Thursday, November 29, 2012

Never Change What Is Natural




Author Prague Raja does a wonderful job in the book, "Never Change What Is Natural." The reader is allowed into the lives of both a very rich man who has everything he could ever dream of and a man who is not well off and working just to make ends meet. When Sir Louis describes his desire to have a different set of eyes, a set that only five people living could possibility possess, some thought he was crazy. With a doctor, lawyer and private detective Sir Louis starts on his quest to find those perfect eyes. One day he sees just that man and asks him to his mansion the next day to meet with him. At that meeting he offers Sham a large amount of money to have a surgery that would remove his eyes and be replaced with Sir Louis's eyes. 
While this is a very strange request Sham agrees to the operation and soon the surgery takes place, but then things begin to get a little weird for both Sir Louis as well as Sham. It's amazing how we see things from a different persons view. You will not want to miss what transpires and how this change affects both gentlemen. 
On one hand you will see someone who has great wealth who wants even more in a new set of eyes and you will see a man without means who has a heart of gold willing to help his fellow man. This is a very interesting read and one that I quickly shared with another. It helped me to see how different people with different backgrounds respond to a situation and how we in life react very similar. 

5 of 5 stars

Show Grins, Women Who Walk on Water"


"Show Grins, Women Who Walk on Water" is a beautifully written book about a disease that very few people know about. Sjogren's syndrome is the second most common autoimmune disease and has impacted lives of many. This disease wasn't identified until 1993 by Dr. Henrik Sjogren, of which so many have suffered without knowing the root cause. 
Tennis Pro Venus Williams experienced this disease and had to leave the circuit because of how it impacted her body. Author Betty Collier does a wonderful job of weaving five different stories throughout this book. While presenting the reader with this terrible disease, Betty writes it from a very inspiring and uplifting way to encourage ladies that may be experiencing some of these symptoms and don't have a clue what is happening to their body.
Within these five stories the reader will see that this disease reaches across the borders of age, ethnic groups and social economic status. It is how a person reacts to the news of this disease that has entered their body that will truly make a difference within their lives. While experiencing things they have never had to deal with, sheer determination and support of one's family makes a huge difference. They may have to slow down with certain things, but they don't have to stop living. That is a very encouraging point that I was able to lift from this book. Even when trouble comes, face it head on and be an over comer.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is experiencing a change within their body that seems very different and unusual. It would be better to know than live life without the knowledge of how to face Sjogren's  syndrome head on.
5 of 5 stars

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Life's What Happens


Life's What Happens by Kathy Clark

There are stories of how these young men find love, live in a frat house, and experience the understanding of a house mom who reaches out to help guide them along this journey. There is the priest of the school who eats with them and tries to influence them in a positive manner. Living in this local college town community builds a close bond with the local business owners, which help these young men and women while away from home.
While I enjoyed the premise of the book, I do wish it had been shorter in length. I got a little weary of too many stories leading up to the portion about the draft. While I understand the need for the stories of various students, I feel that it could have been written tighter and still been just as effective.
3 of 5 stars

Monday, November 26, 2012

Ella the Pink Elephant Her Life, Love and Fame


Ella the Pink Elephant: Her Life, Love and Fame

"Ella the Pink Elephant Her Life, Love and Fame" is a very delightful and entertaining children's book.  Author Doris Rueger takes the reader along the journey of a newborn elephant named Ella till her retirement. The zoo really cared about their animals and brought in Zeppo the Clown to take care of Ella this newborn elephant. 
Zeppo soon became Ella's favorite playmate and he told her stories and pictures of clowns that he had worked with. Soon Zeppo started dressing up Ella in various outfits. He soon decided on purchasing everything in pink and making her his pink princess Ella.  She loved being with the children when they came to the zoo and later decided to help out with weddings.  Her new caretaker would be Anna who she came to love and adore. Anna's tender love and care soon splashed all over Ella and they created a beautiful bonding relationship. 
After years of helping with weddings Ella was growing weary and asked Anna to take her back to the zoo where she could rest in peace. It was then that she looked into a mirror and saw her gray wrinkled skin. She wondered who would love her now. Zeppo had grown older as well but continued to visit Ella reminding her that age doesn't separate friends, they would always have each other. It was then that she began to accept herself and enjoy her days in the zoo without any pink just the memories of knowing how happy she had made so many people.
I think author Doris Rueger does a wonderful job of helping describe how not only an elephant can get caught up in appearances and attire but so can people. When this happens it is easy to lose focus of what is really important. I was reminded that what we do for others and who we are internally is what matters. This is a great but simple reminder that we must be happy with who we are and reach other to help and encourage others.  The artwork was very interesting as it looked to be drawn by crayons?
5 of 5 stars

