of adults that are 50 years old and older.  I want to close by relating to you that older people in your life are very valuable.  They possess wisdom and knowledge for those younger.  The aged person is not for discard, but a credit to society that should not be overlooked."

(I received this book free from Handlebar Publishing as part of their blogging 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Winter.... 

Blessed Child by Ted Dekker

Frame 232 Book Review

Book Review of Frame 232

  by Wil Mara
"A Jason Hammond Novel"

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      Do the words "Babushka Lady, grassy knoll, and Dealey Plaza" mean anything to you?  They should since they are all part of this nations history and are memories of President Kennedy's infamous assassination.  Speculation has gone on for 50 years on who the Babushka Lady is in Adam Zupruder's famous footage.  Wil Mara cleverly tells a tale putting together (fictionally, of course) the missing pieces of this ongoing public mystery.  This is the first installment of the Jason Hammond series, the next being a tale of cryptic documents from Howard Hughes.  Mara has been writing for almost three decades, and this latest work shows his prowess with a pen. 
  
    This book is very excellent.  I was completely captured from the prologue to the last word.  The chapters are short, which makes it perfect bedtime reading.  So many theories on the Babushka Lady and multiple gunman have been swirling around the better half of a century.  Wil Mara's fictional version is outstanding.  He's obviously done his homework on the assassination and events surrounding it.  His words paint brilliant pictures in your mind, as if you were there.  I'm waiting eagerly for the next installment featuring Jason Hammond, a genius with a dark past.  This book is highly recommended for mature teens and up.  There are graphic depictions of the murder, and also a pretty tough kidnapping and minor reference to rape.  Guns, hit men, deceptive government officials and the like are all part and parcel. 

(I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing as part of their blogging 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Winter.... 

Blessed Child by Ted Dekker

His Treasure Book Review

Book Review of His Treasure

  by Sheri Rose Shepherd
"Gems of Love From Your King"

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

   Renown author of the His Princess series, Sheri Rose Shepherd, added a great little treasure to her stack of books this year.  When I say little,  I do mean it is actually small.  It's only around 6"x4" and can easily be toted around in your car, purse, etc.  This book is not a devotional, but close.  There are pages and pages of letters to the reader from "God" penned by Shepherd, yet all Scriptural.  Each letter also has an adjacent Scripture.  Each letter is labeled according to what the treasure is on that page - example: "My Treasure, His Masterpiece"..."My Treasure, His Light".  Not only are the words that are written a healthy dose of encouragement and nurturing, but the pages are stunning.    It's like wallpaper for every woman.  This book would be a perfect gift for any woman in your life - baby or mature Christian's alike.  Each gem will uplift you and bring you closer to understanding who you are in Christ.  I personally feel that $15 for this book is on the expensive side, but it's still worth the purchase for yourself or another lovely lady in your life.  Women 16 and up would treasure this little gem. 

(I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their blogging 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Winter.... 


Frame 232 by Wil Mara 

Blessed Child by Ted Dekker