Cover to Cover

Hook Line and Sinker

2012-02-09T20:54:00.000-06:00

Susan May Warren has a gift for making Christianity and romance come together to create wholesome reading with purpose. With characters that live Godly lives and strive for Godly relationships, Hook, Line and Sinker is a perfect example of this gift.

Hook, Line and Sinker has a cast of college kids who attend a Christian college while trying to raise money for an organization. For a new fundraiser, students set off to Deep Haven to participate in a fishing contest. The guy heading up the event and the girl dragging her feet just happen to have a history together that left them on less than friendly terms. As the events of the fishing contest take place over a few days these two young loves are forced to spend time together and realize the truth behind their relationship.

I enjoy reading novellas and yet for the very reason I enjoy them I also dislike them. Due to the shorter word count author’s must get right to the point—no dilly dallying. This fact makes every word and page count and it makes for attention-grabbing reading. There are no dull moments when reading novellas. I have great appreciation for that but, I miss the development and teasing element that comes with a longer book. Novels allow the author more time to detour or go haywire for awhile. The extra drama also keeps me reading. Whether I read a short story or full length novel I am equally satisfied, it’s just a different kind of gratification.

Hook, Line and Sinker will reel you in and before you know it you’ll be fishing for another novella.

I received a complimentary digital copy of Hook, Line and Sinker as a participant in Tyndale's blogging program.

Christmas Books for Kids

2011-12-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

A Christmas season tradition at the Archer home is reading Christmas children’s books. Each year I go through my row of books from my teaching days and pull out all the Christmas books. The stack sits on the couch all season and we read at least one each day. We also like to check some out from the local library, even though we have a large pile.

Here are several books that are our favorites for this year. Some are my son’s favorites and some are my books of choice.

My son 's favorite part of this book is the last page which is the music to the song. He places the book at the piano and proceeds to grace us with a unique rendition of Jingle Bells.

This is a cute pop-up book full of bugs. The singsong story is to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Day 12 is a stunning 3-D display of Angel bugs.

This story is about a family who decorates a tree in the forest each year with edible ornaments for the animals. Every year when we read this story I remember that I think it's a really neat idea and I remind myself that I would like to do this someday.

Jan Brett is an extremely gifted illustrator. If you've never read one of her books, you simply must. The detail will astound you. Her style of illustrating gives this classic poem new life.

This is one of my favorites. I've met the author and she has written in our book a message for my son. Michelle Medlock Adams tells the story of Christ's birth from the perspective of the dove and other animals. The rhyming lilt makes the book endearing.

I like to read this book on Christmas Eve before bed. The words are the lyrics to Silent Night and the accompanying pictures are Thomas Kinkade paintings.

And finally, our reading would not be complete without a trip to the North Pole. This book was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Award and once you've read it you'll see it is deserving. My son likes the version of this book that has pictures from the motion picture by the same name. To me, nothing beats the original.

What do you and your children read together this time of year? Do you have a favorite Christmas story from your childhood?

Merry Christmas reading--

J Renee

Christmas Reading

2011-12-05T22:08:00.000-06:00

Reading Christmas stories is a December tradition for me. The last few years I’ve breezed through many and nothing is better than a heartwarming story during the Christmas season. Unfortunately, not all Christmas stories are equally created. It sounds impossible but, I have encountered some stories that do not capture the dreamy, cozy, romantic, feel-good emotion I desire from a Christmas-themed book. And let me say now that all of the books I mention in this post are quick reads—they are novella-size.

First, Donna VanLiere has written many Christmas books, all of which are outstanding. I have read several and can say that each one makes you sigh, cry and leaves you with a fairy tale feeling. Isn’t that the best kind of story to read this time of year? The Christmas Blessing is her title that I’ve most recently read. This book is the sequel to The Christmas Shoes and it addresses the purpose each of us is on earth to fulfill. It’s a story of hope and love and miracles. If you’d like to see what else VanLiere has to offer, click here.

Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley is another recent read. I thought the book was mediocre. I have certain criteria, as I’ve stated, that I expect to have in every Christmas story and this novella did not match my criteria. It is fairly well-written but the storyline doesn’t really go anywhere. Gulley has written a series of books revolving around the small town of Harmony and the quirky people who reside there. Philip Gulley isn’t the romantic that Donna VanLiere is but your yuletide reading pleasures may be different than mine.

I’ve also read, The Perfect Love Song by Pattie Callahan Henry. This one had plenty of everything I desire in a seasonal read. It was a good plot but, there was one element that tips the scale for me. There were occasions when the characters would speak the name of God in vain. Really? In a Christmas story? That’s a huge turn off—in any book I read, but especially in a Christmas book!

I have a few more Christmas tales to read before the season passes by. Check out my lists of books I’ve read in past years for other great Christmas books. What books do you enjoy reading this time of year?

Back to my Christmas book—

J Renee

Quest for the Nail Prints by Don Furr

2011-11-02T20:53:00.000-05:00

Furr’s debut novel, Quest for the Nail Prints, is a gripping tale of three people from modern era who find themselves following Jesus around for the few days before his crucifixion. These three individuals do not know each other prior to traveling on the same flight to Israel and they have no inkling how much this trip will change their lives.

When I read the summary of Furr’s book I thought it would prove to be hokie and shallow. Time travel and such tom foolery is not what I typically choose to read. Then I started reading the book and discovered I couldn’t put it down.

At the very beginning Furr states, “A fictitious account of an actual event….” I thoroughly enjoy reading books based on biblical events where the author adds interpretation and details not provided in the Bible. In that regard, Quest for the Nail Prints seemed at home on my bookshelf. Fictitious accounts of actual events enhance the factual, add drama and force the reader to think about something well-known in an all new way. Quest for the Nail Prints is exactly what I expect with this type of book.

As for the time travel and other potentially hokie scenarios, it turns out the story flows smoothly with no awkwardness. Furr handles the switch from modern-day to ancient-day and back with ease. Most of the book is set in Jesus’ time so it was easy to forget how we even got there. There are plenty of twists and unforeseen details that keep the reader intrigued. The characters are well developed and dialogue flows nicely. Quest for the Nail Prints brings to life in a totally new way the story of Christ. Furr wrote an excellent adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of Quest for the Nail Prints in exchange for a review.

It Couldn't Just Happen by Lawrence O. Richards

2011-09-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

I can’t wait to use It Couldn’t Just Happen to teach my children the truth about creation and evolution. Richards has written a comprehensive text for kids in the 9-13 age range that regards God’s creation and God’s word as the ultimate truth. Questions about dinosaurs, the Big Bang Theory, humans evolving from apes, and any other question your child will ever ask is addressed in Richards’ book.

Richards wrote the book in classic textbook form but left out the boring and blah. This book captures your attention from your first glance at the cover. Pages are not filled with words alone; pictures abound with captions that add intrigue. This book will hold the attention of kids with ease, not to mention the very readable language. Plus the “Just for Fun” section at the end of each chapter supplies additional questions for kids to ponder, research suggestions to further explore the topic and some sort of biblical or God-centered question.

What I particularly enjoyed about It Couldn’t Just Happen was the direct approach to disproving evolution. Richards is quite frank and unapologetic about proving Evolutionists’ theories incorrect without being disrespectful or demeaning. I appreciate his boldness and confidence. It Couldn’t Just Happen makes it very clear that this world and everything in it did not just happen.

I envision this book being a useful resource in several settings including homeschooling, Sunday School and even a study parents do along with their child. Grab a copy and your kids and start learning just how awesome creation is!

I received a complimentary copy of It Couldn't Just Happen from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a participant in their BookSneeze.com book review blogger program.

The Answer by Allison Wynn

2011-08-29T09:00:00.004-05:00

Wynn’s The Answer is a self-help short story; it is non-fiction subject matter presented in a fiction writing style. I was left with the impression that the story is the author’s personal experience but since it is written as fiction I can’t say that for sure.

The two main characters, Eric and Allison, meet at Starbucks. Eric thought the table he selected was vacant only to discover a journal left on the seat. In an effort to identify the owner he reads the journal and that’s when Allison returns to her table to discover this stranger who is weeping. I will summarize the rest of the story by saying this man and women (strangers) spent the entire day together talking, their lives were forever changed and they began the battle of letting go of anger.

I must be careful with my criticism because I don’t want to minimize a powerful, life-changing experience if this really is Wynn’s story. Having said that, there were a few red flags waving as I read The Answer. First, my mind cannot picture a man and a woman, who are strangers, spending the day together (skipping work) talking. That’s just not reality. Second, Eric is a married man having an intimate, life-altering experience with another woman and then he goes home to tell his wife all about it. My thought is, wouldn’t you want your wife to be there when you have this “a–ha” moment? As much as I would want to be happy for my husband for this break-through I would feel cheated that I didn’t get to be part of that, but some stranger was.