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Heaven or Hell


Heaven or Hell

Author Roni Teson did a very interesting job of keeping the reader spellbound in her book, "Heaven or Hell." This book details events about life, death and life after death in a very unique and interesting way. There are many facets within the book that readers will relate to and be driven by. Maybe it's the death of a loved one, the anger that has been built up because of an alcoholic father, the disappearance of a father when you needed him the most or feeling like someone is around you trying to tell you something? Each of us have our own story to tell and within the pages of this book is an earth gripping story with some heavenly twists to it.
Joe, this alcoholic father later turns his life around by helping others in need and on the street. He becomes a very close friend to the priest in this neighborhood and finds this priest will stand by him through thick and thin regardless of the outcome. Theresa deals with a lot of grief, anger, and hurt when she finds out that her dad is still alive after she, as well as her aunt, had given up years before of ever finding him alive.
Then what about the sister who is killed in the automobile accident? What about speaking to people, riding on clouds and trying to make a difference in her family’s life? There are many things that will entertain you as well as cause you to wonder could something like this truly happen as the author has described?
This was a very enjoyable read and I appreciated the opportunity to read a book by Roni Teson and look forward to her next publication.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Floats the Dark Shadows


Floats The Dark Shadow
A winged cross, graveyards, occult practice, tarot cards, innards laying outside a dead body, brazen sexual acts, orgies, virgin blood for sacrifice, degrading of women, harmful practices that would affect one's life. These are just a small portion of things the reader will discover while reading Yves Fey's book: "Floats the Dark Shadow.”
Inspector Michel Devaux has spent much time dealing with crime and satanic activity. The killing of innocent people puts him on the path to find a killer that has gone rampant. This book also displays artist Theodora Faraday in a very interesting way. She has come to Paris by way of America and now here in this historic town she is continuing about her artistic ways.
There is a great amount of history and detail given in this late 1800's book moving the reader back in time. The detail of location, art, the occult is thoroughly studied out and not written just whimsically. The reader will be traveling alone wondering how things can work out in any form possible. There is so much trouble, death, satanic worship that the church and good seems to have no way to prevail. However, as you read the story you will be drawn to the encouragement of the writer as she leads the reader down this path. 
While this isn't a book that I terribly enjoyed I would say for this type of book, it was thoroughly researched and written in a very well manner. Just to say because it's not my type of book doesn't mean that someone who enjoys a darker type of written material wouldn't enjoy it from beginning to end.
3 of 5 stars

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The Man In The Box


The Man in the Box

"The Man in the Box" by author Andrew Toy is a very fun, interesting book that will allow you to escape into another world. While Robbie is moving forward in the corporate world, he along with others are let go and now he must find a new beginning. His new beginning involves a simple cardboard box that leads him into another world of adventure. Soon the reader will see the hardships of Robbie as he is transported back and forth from this world to another by way of this cardboard box, spending countless hours inside. His family questions what is going on with him and why he is acting so weird, he can't tell them because he's not sure he isn't just dreaming everything, but then again how can he be when the signs everywhere around him point to it being so real.
Robbie and his family learn many interesting things through this journey. Robbie came to better understand the importance of spending time with family and leaning upon them. While his relationship with his dad wasn't strong, his wife continually tried to stand in the gap and keep the family strong and running. There was great insight offered by his wife on many occasions, some of which we can take away and implant within our own lives.
This is a fun book that one can just sit back and enjoy while going on the adventure with Robbie. However I will say the last portion of the book (which I will not reveal because it would be a spoiler) is absolutely awesome. There came a twist that I never thought about that was beautifully written. The ending of the book is what truly makes it a wonderful read. There were times I got weary with the journey in the box as I wanted it to end sooner, but after the ending, I appreciated it more.
4 of 5 stars.

