The Other Side of The River Book Review

Book Review of The Other Side of The River

  by Robert D. Halpert, MD

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

    This book is a glimpse into the life of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.  He's widely looked at as a brave, albeit eccentric military leader.  Yet, the author chooses not to brush aside the strong role that Jackson's spiritual life had on him and the country.  Even when our nation was at its most dire hour of crisis during the Civil War, the steadfastness and resolution of Lieutenant General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson will incite your own personal resolve.
     If you enjoy historical works, you will probably relish this book.  I felt the beginning was quite slow, and somewhat devoid of enthusiasm Though, it was still a strong book on many levels.  I think it would be very important for a potential reader to have some simple knowledge of our nation's history and what led to the Civil War. The author is throwing you right in to the middle of a national watershed, moments before the emergence of war.  Some historical knowledge would be a plus to the reader.  I do believe the average student would be lost with this book.  However, this would be an exceptional book for a high school / college student to use as a supplement to the study of the Civil War or Stonewall Jackson. 

(I received this book free from Booksneeze.com 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

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

Beauty By The Book, For Teens by Laurie Cole

Think 4:8 by Tommy Newberry 

Fatal Tide by Lis Wiehl

Want To Self Publish?

Should you self-publish your book?

How to get the book that’s “in you” out to the world...

You’ve got a book in you—you’re sure of it. Whether it’s an amazing story, or solid expert advice, you know others would benefit from the book you’re already writing in your head.
So, what is the best way for you to go about getting this book out to the masses? You’ve got a few options; we’ll walk you through them here.

Traditional Publishing
Getting your book published has never been tougher—if you go the traditional royalty publisher route. Traditional, or “royalty” publishing, works like this: you (or more accurately, your literary agent) queries a publishing company with a book proposal. If the publisher “buys” your book, they’ll offer you an advance (sometimes) and a small cut of the book sales proceeds. In return, they’ll edit the book, cover the costs of production (including the cover), printing, and so forth. But this also gives them editorial control and more sway in your brand management. The publisher handles distribution—getting your book into stores and online sellers—and book promotion, handling some marketing, but leaving a larger chunk to you than you might expect.

Self-Publishing
Self-publishing is a risk you, the author, take on in full. You can expect to pay all publishing costs: editing, design, printing, marketing, advertising and distribution. Because of this, you also have control of the product: you have final say on the cover, the content, and marketing plan. Once the expenses are paid, the author receives the profits from sales. The risk to you is greater, but so is the reward.

Self-publishing, as the name implies, can be a lonely job—you are on your own, often being funneled through a cookie-cutter type system. You’re doing it all by yourself. You’ll learn by making mistakes, and some of those “lessons” can be expensive. You may just want to write, but a self-published author also serves as business manager, brand manager, and more.

Self-Publishing with an Experienced Team
There is a third option in the new world of publishing: you can self-publish with a team.
Hiring a team of publishing professionals can make the self-publishing process much easier, less lonely, and increase the quality of your end product greatly.
You’ll also avoid costly mistakes by relying on the book professionals’ expertise. And you’ll be able to hand off much of the “book business” tasks so that you can focus on being an author—while still retaining control of content and the overall process.

Working with a self-publishing team like Kickstand Books is like hiring a personal concierge when exploring a new area. Having traveled this way before, this team can steer you in the right direction, help you make good choices, and take care of details that you, the author, might prefer not to handle. The team at Kickstand prides itself on the white glove service offered to each author, creating quality products every time including top design, printer negotiations, and more behind-the-scenes tasks most authors would prefer to leave to someone else.

Self-publishing can be a challenging yet gratifying option for authors, especially when they have a team of professionals working with them.

Leave a comment: If you’ve published a book, tell us about your experience. What worked, what didn’t? What did you learn? If you’re thinking of writing a book, do you plan to self-publish it? Why or why not?

Afloat Book Review

Book Review of Afloat

  by Erin Healy

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

    Page turning adventure coming your way!  Best selling author, Erin Healy, does it again with her latest book, Afloat.  Right from the beginning the waters begin to rise on the shores of Eagle's Talon, the floating homes and masterpiece of Vance Nolan.  Once the flooding starts, everything falls apart, literally.  From death, to a chemical catastrophe, volcano eruption, betrayal, angels and a little romance intermingled, this book offers a plethora to the adventure reader.  I very much savored this little read.  It really never took a lull; and truly surprised me with it's twists now and again.  It's an effortless read, reminiscent of the work of Beth Webb Hart.  You'll fall fast for Vance Nolan, find that you relate to Danielle Clement, and loathe Tony Dean.  For moments you will wish you lived at Eagle's Talon and quickly want to flee.  I recommend this book to teens and adults (at least 14 years old - due to the nature of Tony and Danielle's relationship). Procure a copy for yourself and be glad you did. 

(I received this book free from Booksneeze.com 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

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

Beauty By The Book, For Teens by Laurie Cole

Think 4:8 by Tommy Newberry 

The Other Side of the River by Robert D Halpert, MD

So Long, Insecurity (teen edition) Book Review

Book Review of So Long, Insecurity

teen edition

  by Beth Moore

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

    Acclaimed author, Beth Moore, steps out with something different with a teen edition of best selling book So Long, Insecurity.  Moore has not only hit all realms of insecurity teens deal with, but has jam packed this edition for teen girls with so many goodies ....
    - Everything is backed up with Scripture!
    - The entire book is full color with photographs and bright excitement - just as teens like it.
    - There are tons of interviews with real teen girls.
    - Quizzes!  Every girl loves a quiz.
    - Each chapter has a woman from the Bible that dealt with the same insecurities.
    - There are interviews with women that have gone through insecurity - even a Victoria Secret model.
    - Each chapter has a "Chat About It" section for small groups.
    - The book wraps up with a "Prayer of Security" and a call to salvation. 