As for the self-help, non-fiction material Wynn claims that feeling insignificant leads to anger and the need to make others feel insignificant. It’s a cycle that takes discipline to recognize and break free from. That’s all fine and I can agree with that but, I would go one step farther and say the cycle can only be broken when we surrender the behavior to Christ and allow His grace to lead us into a new way of life. I was waiting for “we can overcome anything if we ask God for help” and it wasn’t there. I guess The Answer truly is a self-help book and I was hoping for more.

I received a complimentary copy of The Answer in exchange for a review.

June Bug by Chris Fabry

2011-08-18T21:13:00.000-05:00

Let me begin by telling you how I heard about this book…. I was reading a review and the writer said that particular book was as good as Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and June Bug. My attention was zeroed in at that point because Redeeming Love is on my “Best Ever Book List.” Of course, I was skeptical. The probability of me agreeing that another book is of the same caliber as Redeeming Love, is slim. June Bug was placed at the top of my to-read list and this is what I think of Fabry’s novel…outstanding!

June Bug is a modern day retelling of the musical Les Misérables. The only life this nine year old girl named June Bug knows is one of traveling around the country in an RV with her father. Stuck in a Wal-Mart parking lot for several days, June Bug entertains herself inside the store until the day she glimpses at the missing children poster inside the front door only to see a picture of herself. This turns her world upside down and the story takes off from there.

Fabry does a remarkable job of writing from the perspective of a nine year old girl. That is no easy task, but it flows effortlessly throughout the book. The way June Bug thinks and talks is spot on when compared to girls I know that age. It’s almost uncanny how accurate Fabry’s character is to reality. He must have a daughter that age.

The other trait that had me enamored throughout the book was the unusual yet perfect word pictures. He describes in a whole new way and yet it makes perfect sense and you wonder why you never thought to describe it that way. Here a couple examples I particularly enjoyed: “Her face was kindly, with more lines than the map we kept in the RV.” and “there were a bunch of trailers packed in like haulers at a NASCAR race.”

June Bug is a great story and it is written exceptionally well. June Bug gets ahold of your heart and barely lets go at the end of the book. Staying up late and thinking about the book days after completion is to be expected when you decide to read Fabry’s June Bug.

Don’t Give Up: Unexpected Answers to Marital Challenges by Gary Hoffman

2011-08-08T12:22:00.000-05:00

Don’t Give Up is born out of the Men on the Edge Ministry that began at Saddleback Church, of which Hoffman is the leader. This book contains the material used in the support group for men with marital struggles. Hoffman’s book makes a good tool for support groups as well as being a complete resource for men to use on their own. A study guide style suits this book well and it also offers graphs, charts and a few questions to ponder.

Hoffman has a very specific target audience for his book, men in a marriage that is/did fall apart. It’s easy to determine whether or not Don’t Give Up is for you. I also feel the book is geared more towards men who either don’t have a personal relationship with Christ or are on the fringe. I say that because, as a Christian, some of the points Hoffman makes seems elementary. Having said that, there are some tidbits that are useful for women and couples who have a solid marriage. I was pleased when I read Hoffman’s reasoning for not using lawyers and I was glad to read his instruction on behavior during a separation.

A few nitpicks: redundancy, long sermon passages and overall not the caliber of writing I expected. First, I did not like the restating. There were many times the exact same sentence was written twice in the span of half a page. Verbatim. And many chapters could’ve been shorter if the repetition was eliminated. Several scripture passages were used over and over throughout the book, as well. Second, Hoffman prints long sections of sermons giving by Rick Warren. Whose book is it, anyway? And finally, Don’t Give Up fell short of my expectations. Saddleback Church is well-known and well-known for putting out excellent materials. I felt like Hoffman tried too hard to sell the ministry and relied on the reputation of Saddleback to carry the book along.

Don’t Give Up is a good resource and study guide for men who are trying to hold together their marriage. Everyone has to start somewhere and this book is a good beginning place. The format lends itself nicely to a group setting which is also a good place for struggling men to be. Hoffman has a great ministry going and is meeting the need of many men—I can’t criticize that!

So You're Thinking About Homeschooling by Lisa Whelchel

2011-07-21T16:20:00.001-05:00

As a matter of fact, I am. And, after reading this book, I'm thinking more seriously about homeschooling. This book transforms homeschooling from the daunting, unknown into feasible and attainable.

Lisa Whelchel (a.k.a Blair for those of us who grew up in the 80s) has put together conversational encounters with 15 homeschool families, including her own homeschool story. Each chapter is devoted to one family. The family describes their homeschool situation and the method they use. The family circumstances vary from Dad as teacher, to grandparents as teacher, to traveling the country in an RV. Each family uses a different method, such as, the principle approach, traditional textbooks, classic approach, unschooling, and others.

What I like best about So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling is how real it is. That sounds strange but I felt like I was meeting these families face-to-face and given an opportunity to see what homeschooling really looks like. Whelchel doesn’t gloss things over or paint a rosy picture attempting to win you over. This book introduces you to people who approach homeschooling very differently and who teach very differently. Everyone decides to homeschool for their own reason and everyone settles into a way of “doing school” that fits their family.

Whelchel chose the perfect writing style for this book, conversational, not confrontational. The format of meeting a new family with each chapter worked well with the subject matter. As I read I could easily determine aspects that would fit our circumstances, methods that would suit or kids and other details. When I completed the book I felt like I had a better sense of what homeschooling would look like at my house. Homeschooling doesn’t seem like such a scary thing anymore.

I highly recommend So You're Thinking About Homeschooling to anyone who has even had one minute thought about homeschooling. This book would also be good for those who tend to be critical of homeschooling or who don’t understand homeschooling because it presents many approaches and lifestyles.

A Bug Collection DVD Box Set

2011-07-05T21:12:00.000-05:00

By Max Lucado

Published by Tommy Nelson

Includes: Buzby and the Grumble Bees, Hailey & Bailey's Silly Fight, Milo The Mantis Who wouldn't Pray

Tommy Nelson has put together a fine collection of fully animated DVDs for children. "A Bug Collection" is approved for all ages by The Dove Foundation and kid tested to prove enjoyable. Each film has a separate DVD with additional features, including songs and games.

Buzby and the Grumble Bees addresses behaving, Hailey & Bailey's Silly Fight teaches getting along and Milo the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray speaks about prayer. Hermie is the main character in Lucado's children's videos but one (or more) of his friends also takes center stage in each story.

These DVDs are of the same caliber as Veggie Tales, not the old school videos I grew up with. Other than the characters being talking bugs, they move and act as bugs do and are fun to watch. I enjoyed the music in these videos—very peppy and energetic. The voices are well chosen, as well as, well known (Tim Conway, Richard Kind and Victoria Jackson, to name a few).

“A Bug Collection” does not push Biblical language or even mention the Bible, per say. The focus of the story is a worthy trait or moral and supports what the Bible teaches without coming across preachy. The lesson of each story is obvious enough for kids to recognize but flows naturally. For example, in Buzby and the Grumble Bees, the viewer sees how unpleasant it is to be around someone who is always misbehaving. Children then see the positive side of choosing to behave as the story resolves.

This collection is a great addition to a child’s DVD library. I can feel good about my children watching these films, knowing they may learn a thing or two about being a Godly person. From a parent’s perspective, you can’t go wrong with Hermie and friends.

I received a complimentary copy of "A Bug Colelection" from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a participant in their BookSneeze.com book review blogger program.

Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul by John Eldredge

2011-06-29T15:00:00.001-05:00

The secret is out: men are wild. Eldredge presents a solid case for men being warriors who yearn for a battle and beauty to win. Men were created to desire risk, courage and adventure. Wild at Heart explains how our culture has minimized and even stripped masculinity from the male population. Somewhere along the journey from childhood to adulthood boys stop being rough, rugged and adventurous. Being a man and masculinity is God’s design. Eldredge describes how most men find themselves far from feeling like a man and how to reconnect with the true identity God gave them.

As a woman, the subtitle, Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul, piqued my curiosity. Men think women are hard to figure out but, men are equally mystifying. The ways of men and boys leaves me shaking my head in wonder. I was hoping to have my husband (and son) all figured out upon concluding the book. Saying I have them completely figured out would be an overstatement but, my understanding made great gains. The best way I can describe it is like this: any mom of boys has said countless times with an apologetic tone, “Boys will be boys.” Eldredge taught me not to apologize for my son being “all boy.” He’s supposed to be! and it’s my role to encourage and foster that as he grows.