A Soldier's Promise


A Soldier's Promise

"A Soldier's Promise" is a very interesting read concerning Force Captain John Mason Dixon.  He graduated in the top 2 percentile of this very elite group of Navy Seals and immediately received orders for his first tour in Puerto Rico, Mexico.  While on a mission John rescues a young lady named Nicole who he later falls in love with and they are married.  This serves to be a very difficult journey for them as they were together for a short time after getting married until John once again receives orders to deploy overseas again.  Nicole is now pregnant and is very stressed with John being away for so long.  You will be able to see the love and concern that this couple shares with each other throughout the pages of this book.
While I enjoyed the plot, theme and readability of the book, I was concerned about the graphic nature of the sexual content between John and Nicole.  While they are married and that part is good, it still describes their conduct in great detail.  This would not be a book for anyone under 18 years of age. 
I enjoyed the military aspect of the book, as well as the love that is shared among this couple.  If you are looking for a book that places high regard on love for family and love for country, you will enjoy reading this book as well. It is well written and very entertaining.  Authors Aija M. Butler and Thornne E. Xaiviantt did a great job of helping to bring to life the struggles that both the person in the military and their families go through with extended separation.  
4 of 5 stars

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Writers on the Edge


Writers On The Edge: 22 Writers Speak About Addiction and Dependency

"Writers on the Edge" is a book compiled by stories of 22 different writers and their stories of various addictions and struggles they have encountered within their life. While the purpose of the book is very good, I didn't feel most of the stories were well written. There were a few stories that really were gripping and very helpful as I was allowed into their life to see their story. In these few instances it was as though I felt the pain they felt and was drawn to reach out and try to help them overcome the problems they were facing.
With that being said, I do feel for anyone facing depression, battling alcohol, drugs, pornography, sexual addiction, suicide, etc... This would be a very good book to help you understand that you alone and that you can find strength and courage from the pages of this book. This would be a good resource to use in counseling and addict groups. Many of the stories were very insightful just not written in a way that I found the most helpful. I do appreciate what the editors have tried to accomplish in putting this book together and hope that people from all walks of life receive help from its material.
I received this book from Review the Book for my honest evaluation.
2 of 5 stars

Making The Choice Count

Product Details



Medical doctor Louis Koster does a wonderful job in his book, "A New Language For Life, Happy No Matter What!" of helping the reader gain new insight into how they can turn a mundane life situation into one that brings joy and happiness. This book provides the reader with "The Choice" which the author describes as making "...a firm commitment to be happy, fulfilled and satisfied with your current situation." So many allow the circumstances of life to dictate how they respond emotionally and Koster challenges the reader to take control of their emotions and the circumstances that surround their everyday living to make things enjoyable and fulfilling.
Next, he presents several types of power that an individual possess and how they can use them to turn their life from a negative prospective to a positive one. One of the sections that spoke loudly to me was the one on interruptions being a blessing and being centered. There is great insight given on how all interruptions aren't bad, some in fact are actually for our benefit. Also, when we focus on being centered and balanced within our life we stand less of a chance of an emotional wreck.
Sometimes we must change our way of thinking and living if we are to become a better person. We must learn to listen as well as to offer forgiveness and move past the points of who's right or wrong. We must allow positive, encouraging things into our life rather than the dead, lifeless, negative ones. The power of the tongue is very important and what we speak we tend to bring to pass within our lives.
While this is written in more of a New Age perspective, I think many of the principles are very valuable and insightful. Most anyone could take the advice of this author and become a better person. My only hesitation is that God isn't given the due credit for helping one become that person and it is left to an outer power or influence. For that reason I would have to give the book 4 instead of 5 stars.
This book was provided by the author for my honest review.
4 of 5 stars.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