    I'm ecstatic over this book, as was my 13 year old daughter.  This is definitely a rare jewel in the cosmos of books for teens. I will be presenting this book to our Youth Pastor for consideration as a teen girl small group study.
    I dealt with insecurity this week - which blindsided me, since I generally am a confident women.  In a freak accident last week my left ring finger was severed.  A wonderful ER doctor  stitched me all back together and sent me home.  Needless to say, my finger doesn't look like it once did it's in glory days.  I'm dealing with embarrassment and sadness over the loss of a "beautiful finger".  I found myself worried about what other people would think of my ugly, misshapen hand.  Stuffing those feelings away and putting on a joyful smile only lasts so long.  During my perusing of this book, I stumbled upon these scriptures - "...give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you.  Let them be a living sacrifice - the kind He finds acceptable..." (Romans 12:1)  "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." (Proverbs 31:25)  "Your Royal Husband delights in your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord." (Psalm 45:11)  Such simplicity, yet so deeply meaningful in my moments of weakness and insecurity.  No matter if you are a teen or a woman, God's Word doesn't change, and it's for all of us.  I completely recommend this book for girls 13 and up.  This would be a perfect Mom/Daughter study, a teen help book, or  a small group study for teen girls. 

(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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

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

Afloat by Erin Healy

Beauty By The Book, For Teens by Laurie Cole

Think 4:8 by Tommy Newberry

The Point Book Review

Book Review of The Point

"The Redemption of Oban Ironbout"

  by William E. Jefferson

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

     This is a fiction book based in Estillyen - "a distant harbor known for bringing ancient words of worth to the present."  Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze are going there for just that.  They set off looking for serenity and motivation.  They unexpectedly become spliced into the life of Oban Ironbout - Estillyen's reclusive mystery.  The Macbreeze's visit a monastery where they listen to readings - which are then interspersed throughout the book.  These reading's illuminate the Bible and bring it to life for a present audience.
    Hmmmmm....where to begin here.  Let's start with the pros.  This book is compelling and is clearly written by a great Bible scholar and brilliant storyteller.  Jefferson seamlessly brings fiction and the Bible together for a demanding read.  My cons are as follows - I don't have the time and brain power at this season of my life to enjoy this book.  Right now my life is calling for easy reads (thrillers, autobiographies and the like) that I can read in the evening after 8-10 hours of serious expulsion of brain energy.   I think this book would be really superb for someone looking for something deeper - something with actual meat and meaning (unlike 90% of books today).  You really need to ponder your reading in this book - and it makes sense to have your mind 100% open when you read it.  The book is phenomenal, just not for a tired person that is looking for a relaxing novel.  I recommend this for high school students that need  some lesson in deep thinking.  I also believe that most adults with time for study would thoroughly enjoy this book.

   

(I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Summer.... 
Afloat by Erin Healy

So Long Insecurity, For Teens by Beth Moore 

Beauty By The Book, For Teens by Laurie Cole
 

Captive In Iran Book Review

Book Review of Captive In Iran

  by Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

     I'm getting straight to the point with this book.  This is an absolute must read for the American population.  If you have never been to Iran, you've never experienced the atrocities of a communist country.  If you don't agree with their regime, you are imprisoned or even worse.  This story follows the real lives of Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh - underground Christian's in Iran.  These women spent the early parts of their adulthood spreading Christ throughout Tehran and the surrounding area.  Eventually they were found out and immediately imprisoned as apostates of Iran.  But, what a blessing that turned out to be!  Even though torture, starvation, humiliation and sickness, the Evin prison turned into be a evangelizing arena.  These two ladies brought hope, joy and life back into the women they shared captivity with.  You will be completely inspired by these women facing martyrdom.  They stood in the face of certain execution with class, faith, hope, honor and steadfastness without blinking an eye.  They clung to Christ and filled the Evin prison with His glory and majesty.  Never have I read of women that were so complete in their dedication to Jesus.  I highly recommend this book for anyone ages 14 and up.  (Note: The book refers to sexual lesbian relationships that happen inside the prison, and may not be suited for an immature reader.)  Watch the video below for a inside look at their lives in a one on one interview.

   

(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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Summer.... 
Afloat by Erin Healy

The Point by William Jefferson

Stress Test Book Review

Book Review of Stress Test

  by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

     "THEY MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT HIM, BUT THEY HAVE ENOUGH TO RUIN HIS LIFE.  Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life as a surgeon in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left the hospital at 2 a.m. have no such plans—they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt’s only thought is fleeing with his life. He does escape, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he’s being charged with murder."
     I was really torn on what to write in my review for this book.  Although, I liked the book as a whole, it really didn't have much meat.  It was very basic and bland without much character development, nor depth.  It's a quick read for those who would like some light entertainment on an airplane.  Don't expect major twists or development in this thriller - just your meat-and-potatoes good book.       

   

(I received this book free from Booksneeze.com 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

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

Captive In Iran by Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh

Afloat by Erin Healy

The Point by William Jefferson