Wild at Heart may seem like a book only for male readers but, the opposite is true. Eldredge intended for women to read this book just as much as men. As much as this book is for men, it is also for wives and mothers. All who read Wild at Heart will encounter many “aha” moments before the last page is turned.

And The Book Goes To....

2011-06-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the Brokaws! They are the winners of the Love & War Devotional For Couples giveaway.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the give away. And as always, thank you for following Cover to Cover.

Back to my book--

J Renee Archer

Love & War Giveaway

2011-06-22T15:16:00.000-05:00

It just so happens that I have two copies of Love & War Devotions for Couples. I would be happy to give another couple the opportunity to experience a good devotion time with each other.

Click here to read what I thought of this book. Then you can decide if you would like this devotional for yourself or to give away (it is wedding season you know).

It's simple to enter:

subscribe to Cover to Cover via email and leave a comment on this post saying you are a subscriber
become a follower of Cover to Cover and leave a seperate comment on this post saying you are a follower
leave a comment telling me if you will keep the book for you and your husband or if you'll pass Love & War on to another desrving couple

If you already subscribe and/or follow:

leave seperate comments on this post for two chances to win

Each person has up to three chances to win. All comments must be posted by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 26. The winner will be randomly selected and announced June 27.

Back to my book---

J Renee

Love & War Devotional For Couples by John & Stasi Eldredge

2011-06-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

A devotion time with my husband has been, well, a struggle. You see, I’m married to a truck driver who is gone a few nights a week. And reading a devotion over the phone is less than fulfilling. So, Love & War was up against a few obstacles from the get go and I’m happy to say the book has conquered them all.

John and Stasi have written this 8-week devotional book as a sidekick to their book, Love & War. I have not read that book and can verify that it is not a prerequisite to the devotional. Each devotion begins with a scripture verse that is followed by John and Stasi’s words. A prayer and concluding verse complete the day’s reading. Once a week there is a brief exercise; something for you and your spouse to discuss. Along with the reading being brief each day, we also appreciate the short-term commitment this book requires.

The format of this book is different from other devotionals for couples my husband and I have (unsuccessfully) tried. Each week is dedicated to one theme and each week consists of five devotions. This may not seem like much of a difference but, having five devotions per week rather than the typical seven has been a key to our success in sticking with the book. As I mentioned, my husband is gone two nights a week so a five-day week works well for us. For other people it may work well to skip devotions on the weekends. We don’t feel like we’re behind; it’s ok to not do devotions a couple nights. It’s nice not having the psychological pressure and guilt of always being behind.

Another positive element of Love & War is the low key approach. The devotions are not preachy or condemning. We don’t feel like John & Stasi are telling us our marriage is a mess. If anything, they help the readers feel good about their marriage being a mess and reassure them others have the same trials and shortcomings.

If my husband and I can successfully complete this devotion book, anyone can!

I received a copy of Love & War Devotional for Couples from WaterBrook Press as a participant in their blogging for books program.

Utopia Texas by Betty Byrd

2011-06-10T17:00:00.001-05:00

I must say that Utopia Texas is difficult to review. This novel was very hard for me to read, so much so that I couldn’t complete the book. Writing a review without reading the entire book is not something I make a habit of doing. In fact, leaving a book unfinished is rare for me (I can’t think of any other book I started but didn’t finish).

I read the first eight chapters of Utopia Texas and a few random passages beyond that. At the end of chapter eight I still did not understand where the story was going. The story through page 50 does not match the description on the back of the book.

There are major gaps in the plot (I use that term loosely) and there is no sense of time. The best example of this is reads like this: “He studied his watch. 11:55 a.m.…. she would meet him at noon….. Within minutes, a cab stopped.” The couple takes a cab ride that presumably will be a short trip to another part of town. There are a couple short paragraphs about the cab ride and when they arrive, “The sun had almost set….” Really? I even read the passage several times thinking I missed something, but there is no explanation for where the afternoon went.

Utopia Texas isn’t my type of book. First, I don’t want to struggle to follow a plot that jumps here, there and everywhere with no lead or preparation. If the scene for the next chapter is a Christmas party, I prefer some indication that it is approaching December 25 or at least that it is winter.

Second, I have no appreciation for lewd language or storylines. We’ve all been around people that cuss just to cuss or because they think it makes them sound tough or macho. In reality those people lack respect and they aren’t pleasant to be around. The same is true in writing. Just as I don’t want to be around people who are vulgar and crude, I don’t want to read about characters like that either.

If you think I’ve judged the book unfairly since I didn’t read all 300 hundred pages, I would be happy to send you the book so you can read it for yourself. I truly dislike writing a negative review, as I’ve stated previously on my blog. Reading is supposed to be enjoyable and I am frustrated and disappointed when it’s not.

I received a complimentary copy of Utopia Texas in exchange for a review.

The Year of Living Like Jesus by Ed Dobson

2011-05-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

Ed Dobson committed to living as Jesus did for an entire year. His goal was to do what Jesus the person would have done, not necessarily what Jesus the Messiah would have done. Dobson’s plan was to live in accordance with the Jewish way of life as opposed to healing the sick and blind. A journal tracked his days, progress and struggles.

This book intrigued me from the moment I read the title. I expected a life changing story not only on the author’s part but for myself, as well. It seems to me that a commitment such as this would alter a person’s life in a major way. A highly spiritual experience is what I anticipated. As it turns out, the book was very different then my pre-reading notion. My life was not permanently changed and, as far as I can tell, Dobson’s life wasn’t either.

The Year of Living Like Jesus was interesting reading, especially the first half of the book. In this section the writing is in journal form and more detailed daily living. The second half was more traditional non-fiction writing. I enjoyed the first half more due to the style.

A major theme of the book is Jewish living and tradition. The word Jesus in the title of the book could easily be replaced with Jews and accurately represent the book. Since I knew nothing about the Jewish culture I found the book educational in that regard. Dobson ate Kosher, observed Shabbat (Sabbath) and other Jewish services. The author also adopted prayer customs of several other religions which didn’t make sense to me because it seemed counter to his commitment. (I’m certain Jesus did not pray the rosary.) There were times when he focused too much on living as a Jew. It almost trivialized Jesus’ life. Dobson was so caught up in making sure he followed the Jewish Law that it kept him from drawing closer to God. At the end of the year I didn’t get the impression that he was a stronger Christian or had a deeper relationship with Christ. That was a disappointment.

Dobson set a lofty goal and made a major commitment that took much perseverance to follow through with. I give him credit for sticking with the project for a whole year. I hope it was more of a spiritual experience then I perceived from his writing. And I thank him for teaching me about a culture I have not personally experienced.

Max On Life by Max Lucado

2011-04-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

Max on Life is like sitting down with your pastor and getting in-a-nutshell answers to the long list of questions you’ve accumulated throughout life. Lucado, being a minister, has been asked a lot of questions over the years and so he turned these frequently asked questions, along with his answers, into a book.

The questions are divided into seven categories. Most answers are less than a page with a few of the tougher questions filling 1-2 pages. These short and succinct answers give this newest release a slightly devotional feel. Each question/answer gives the reader a thought or two to ponder. Reading only one or two pages at a time is an appropriate way to read this book. Max on Life is a book you don’t have to read cover to cover, although it is interesting and enjoyable enough to do so. What keeps you reading is that you’ve asked the same questions and you want to know the answers too. Out of 172 questions, there were very few I had not wondered myself.

Lucado does an outstanding job of giving Biblical answers. His answers do not include phrases like, “this is my opinion” or “my personal belief is….” There isn’t a need for that because he bases his responses on what Scripture says. The reader does get a feel for where Lucado stands on some issues because it is clear that he regards the Bible as truth.

Max on Life is a good resource for pastors, church leaders, parents and others who get asked the tough questions. And in true Lucado style, this book is easy reading; just like chatting over a cup of coffee in the pastor’s office. Maybe you’ll finally get an answer to that question burning inside you.

I received a complimentary copy of Max On Life from Thomas Nelson as a participant in their blogging for books program, Booksneeze.

Care For A Kindle

2011-04-12T22:17:00.000-05:00

I got a Kindle for my birthday in January. I didn’t really know what I was doing because I had never seen one, used one and I didn’t even know anyone that had one. Why I wanted a Kindle, I’m not sure.

When my Kindle arrived I realized that it is fairly easy to use, although, I wouldn’t recommend buying a Kindle two days before you’re leaving on a trip when you want to take the Kindle with you. That’s what I did and I was easily frustrated. I didn’t have time to learn all the ins and outs and I wanted the Kindle to set itself up—it doesn’t quite work that way. So I suggest giving yourself some time to acquaint yourself with the Kindle before you need it to perform on a trip.