The Genius of Ancient Man Evolution's Nightmare


The Genius of Ancient Man

Don Landis, general editor along with Jackson Hole Bible College, does an awesome job in dealing with the creation of man in their book entitled; "The Genius of Ancient Man Evolution's Nightmare."  Found within the pages of this book, is Biblical based answers for the beginning of the earth and how man has evolved. There are additionally terrific charts as well as pictures to make this book come alive with more than just the printed word. 
Listed within the pages of this book are also counterfeits that the author feels are in direct opposition to what God intended for this earth and mankind. There is great detail in how what God made for good has been corrupted and caused man to follow that which is counterfeit. There are details concerning the ice age, pyramids, ancient art as well as axioms that are listed to prove the writer's view of the material which has been written.
I found this to be a very insightful book and certainly deserves to be used in Christian schools and in libraries everywhere. I feel if someone is looking for more detailed answers of how man evolved and came to be at the point we are today, this would be a great resource to use to help one determine their own beliefs.
http://www.newleafpublishinggroup.com/images/genius-of-ancient-man.jpg
http://www.newleafpublishinggroup.com/#?w=640
Author:  Don Landis
This book was provided by: Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group for my honest review.
nlpgblogs.com
5 of 5 stars

The True Account of Adam & Eve



Product Details
"The True Account of Adam & Eve" is a beautifully written book by author Ken Ham. Ken describes The beginnning of creation and how man was formed from the dust of the ground. He includes Adam naming the animals and Eve being created from one of Adams ribs. He discusses the world as it was before sin and the results that have occured following the sin in the Garden. There is a beautiful account of how one can come to know Christ as He became the sin offering for mankind. Then there is the call for those who are followers of Christ to witness to others and call them to experience this great plan of salvation.
Also included is how man has grown in size (population wise) from the beginning and details the number of years of man. There are scriptures given to back what the author is saying, allowing the reader to come to their own conclusion yet giving a solid Biblical answer.
This book will certainly not disappoint a reader who desires to learn more about Adam & Eve as well as the sin of mankind and the redemptive plan of Christ. The artwork included within the book is fantastic, as it really brings the words to life and makes the book truly a beautiful piece.
I would quickly recommend this book to children, parents, Christian schools, libaries and anyone interested in learning more about the beginning father and mother of mankind.

http://www.newleafpublishinggroup.com/images/true-account-of-adam-and-eve.jpg
Author's Website:  www.answersingenensis.org
This book was provided by: Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group for my honest review.
nlpgblogs.com
5 of 5 stars

Stretching A Dollar To Save And Make Thousands


Stretching A Dollar To Save And Make Thousands: An Entrepreneur's Guide To Doing More With Less
Lisa Sims gives practical advice filled with wisdom and helpful resources in her book, "Stretching A Dollar To Save And Make Thousands." This book is chocked full of helpful tips and advice on how someone who is starting a small business can save thousands of dollars a year following these nuggets of wisdom. 
Lisa helps the reader understand that spending more money isn't always even getting the best products and why spend money when you can get it for free or heavly discounted? Not only are there suggestions of how to do this but there are web-sites and resources included to help u know excactly where to go to begin saving your hard earned dollars. There are tips on how to save money on technology, setting up a office, becoming paper free, managing finances, tax savings, marketing and promotion and so much more.
The last chapter of the book; "Hidden Treasure Savings" is a wonderful way to close this remarkable book. Listed here are ways to not only save money but to help one's own personal and spiritual self. If you are looking for a book that isn't textbook sounding, yet down to earth, practical and helpful then you have come to the right place. Lisa brings a great need that everyone faces down to everyday language where anyone who follows her advice can be saving money today.
I look forward to additional resources that Lisa will be producing as her knowledge and wisdom makes perfect sense to me.
5 of 5 stars
Book was provided by Review The Book for my honest review.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Dog Story