What I like about my reading on a Kindle:

• My eyes don’t burn or ache. Reading on a Kindle is like reading a paperback without the smell. The screen looks the same color as the paper in a paperback book. Without the back light you don’t have the discomfort you experience reading for a long time at the computer.

• Kindle reading make treadmill walking a pleasure. I always enjoy reading while I use the treadmill but the book never stays open and the print is too small to read while I’m bobbing up and down. With my Kindle I eliminate both these problems. There is no page to hold open and I can increase the font to make reading easier. As an incentive to use my treadmill more I’ve tried to limit my Kindle reading to while I’m on the treadmill. That didn’t last very long because I’ve read some real page-turners on my Kindle. The up side to this, I tend to stay on the treadmill longer because I’m caught up in the story.

• I haven’t paid for any book I have on my Kindle. Currently, I have 73 books on my Kindle and I have gotten all of them for free. And these books aren’t the ones the Kindle store offers for free because they were written before the copyright laws. Most of the books on my Kindle were written in the past 5 years with many in the past year. How did I get so many books free? I subscribe to a couponing blog that offers a free Kindle book almost every day. The offer is only valid for a short time (1-2 days) so I am sure to pursue it right away so I don’t miss out. There have been very few days I have turned down the free Kindle book.

A couple nitpicks about Kindle:

• I miss the actual book. That sounds silly and I didn’t think it would bother me but, I enjoy holding a book, flipping the pages and seeing myself progress through the book. The Kindle does show how far you’ve read in a book but it’s not the same. Not all Kindle books come with an image of the cover and I haven’t gotten used to that. When you have lots of books on your Kindle and all you have is the title to go by, it can be difficult to remember what genre the book is and what the book is about.

• Downloading books isn’t as easy as I hoped. This nitpick is probably more of a user issue than a product issue. I’m not a tech person and I become frustrated when I can’t figure it out quickly. I do not have a wireless connection at my home so that makes adding to my Kindle library more difficult, but not impossible. Again, this would not be an issue for someone more computer savvy than myself.

This last aspect of Kindle is really neat but, doesn’t pertain to me: you don’t have to own a Kindle to read Kindle books! Doesn’t get any better than that, right? You can use a Kindle App to download books to your computer, iPad, iPhone or other device that is all techy (which I am not). So if you have one of these devices you can enjoy free Kindle books and not even need a Kindle. Personally, the idea of sitting at my computer to read a book for fun, doesn’t interest me. Reading a book off a laptop on my comfortable couch, you bet! So what are you waiting for? Visit the Kindle Store and start building your Kindle library.

Back to my book--

J Renee

Snow Day by Pamela Greenhalgh Hamilton

2011-03-03T15:17:00.000-06:00

I want to begin by stating two things: I love children's books (I was an Elementary Education major in college and a school teacher for a few years) and I love snow days. So, Snow Day, by Hamilton should be a pleaser, right?

Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I hate being disappointed with a book because I very much want to like and enjoy every book I read. Not all books are created equally, therefore critical reviews exist. (I just wish they didn't have to exist on my blog.)

Snow Day is Hamilton's first picture book and I say, "Congratulations!" She has more courage than I by making her dream a reality. I applaud the hard work and perseverance she needed to publish her first book.

The story tells of the activities three kids engage in with their grandparents on a snow day. A perfect day is created, complete with snow angels, sledding, hot cocoa and cookies. All the events that make a dream snow day are included in the book. This makes the story easy to relate to but lacks pizazz. Every child has experienced a day similar to the one depicted. The plot lacks uniqueness. As I read about sledding and building a snowman, I guessed the story would end with hot cocoa and cookies. I was hoping for something different to prove me wrong but, kids and grandparents snuggling on the couch with a plate of cookies nearby concludes the book.

In literature for children the words and illustrations go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other. Words enhance the pictures, the pictures enhance the words. The greatest words can be diminished by poor illustrations and vice versa. In Snow Day, on two occasions the illustrations do not match the text. This is a huge blunder! I fault the illustrator for this, although, these mistakes should not have slipped past the author, or the publisher, for that matter. The first error, the text describes a "bright red scoop" while the picture shows a yellow scoop. Secondly, the text states "sugar cookies" twice while the picture shows, what are clearly, chocolate chip cookies. Children's literature cannot send mixed messages like this.

For a first picture book, Snow Day is not a book to be ashamed of. Even though it isn't on my top 10 favorite children's book list Snow Day is not a waste of time either. Kids love snow and a book about snow is sure to please young ones. I am looking forward to reading Hamilton's next picture book to see how she has grown as an author.

I received a complimentary copy of Snow Day in exchange for a review.

Couples Who Pray: The Most Intimate Act Between A Man And A Woman by SQuire Rushnell & Louis DuArt

2011-02-11T14:28:00.000-06:00

We have all heard that couples who pray together stay together, yet, most couples do not pray together. For me it is one of those things that roll around in my brain as something I will eventually get around to doing. Like the infamous I’ll-start-tomorrow-diet. So, I thought Couples Who Pray might be just the ticket for getting prayers with my husband rolling.

Rushnell and DuArt present readers with the challenge of praying with your spouse for 40 days and readers will experience wonderful changes in their marriage. They claim praying together not only improves communication but, also intimacy, among other things. Throughout the book, stories are told of the effects of prayer in the lives of celebrities and other high-profile individuals. Big names like Denzel & Pauletta Washington, Frank & Kathy Lee Gifford and Scott & Tracie Hamilton tell their experience with praying as a couple and the positive results.

I appreciate the message of Couples Who Pray but struggle with the marketing tactic for the concept. I wholeheartedly agree that if my husband and I spend a few minutes each day praying together our marriage will benefit beyond our expectations. However, I do not like the author’s use of celebrities (who do not always live what I would consider a Christian lifestyle) to sell the idea and, in turn, books.

Couples Who Pray has a lot of fluff. The number of pages needed to present the idea, back it up, explain the logistics and give a few testimonies is about half the number of pages in the book. There are too many stories from the high-profile people to suit me and many of these stories are not related to the concept of praying as a couple. The 40 Day Prayer Challenge resources included in the book play a vital role in the appeal of this book. Without these tools Couples Who Pray would be even more unbalanced with irrelevant anecdotes.

All in all, Rushnell and DuArt’s book is good. As I stated, I fully support the notion of praying with your spouse and reaping the benefits of this intimate time together. As for jump starting this new habit with my own husband, Couples Who Pray has not inspired as I hoped. Yes, I would like to commit to the 40 day challenge but not because Denzel, Kathy Lee or Scott did.

I received a complimentary copy of Couples Who Pray from Thomas Nelson as a participant in their blogging for books program, Booksneeze.com.

Who Wants a Free Book?

2011-01-18T08:00:00.001-06:00

It’s time for a giveaway! Who doesn’t like free stuff? This is my first giveaway and, you guessed it, I’m giving away a book. You could be chosen to receive a copy of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett. I posted a review of this book yesterday so be sure to visit my blog for details on this novel.

Here’s how you can claim this giveaway:

1. Become a follower of Cover to Cover

2. Leave a comment on the Chosen post saying you are a follower and you want this book.

If you want to better your chances, invite others to follow Cover to Cover. For every person that becomes a follower because you referred them, you receive one entry in the giveaway.

All comments (entries) must be left on the Chosen post by 10 p.m. central time on Friday, January 21.

Back to my book—

J Renee

Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

2011-01-17T19:12:00.000-06:00

Chosen is one possible life story of Queen Esther. Ginger Garrett tells a story about a real person, though the real story is not known. This novel takes the biblical account and fills in the details to make Queen Esther’s story come to life. Written in a diary format gives this tale a personal feel that lends itself nicely to this type of book.

The story begins with Esther, an orphan, making a living selling goods in the market and tending sheep with her only relative, Mordecai. A relationship is starting to blossom between Esther and Cyrus when King Xerxes’ latest declaration lands Esther in the king’s harem preparing for her one night with the king. The last section of the novel concludes the story of Esther with the conclusion of her life.

Garrett devotes many chapters to telling of Esther’s experience in the harem—all the counsel, instruction and physical preparation. This section provides much more insight than the Bible regarding this phase of Esther’s life. The Bible says very little about this portion of her life so the freedom to fill in the gaps is great. Garrett did well to create a modest telling of life in a harem. The book provides enough detail to give the reader a clear sense of the lifestyle without overstepping the bounds of decency.

One element of this book that did not resonate with me is the current-time excerpts included in the back of the book and referenced throughout the story. The excerpts are relevant yet they do not improve, develop or give the storyline a boost. Chosen would be just as complete without that section.

I enjoy books of this nature. When I read Bible stories such as Esther’s, I have a hard time using my imagination to create more of the story than what is written on the page. Garrett excels at enhancing the story without altering the known facts. Chosen is biblically sound, making it even more appealing. I found myself favorably comparing this novel to the novella’s written by Francine Rivers about the women in the lineage of Jesus. The next book in the Lost Loves of the Bible trilogy is, most certainly, on my “to read” list.

Chosen is a good read for those who love the story of Esther and those who do not know the story of Esther, alike. Whether you are Bible savvy or not, Chosen is a compelling story of love, loyalty and faith in God.

Out Live Your Life

2011-01-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

By Max Lucado

Published by Thomas Nelson

What are you doing to make the world a better place? Max Lucado poses this question to his readers in Outlive Your Life. The purpose of this non-fiction book is to help the reader think beyond herself. There is more to life than our goals and individuals can make a difference. Lucado reminds us that God uses anyone and everyone who is willing to follow Him. We may feel ordinary but if we allow God, He will make extraordinary things happen. Lucado points the way toward a life that is fulfilling and leaves a positive impact on the world.

A few qualities of this book, and all Lucado books, that make it a good read: the stories, humor and commonness. Lucado stories make the message real and make me feel like he’s in my living room. And for his humor, it is like no other. The made up words and one-of-a-kind descriptions add to the personal feel of his books. Both of these elements create a common feel. Lucado does not come across as superior or lofty. Rather, he presents his message in a way that meets the reader where she is and encourages her to take another step closer to who God wants her to be.

As much as I enjoy Max Lucado’s books, I must say Outlive Your Life was not my favorite. The message is pertinent and it’s written in the classic Lucado style I marvel but, it was not as easy for me to read. I wholeheartedly agree with the message of reaching out to make someone else’s life better but, right now my mission field is the two children God has graciously given to me to raise in His ways.

That said, I do recommend reading Lucado’s latest title. I also recommend giving thought to how your life can give life to another.

I received a complimentary copy of Out Live Your Life from Thomas Nelson as a participant in their blogging for books program, Booksneeze.com.

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory

2011-01-06T16:13:00.000-06:00

Compiled by Lisa Stilwell

Published by Thomas Nelson

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory is the best coffee table book in my collection. I gladly add this gift book to my library.

Stilwell has combined photos taken by the Hubble telescope with scripture, quotes and image descriptions. The photos leave the reader awestruck and deeply humbled. I have never read a book that leaves me feeling little, insignificant and incredibly loved all at the same time. Selections from the Bible and various quotes help the reader grasp the awesomeness of creation and the Creator. The image descriptions explain what the reader is viewing and also help the reader understand the majesty of creation. Contributors include: Max Lucado, John MacArthur, Anne Graham Lotz, Frank Peretti and Stormie Omartian, among others.

Two aspects of this book make it great: the blend of science and God and minimal science lingo. Matching Bible passages with photos that depict the verse make for a powerful reading experience. These images taken by Hubble bring scripture to life. The scientific descriptions of the photos do not detract from, but rather, enhance their splendor. The reader does not need to be an astronomer to decipher the language used to explain what the picture is.

I thoroughly enjoyed each page of The Heavens Proclaim His Glory. Reading and viewing the contents of this book will be a spiritual experience everytime. Well done.

I received a complimentary copy of The Heavens Proclaim His Glory from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a participant in their BookSneeze.com book review blogger program.

Happy Birthday, Blog

2011-01-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

Today my blog turns 1! How exciting! To commemorate, I will be giving away a couple books this month. I have several books I want to send your way so check back for more details, coming soon.

As you have probably noticed, I haven't posted for a few months. Actually, my last post was the day my daughter was born. I've been a little occupied the past four months, resulting in an outdated blog. Not only did I not have time to blog, I rarely had time to read. Reading turns into snoozing rapidly when you are the mother of a newborn.

Now that I'm getting more sleep, I'm also getting more reading done. I have several books to tell you about in the coming months.

More posts are on the way and so are the giveaways. Be on the lookout and as always---happy reading!

Back to my book---

J Renee

The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters by Any Andrews

2010-09-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

What is the butterfly effect? In essence it is the scientifically proven theory that one small event triggers another and so on until the end result is something far more significant or life changing.

Two examples of the butterfly effect and how they changed the lives of billions of people are presented in The Butterfly Effect. The first is Chamberlain leading the battle at Gettysburg. Andrews states that because that battle was won, the South didn’t win the war, the nation remained one nation which made it possible for the United States to be successful during WWII.

The second example is the story of a couple of men who hybridized corn and wheat to grow well in arid climates. The chain of events, actions and people surrounding this scenario eventually lead to saving billions of lives through the grain grown.

Yes, these historical stories are interesting and yes, I believe the actions of one individual can dramatically change the life of another. However, I do not believe in the power of self that this book promotes. Furthermore, I was waiting for the author to acknowledge the Source of these achievements. The recognition was not to be read which left me disappointed with the book. This ripple effect of events and situations involving humans is allowed by the grace of God and for the glory God, not the glory of one man. Andrews is correct, your life does matter. It matters because God created it to matter.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence 365 Day Devotional by Sarah Young

2010-08-18T21:26:00.000-05:00

Picking a devotion book is difficult; there are so many to choose from. Devotionals are available to a wide range of audiences and yet cater to specific people. The unique angle of Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, is that it is written from the perspective of Jesus. Each day’s paragraph is like a direct word from Jesus to encourage the reader to experience His presence in his/her life.

The format is conducive to the author’s goal of leading people to a closer and real experience with Christ. Each paragraph spoken by Jesus to the reader is followed with a few scripture references that serve as a foundation for the day’s lesson. The reading is designed to take but a moment of the reader’s devotional time, leaving the majority of his/her quiet time to practicing the bit of truth for the day.

This approach makes the book appealing yet takes some getting used to. I was not sure I liked the idea of Young speaking on behalf of Jesus in an attempt to teach me how to dwell and live in His presence. As the reader works through the daily readings it becomes more natural besides, Young is not proclaiming to have received divine intervention while writing these devotions.

For a fresh approach to daily devotionals try Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

I received a complimentary copy of Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a participant in their BookSneeze.com book review blogger program.

Storylines: Your Map to Understanding the Bible by Andy Croft & Mike Pilavachi

2010-08-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

Storylines is exactly what it says it is—a map to understanding the Bible. I realize that seems obvious since that is the title of the book but, often the title and content do not match up as seamlessly as they do in this non-fiction title. Croft and Pilavachi make it clear as to what to expect out of their book and that is, in fact, what the reader gets from the text.

The intended audience for Storylines is teens and young adults and the authors present the material in a fresh, modern style that attracts this target audience. Writing in an informal manner draws the reader in and the current aspect of the writing makes the book relevant.

Reading the Bible can be overwhelming and discouraging for young people. The Bible is very long and can be difficult to apply to life. Storylines is the perfect resource for understanding how the Bible fits together as a whole while enjoying the various stories within the whole. Even for those who have read the Bible completely, Croft and Pilavachi provide insight that will expand any reader’s previous perceptions of the Bible.

Two of the best sections in Storylines are the appendixes. Appendix A, The Bible in 20 Pages, is an excellent, and much needed, addition to the book and could not be any better done. I was pleased with how well this section was written. Everything you would expect in such a summary was included and appropriately mentioned. The author recommendation to read this appendix prior to beginning the book was most beneficial and fitting.

Appendix B, The What, Why and How of the Bible, was a suitable conclusion for Storylines. Croft and Pilavachi leave the reader with practical methods for reading and studying the Bible. They complete the task and leave the reader satisfied. Readers are presented with an overview of the Bible, they learn how the Bible fits together as one story and then finish with straight forward techniques to make Bible reading enjoyable and meaningful.

I recommend Storylines and can say, without hesitation, it is the best non-fiction book I have read this year. Storylines is a good tool for young Christians, both young in age and young in their faith journey. Pastors, teachers and youth leaders would also find this book useful as they attempt to engage young Christians in Bible study. Reading how all parts of the Bible connect to each other and point us to Christ is something every person can gain from.

I received a complimentary copy of Storylines: Your Map to Understanding the Bible from The B & B Media Group, Inc. in exchange for a written review.

Higher Hope by Robert Whitlow

2010-07-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

Higher Hope is the second novel in the Tides of Truth Series by Robert Whitlow. This book picks up precisely where Deeper Water leaves off. The transition between books is more like beginning a new chapter than a new book. Tammy is in the middle of her summer clerking position at a law firm in Savannah. She has completed a case that presented many trials with her personal ethics and now has a slander case consuming her professional life. Tammy has negative feelings about this case from the beginning; something does not seem right but, the senior partner overseeing the case will not excuse her. Aside from work, the elderly lady Tammy lives with and cares for has health issues that leave Tammy wondering if she will soon be homeless.