The Dog Story: A Journey into a New Life with Multiple Sclerosis


Matt Cavalo in his book, "The Dog Story" does a wonderful job of helping the reader understand the difficulties that Multiple Sclerosis can bring into the life of an individual as well as their family.  Matthew wakes up one morning to feel the lower half of his body numb, like needles pricking him.  From the waist down, he has little to no control over what he wants to do.  Getting out of bed, even trying to take a step seemed almost impossible.  His wife Jocelyn was very concerned about him, but he brushed it off as something temporary and nothing to worry about. As days pass, he is admitted into the hospital and various tests are run to determine that he indeed will be diagnosed with MS. 
Matthew is given four options to consider for treatment.  He is certainly hoping that something will work and he will be able to function like he did earlier in his life. On his birthday his darling wife gave him a puppy, something that he longed for. While the puppy was still too young to be weaned from his mother, they had to wait a bit before getting him. When they went to pick the puppy up there was one little boy pup that kept playing at Matthew's feet. He then realized that this little pup would love him regardless if he had MS or not. This pup would love him unconditionally. This was Matthew's pick and takes this little one home and promises his wife that he would walk Teddy twice a day no matter how bad he felt. Teddy was such an encouragement and help for Matthew that he went on to get a degree, have two children and realized that MS stood for My Strength and it wasn't going to control him, rather he would control it. 
This is a very enjoyable and heartwarming book that will enable the reader to look inside themselves to see if we are allowing anything to keep us from becoming the best person we can be. Matthew didn't allow a circumstance within his life to sidetrack him and neither should we.
For anyone who has MS or knows someone who does, this would be a very good read to better understand in a non medical way how someone can cope not only with the onset of the disease, but how to handle it and move forward.

Forgotten Road



Cole Michael was one of the leading influences in the music industry until his life seemed to fall apart.  Upon the death of both his son and wife he gave into heavy drinking and made the horrible mistake of getting behind a wheel of an automobile resulting in the death of a precious lady and her daughter.  This event sent Cole to prison for eleven years, while there he encountered prison Chaplain Duke Parker.  There chaplain Parker listened to him answering his haughting questions about all that had happened within his life.  When Cole arrived at the end of himself, he gave his heart to Jesus Christ and became a new person.  In prison he learned and grew in his relationship with Christ and when he got out he had a choice of allowing success and fame control his life or the one who had saved him within the prison walls.  He chose Christ and followed his path for his life.
A twist to the story involves a son he never met named Jesse.  While the reader is taken down the tormented road that Jesse faced the question that is raised within one's mind is will there be a great reunion between father and son?  Pastor Jason also shares a wonderful story this own life and how ministry has impacted his life, some in not so positive ways.
The reader is left turning page after page wanting more.  Learning more about Cole's adventure and how he reaches out to others in need is a heartwarming experience.  Without revealing the event, the reader will be happy with the way the book ends and how Cole's life seems to evolve into the person Christ calls him to become.
Bestselling author Randall Arthur gives readers everywhere a book that is terribly hard to put down.  From the beginning of page one till the conclusion, it is filled with page after page of action, adventure, soul searching, honestly, hurt, etc...  This is a book that will impact anyone who desires to read with an open heart and mind.  I have been overwhelmed with the journey and definitely a book that I would recommend without any question or hesitation.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Welcome To The Brier Patch


Welcome To The Brier Patch

Reading along page after page the reader is taken along a journey of a
young aspiring police officer who sees wonders beyond words day in and
day out.  He finds the most disrespectful people and then some of the
kindest people anyone could ever hope to meet.  While taking an oath
to protect and serve the people, a police officer must always be aware
of their own safety while out on the streets.  This is a very
dangerous job and one that for many are left without respect, honor
and money.  After time many of the police officers become hard and
indifferent to what happens around them because they have experienced
so many difficult moments while being on duty.
Darrell McMann is an officer who tries to do what is right day in and
day out while helping his neighborhood become a better place to live
and raise children.  Some days Darrell feels like he's taken two steps
back for every one step he might have moved forward.  Each day is
filled with violence, crime and mountains of reports.  While the
paperwork never seems to end, it is important to get all the facts
straight as a case in court with one glitch can cause the case to be
dismissed and the criminal be released back to the streets to continue
their evil misconduct.
While as a police officer, Darrell finds a beautiful lady to date.
Soon he and Kim are married and they begin their life together in this
high profile type of environment.  A couple years following their
marriage they welcomed a baby daughter into the world named Elizabeth.
If you like a book filled with action, crime and adventure then this
book will be sure to please.  I found it to be thrilling with police
chases, murders, crime and love in the air.  Author David McMann did a
fine job of entertaining and rewarding me with a great read.  I
enjoyed following the life of Officer Darrell McMann as he did his job
in very unsafe situations.