Zach Mays continues to pursue a relationship beyond coworker and Tammy agrees to let him meet her parents. They travel to her home for the weekend in hopes of her parents’ approval to court. Throughout the weekend, Zach struggles to say and do the right thing and Tammy is caught in the middle trying to make everyone happy.

The innocent romance mainly takes place in the first portion of the book. Once the weekend visit is over, there is little development in their relationship. My one nitpick of Higher Hope is that the relationship did not develop enough after the climax of concluding the visit to Tammy’s home. That said, I enjoyed reading about a budding relationship written by a man. Men’s viewpoint on relationships differs from women’s and readers do not often have the chance to read a man’s take in a piece of fiction.

Whitlow, again, makes the reader comfortable and at ease reading a legal drama. The terminology does not overwhelm or leave the reader confused. The plot is much broader than the pleadings of the case. Tammy has drama all around her; it is not restricted to her professional life.

Higher Hope is a well-written sequel that keeps the reader reading. As with Deeper Water, Higher Hope concludes all too soon. Read Higher Hope for the inspiring ethics of Tammy Taylor and for the pure and honest relationship of Tammy and Zach. Enjoy the talent of Robert Whitlow as he makes the contradictory worlds of law and religion seem more parallel than originally thought.

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers

2010-07-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

A visit with a dear friend, that’s what reading a Francine Rivers book feels like. For a few hundred pages Rivers shares from her heart and it touches yours. Her Mother’s Hope is her most recent emotion-packed novel set in the early 1900s. The sequel, Her Daughter's Dream, is set for release September 14 (which will provide excellent reading during my stay in the hospital, I just realized).

As much as I love reading Francine Rivers' book, I equally do not like writing reviews on them. Not because I don't recommend them or because I think they are mediocre, in fact, quite the opposite is true. I tell everyone I know to read her books and I think she is a superior writer. That's just it; Rivers books are so good that I feel like my meager attempt at reviewing them cheapens them. I have nothing to say that is going to make the book more attractive to a potential reader. Her books speak for themselves. Just read Her Mother's Hope and you'll see what I mean. You'll be hooked on Rivers and you'll be searching the library shelves for anything she's written.

Her Mother's Hope, it's just good. Enough said.

Back to my book---

J Renee

The Vertical Self by Mark Sayers

2010-06-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

In his non-fiction title, The Vertical Self, Sayers explains how culture has moved us away from who God wants us to be and turned us towards a self-absorbed lifestyle. He calls this way of life “horizontal” and claims we need to be “vertical.” A horizontal self looks to those on the same level as him/her for self-image. A vertical self looks to a higher being, God, for identity. Sayers states his case for how far society has moved away from looking to God for our purpose and identity.

This book is not light reading and some sections are difficult to wade through. I felt like Sayers had numerous examples, stories and situations to defend his theory of society being horizontal to the point that it was doom and gloom. There was not enough teaching, encouraging and support for the vertical self theory to balance the book. Chapter after chapter explained what we are doing wrong and why it’s wrong but, there were few pages leading me to the better alternative or convincing me I need the better way. The majority of the book told me I need fixing rather than telling me how to fix myself.

The Vertical Self has a somewhat narrow target audience. First, the audience must be Christian otherwise it could be quite offensive. Second, the reader must open him/herself to the negative description of Christians today who live a horizontally. That said, The Vertical Self would be a good resource for youth and young adult leaders. It would, also, make a useful tool for new and young Christians as they discern how being a Christian looks and feels in everyday life.

Sayers is convicted and passionate about people needing to alter their thinking in order to live vertically. I commend Sayers for his enthusiasm and zeal regarding the subject and I believe his theories are worth consideration.

I received a complimentary copy of The Vertical Self from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a participant in their BookSneeze.com book review blogger program.

Reading Through the Bible

2010-06-07T21:38:00.000-05:00

In my last post I shared that I'm reading a chronological Bible. I have given myself a timeline in order to help me reach my broad goal of reading through the Bible.

My particular Bible is narrated so that makes for additional reading. The Old Testemant section of my Bible is a whopping 1336 pages! My goal is to read the entire Old Testement by the time our baby comes, sometime around mid-September. I'm currently on page 432. That leaves 904 pages to read in approximately 100 days. I'm not sure it's realistic to expect myself to read nine pages every day until my baby arrives. And if my baby arrives early? I'm doomed. I realize that nine pages doesn't seem like much but, the pages are large, the print is small and, quite honestly, some of the reading is a little dry. On top of that, I'm the mother of a toddler, 26 weeks pregnant and I'm exhausted when I prop myself up with pillows to do my daily reading. Suddenly, nine pages might as well be 90.

I must say I'm thoroughly enjoying reading the Bible this way. I retain much more because it makes sense and all fits together. Obviously, when you tell a story in the order it took place it makes much more sense then when you mix up all the details and side plots. I'm beginning to wonder why all Bibles aren't written chronologically. Reading the Bible in order has been one aha moment after another. Picture me sitting in bed with a permanent lightbulb above my head that is constantly be clicked on.

If you've struggled with understanding the Old Testement I recommend you try reading it from a chronological Bible. It's like reading a book. I realize that sounds dumb; the Bible is a book. I guess what I mean is it reads more like a novel except it's history, exciting and worthwile history.

So, I'm reading towards page 1336. I'll let you know when I get there whether it's pre-baby or post-baby.

Back to my Bible--

J Renee

The Word or Someone Else's

2010-05-12T13:14:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed that my reading, and as a result, my reviews seems to be slower going. The past 4-6 weeks I have struggled to get any reading done, which is very unusual. I typically can read two books in a six-week stretch but, I can't seem to get through one! There are a couple reasons for this:

The book I'm "reading" is not keeping my interest. In most cases once I start a book I squeeze a few pages of reading into every nook and cranny of my day. In other words, my housework doesn't get done because I can't hold a book and mop the floor at the same time. (Note: my lack of reading does not mean my house is clean.)

So ditch the boring book, you say. Well, if I could I would. I agreed to read and write a review of this book and I intend to keep my word. Eventually you will see a review of this book and chances are you will never know by the review that it took me three months to read the book. Yes, my review will be honest, don't worry.

I guess this situation could be classified as classic procrastination. Hah!

Another reason I can't seem to get to the last page is because I'm reading my Bible instead. Which, is a very good excuse, if you ask me. We all could spend a little more time in The Word and less time in someone else's word. The funny thing about this is, I've been reading the section of the Old Testement that is nothing but laws for the Isrealites.

For Christmas/birthday (they run together, they're only 10 days apart) my husband bought me The Narrative Bible in Chronological Order. I am thoroughly enjoying reading the Bible this way. I highly recommend chronological order Bibles. So, in this Bible they have compiled all the laws from the various OT books and made one section--100 pages total. It's a tough 100 pages to tackle but, I am now on the other side.

Isn't that hilarious, I found more time and it was easier for me to read through 100 pages of OT laws than read a new release! I laugh everytime I think of it.

Next post: My Bible reading goals.

Back to my book/Bible---

J Renee

2010-04-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

Deeper Water, by Robert Whitlow, is the first novel in the Tides of Truth Series. Whitlow fuses the legal world with the moral world effortlessly in this book about a law student who works as a summer clerk at a top law office in Savannah.

Tammy Taylor comes from a strict religious group in the mountains of Georgia. She is accustomed to the scrutiny of society regarding her beliefs but, working as a summer clerk presents challenges she is not used to facing alone. Tammy has to balance being professional while not compromising her ethics and upbringing. Along with cases that test her morals, the people she works for and live with also put her faith on trial. Two male coworkers vie for Tammy’s attention while the other female summer clerk seems bent on criticizing her principles. As Tammy works on her primary case she learns more about the firm which leads her to doubt her decision to work there. She must choose between confronting the truth and ignoring he upbringing.

When I learned Deeper Water is a legal drama, I feared I would be lost due to my lack of knowledge about lawyers and the justice system. Whitlow takes the reader into the legal world without bombarding the reader with jargon. Having personal experience with the legal system is not a prerequisite for reading Whitlow’s novels. I was pleasantly surprised to discover there is more to the plot than the cases and clients Tammy represents.

Whitlow’s characters are the purest I have encountered. I do not know of any person, fictional or otherwise, who is as pure in thought and action as Tammy Taylor and a few other characters in Deeper Water. These characters drastically contradict the lawyer stereotype, adding interest to the story. I am left wondering if Whitlow can create such characters because he himself engages in the same disciplined lifestyle.

Deeper Water is a good choice for those who have an interest in the law without the heavy-handedness of the terminology. Deeper Water is a good choice for those who can relate to Tammy’s moral persecution in a secular world. Deeper Water is a good example of how Christians can live in the world and not be of the world. I recommend adding the Tides of Truth Series to your reading list.

Thomas Nelson 2008

ISBN: 978-1-59554-132-1

Yes, I Read the Shack Again

2010-04-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

I do not typically reread books. The Shack is an exception. I think I could read this book once a year. This is a book that challenges my views and perceptions. This book makes me evaluate myself so in that regard, I should read it once a year.

The Shack is a fiction book with a lot of truth in it. Several times I asked myself is this a true story? I give credit to Young for writing a book that seems real enough that the reader has to remind herself it is fiction.

MacKenzie Allen Philips is a husband and father who experiences childhood abuse and the kidnapping and murder of his daughter. These circumstances leave Mack feeling distant from God. Mack is certain God is unloving and has left him to fend for himself in life until he receives a note in the mail.

After much deliberation, Mack returns to the shack where his daughter was killed to meet God. During his time there Mack’s world transformed, quite literally, into what God intended it to be. Mack learns to know and love Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit in ways he never imagined possible.

Through Mack’s adventure at the shack, the reader is presented with truth and theology in a way never read before. I enjoyed the conversations that read so real and genuine. This book made a lasting impression on my views and ideas of who God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are. Our ability to understand and fathom who God is barely begins to define His being. Reading another person’s experience and understanding broadens my view. Young describes the scene, feelings and emotion well. Readers are present and at ease in the story.

This book is fiction and should be read as fiction. Young explains it best, “I am sitting in Eagle Creek, in a rented house, writing a story for my kids. I am not writing a story that I intend or expect will be published. Actually the thought never even entered my mind. I was going to write this thing as a gift…. I wanted my kids to enjoy a story and through the story to understand there own father better and the God that their father is so in love with.”

Read The Shack for the creative writing it is and let it challenge and broaden your view of God but, don’t let it serve as your only resource. The Bible is our foundation of truth that everything should be held up against. Maybe God has a “shack” experience in store for you or maybe you’ll be a changed person after reading Mack’s story.

This book is an absolute "must read" and maybe it will become a yearly occurance for you too.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

2010-03-19T14:41:00.000-05:00

Do you know this children's book? The Snowy Day is a classic in the field of Children's Literature, it even won The Caldecott Medal. My three-year-old son enjoys reading this book and he'll even read it to you, if you prefer.

After many read throughs I got stuck on two pages towards the end of the book....it just isn't written well. And those of you that know me well are probably chuckling because you know that I'm not a grammar expert, by any stretch. But this one section is just not right and I can't figure out how a prominent author/illustrator go by with it. Maybe that's why he got by with it---he was so good that the publisher let this one slide, who knows. All I know is that everytime I read these two pages I get irked a little more. It's like I expect the words to change magically before I flip the page.

Here's the irritating text:

"He told his mother all about his adventures while she took off his wet socks. (turn page) And he thought and thought and thought about them."

Anyone else think those two sentences are not grammatically correct? Do you see why it rubs me wrong? Am I way off my rocker? You don't get it, do you?

The way it's worded, it sounds like he's thinking and thinking about his WET SOCKS!!!

Read the text again---do you see it now? Let me know what you think.....in the meantime read this classic to your children--they'll love it.

Back to my book---

J Renee

Prayer Power: 30 Days to a Stronger Connection with God by Peter Lundell

2010-03-10T12:27:00.000-06:00

Peter’s Lundell’s book Prayer Power, is a guide to creating and building a prayer life. With thirty concise chapters, this book is a natural fit for a month long study. The book is divided into five broader categories while each chapter covers a different prayer element.

Lundell begins by teaching readers the importance of yearning for God and a close relationship with Him through prayer. The next step leads to personal growth that will result in a more fulfilling prayer life. Prayer Power then covers using helps, internal and external. Several chapters are devoted to spiritual warfare and how that impacts prayer and our relationship with God. The concluding section pushes the reader to move out of his/her comfort zone to experience prayer in new ways.

There are lots of books on the power of prayer but Prayer Power speaks to a different audience. Most prayer books assume the reader already has a thriving prayer life. Other books tell readers the great things that can result from prayer life; this book develops the desire and ability to have a prayer life. Lundell presents practical steps and easy-to-apply suggestions. He doesn’t declare the “right” way to pray; he offers suggestions and options so the reader can see how a connection with God can fit into his/her life.

Two aspects of this book stand out to me: the prayer starter at the end of each chapter and the comprehensive presentation of the subject matter. First, the prayer starter that concludes each chapter nudges the reader to immediately put into practice the element of prayer discussed in the chapter. I can’t think of a better way to practically verify what was learned.

Second, Lundell is thorough and comprehensive in his teaching of prayer and connecting with God. Chapters are short, yet complete. Each section gives the reader enough to consider and learn without overwhelming. This style keeps the reader engaged rather than bogged down. Readers will feel like they can accomplish the goal of a better prayer life because Lundell takes one step at a time.

With confidence I recommend this book and say it is the best book I have read on prayer. For those who desire a close prayer walk but aren’t sure where or how to begin, let Prayer Power encourage you. For those who have a daily quiet time with God but need some rejuvenation, let Prayer Power refresh you. For those who participate in a prayer group, let Prayer Power broaden and enhance your experience. People with any and all types of prayer lives will benefit from Lundell’s book.

I received a complimentary copy of Prayer Power in exchange for a review of the book.

Visit the Pulse

2010-03-01T13:26:00.000-06:00

The Christian Pulse is the website I write reviews for but there is much more than book reviews on the site. There are articles for men and women, devotions, reviews and artist spotlight articles. There is something for everyone. I invite you to check out the site (www.thechristianpulse.com) and see what it has to offer. While you're there you can read reviews that aren't on my blog, just search for J Renee Archer. Enjoy your visit---

Back to my book---

J Renee

And The Book I'm Reading Is.....

2010-02-15T10:20:00.000-06:00

The Pregnancy Bible: Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood.

Consulting Editors: Joanne Stone, MD and Keith Eddleman, MD

A couple weeks ago I was reading the section on morning sickness. Each Sunday night my husband and I read together the description of the baby's development for the coming week and we read about the changes I can expect each week. Last night we read what to expect during week 10.

This book is a five-star pregnancy book. This is the one and only book I recommend to expecting mothers. When my husband and I found out our first baby was on the way he found the nearest bookstore while he was out trucking and scoped out the pregnancy books. He came home with The Pregnancy Bible and he had already read through most of it.

The best feature of this book is the week by week description both for mother and baby. A picture of the baby accompanies the weekly developement update and there are periodic picutres of the mothers changing body.

If you have any parents-to-be in your life this would be an excellent gift or at least, recommended reading for the couple.

By the way, our baby is expected to arrive mid-September.

Back to my book---

J Renee

Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio by Diamond Rio with Tom Roland

2010-02-13T11:29:00.000-06:00

Beautiful Mess is a beautifully written biography about the messy history of the band, Diamond Rio. Tom Roland assists the Country band in telling the details of their years together. A common theme throughout the book is unity and commitment within and to Diamond Rio. This is proven repeatedly through the course of their 20 years together and the band tributes their longevity to these two qualities.

The book begins with Diamond Rio in the middle of a crisis that jeopardizes their careers in 2005. The first chapters recount the days leading up to each member joining the group. While this is a key element in the story, it is a bit tedious. There is a lot of music industry lingo, places and people. With an overabundance of names and people with the same first name it was difficult, at best, to keep everyone straight in my mind. Thanks to Roland’s writing style, this setting-the-stage section is fast-paced. He leads the reader through quickly and keeps the reader focused on the plot.

Each band member has a chapter devoted to telling his personal story. This portion of Beautiful Mess is slower reading but transforms each man from a superstar into a real human. Later in the book an update is given of their current personal lives, which gives readers a chance to learn how the band members grew from the struggles they encountered professionally.

Beautiful Mess is a good choice, even if you do not like Country Music. Avid biography readers will enjoy Beautiful Mess because of the multiple storylines—the band’s story and the individual stories. People who know the music industry well will enjoy making connections with the people and places in Beautiful Mess. And, of course, Beautiful Mess is a good book for those who simply want the inside scoop on the life of celebrities.

I received a complimentary copy of Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a participant in their BookSneeze.com book review blogger program.

Anticipation

2010-02-10T12:57:00.000-06:00

I love to anticipate things. Whether it's a day off, a vacation, going out to eat or even getting something in the mail. Half the fun is being able to anticipate. I want to know where I'm going to eat so my mouth can start anticipating my favorite menu selection. I like to anticipate; it keeps life fun. I also like surprises, which seems the opposite of anticipation, but there is great value in being pleasantly shocked occasionally. Both are great but in my daily life I have many more opportunities to anticipate than be surprised.

What is she talking about this for, you may be wondering. Well, I have something for you to anticipate and it's a surprise of sorts. In the next several days I will post the book that I am currently reading. Now I know that doesn't sound that exciting, but you just wait. You will be very interested to know that I'm reading this book and some of you will be surprised.

If you think you know what might be on my nightstand, leave a comment with your guess.

Until the big reveal, enjoy the anticipation!

Back to my book---

J Renee

Daisy Chain Review

2010-01-27T13:07:00.000-06:00

Mary Demuth’s Daisy Chain, is the tender coming-of-age story of a hurting boy set in the late 70s. Jed is at the point in his adolescence when questions and confusion out number answers and clarity. When Daisy disappears, 14-year old Jed is left without his best friend. Not only is Daisy missing but, Jed blames himself. As Jed searches for answers regarding Daisy’s disappearance he discovers what it means to be a man and the value of trusted friends and family.

Daisy Chain was my first encounter with Demuth’s writing, and a pleasant one for sure. She creates dramatic descriptions that leave me in awe of her talent. Demuth takes mundane thoughts and conversations and adds the sparkle that makes for entertaining reading. This novel is full of peculiar tidbits. Here are a couple of my favorites: “…Jed scatted the air with a wave of his hand…an aerial Etch A Sketch.” and a few pages later Miss Emory says, “…you’re sticking to me like Elmer’s until I find out.”

Demuth does a tremendous job introducing us to Daisy and developing her personality even though Daisy soon becomes a secondary character. Throughout the book enough details and descriptions are given of Daisy to understand why Jed misses her greatly. I only wish Daisy was a prominent character for more of the book so the reader could enjoy her flamboyant and vibrant personality.

My only nitpick; Demuth left me hanging with the last word. The last page does not give up the answers to my questions, no matter how long I stare. Although, this is a sure way to persuade me to read the sequel. A Slow Burn, the second in the trilogy, was released in November of 2009.

A broad audience will enjoy Daisy Chain. Demuth’s writing style is such that young teens through older adults will enjoy the novel. For those who face struggles beyond their years, you will connect with Jed and his attempt to make peace with his world. For those who lost someone dear at a young age, you will understand Jed’s sorrow and guilt. For those who have ever questioned God, you will relate to Jed’s doubt and distrust.

A Few Extra Thoughts

2010-01-22T12:26:00.000-06:00

I wanted to tell everyone that Susan May Warren is a great writer and a fun person. I had the opportunity to learn from her at the Quad-Cities'Christian Writers' Conference (http://www.qccwc.com/). Susan is has an upbeat personality that just let's everyone know that she is fun to be around. She has a nice website you can check out too: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.

Here are a few books that have been recommended to me through my blog. These books are for all you suburbanites, especially.

Justice in the Burbs by Lisa & Will Samson
Death by Suburb by David Goetz
Never Mind the Joneses by Tim Stafford

If anyone else has a book they think everyone should read, let me know and I'll pass along the info. Who isn't looking for a good read? And if you're really passionate about a particular book maybe you'd be interested in being a guest reviewer on my blog. That'd be kind of fun!

Back to my book---

J Renee

Reclaiming Nick

2010-01-21T12:22:00.000-06:00

Reclaiming Nick is the story of Nick Noble and his return to the family cattle ranch. His father’s death and the threat of losing the ranch cause Nick to return home after a 10-year absence. Once at home, Nick realizes he needs to claim his mistakes and make amends. Being back on the ranch, he has to face the people that he hurt and that hurt him. As relationships heal, family secrets are revealed.

A rugged, yet charming, cowboy is someone most girls have dreamt of falling in love with, making them excellent romance novel characters. Most readers have never met a cowboy or experienced life on a ranch which means we like to read and dream about that lifestyle. We enjoy reading about a way of life that differs from our own. These elements alone are enough to capture the reader.

The challenge of romance writing is to make realistic and attractive characters to fulfill the romance component, without leading the reader into temptation, while providing enough plot to give cause for romance. Warren creates characters and a storyline that upholds the alluring element of life in the West and the cowboy personality while maintaining proper boundaries. Reclaiming Nick is off the charts in terms of plot. Just when I thought I knew where the story was leading, the next chapter veered off on a new cow path. Susan May Warren’s storyline is far from predictable. There is so much going on with the developing characters and plot that the romance aspect is often second fiddle.

Warren adequately draws the reader into the western scene by using jargon unique to that way of life. Readers learn the terms and tasks of ranch life but it is not overdone. The flare of life on the range is present without coming across as hokey.

Reclaiming Nick is a great read for more than the romance lover. For those who dream of living out west, you will enjoy the ranch setting. For those who have made mistakes and live with the regrets, you will see yourself in Nick. For those who have returned home to make peace, you will understand Nick’s struggle. For those who enjoy an unpredictable story read Reclaiming Nick and relish the trail Susan May Warren leads you down.

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

2010-01-11T13:05:00.000-06:00

Writing a review for a Karen Kingsbury book is difficult. What do you say about a book written by, arguably, the most popular Christian fiction writer. Claiming that title can only be done by writing superb novels. If Kingsbury’s books were predictable, mediocre and far-fetched she would not have the loyal following she does. An author like Kingsbury does not rely on accolades and good reviews to sell books; her name on the cover cinches the sale. So I ask, what do you write in a Karen Kingsbury book review?

For all the readers who get their hands on a Kingsbury book the day it comes out, Shades of Blue will not disappoint. You will stay up far too late reading this tale, just as you have while reading others she has penned. For the rest of the world who may not be acquainted with this author and her books, I will tell you about her most recent release and you will then know what to expect from all Kingsbury’s books.

Shades of Blue is another riveting, emotion filled novel. Brad Cutler is weeks away from marrying the perfect girl. He reaches an impasse , of sorts, when he senses God telling him he can’t get married until he makes amends with his past. Laura, his fiancée, is unsettled about Brad’s need to resolve his past because his first love is involved. Meanwhile, Emma, the high school sweetheart, is trying to live a happy life and do what she can to shut out her pain. When Brad comes to town Emma and Brad must face each other and their past. With an approaching wedding on the line and the risk of making another big mistake Brad makes the difficult choice, he decides to follow God’s prompting and rely on God to do the rest.

Kingsbury creates characters that are natural, easy to relate to and easy to picture. At times, you may have to remind yourself that they are not real people. Her characters may as well be your best friends—you know enough about them and understand their personality that much by the end of the book. In Shades of Blue the character that stands out is Brad Cutler; not because he’s the main person but because he is a man of integrity. Brad strives to do God’s will even when it could cost him his marriage. It is refreshing to read about characters that uphold the way of Christ and build their lives and relationships on Him. Even though the book is fiction the characters still encourage the reader to be a better person.

Shades of Blue is a great read for more than the Kingsbury enthusiast. Read Shades of Blue for a powerful demonstration of love and forgiveness. Read Shades of Blue to realize the healing that can come from painful circumstances. Read Shades of Blue for an example of living in the ways of the Lord. May you be blessed and encouraged by reading Karen Kingsbury’s most recent novel.

2010-01-11T10:07:00.000-06:00

Later today I'll post a review from my 2009 book list. I will occassionally post reviews from last year's reading list. If there is a particular book on the list you'd like to know more about leave a comment and I'll tell you what I know. If you live in my area I can even tell you where I got the book or loan it to you if it's part of my own library.

Back to my book---

J Renee

I'm a little giddy

2010-01-08T13:07:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'll admit, I can get pretty excited about the littlest things. My husband teases me because I'm a little girl at times. I had one of those moments just now when I got on my blog--- I had a comment!!! And there's more--- I have 2 followers!! How exciting! So thanks, to my aunt (who has added several titles to my reading list) and to a fellow MOPS mom for causing my moment of giddiness. Thanks also to Rhonda for tellling me to stop being a chicken. A giddy chicken.....what a sight!

Back to my book----

J Renee

Welcome To My Blog

2010-01-06T14:42:00.000-06:00

When you visit my blog you will read about the books I stay up way to late reading. I'll tell you what I think about the books I read and you can tell me your thoughts as well. Over the next several months you'll get a clear understanding of what I like to read and hopefully you'll find some titles to add to your "must read" list.

Enjoy your time here---leave me a comment---come back often---happy reading!

J Renee